Europe

The French government has confirmed that it will launch the tender for the country's long-awaited fourth 3G license this summer, but warned that the process would not be completed by year-end.

French media conglomerate Vivendi reported a 6.9 percent decline in adjusted net income to EUR649 million for first-quarter 2009, but reported solid results at SFR, the French mobile operator that it jointly-owns with Vodafone.

UK fixed-line operator BT and mobile operator 3 UK have partnered to launch the 'Terminate the Rate' campaign, aimed at a sharp reduction in mobile termination rates, notes Telecompaper.

Telecompaper notes that the Dutch Telecom Agency has fined mobile operator Telfort EUR5 million for failure to meet the coverage requirements of its 3G license.

Reuters notes that cable TV operator Numericable and MVNO Virgin Mobile have said they will not apply for France's fourth 3G mobile license, citing unfavourable regulations and uncertainty on the project's costs.

Unstrung notes that Sweden's Tele2 is keen to expand its operations in Russia, which the operator has singled out as a key growth market.

Nokia has announced that its new flagship device - the Nokia N97 - will go on sale this month in more than 75 countries.