Operators

China's third-largest mobile operator China Telecom today reported an expected huge drop in 2008 net profits but set some ambitious targets for future growth of its 3G network.

New Media Age reports that Vodafone UK has made Shan Henderson, its head of mobile advertising and industry development, redundant.

Network World reports that a regional China Unicom website has posted pictures and specs of the iPhone 3G and the Android-based G1 as rumours grow that the operator will launch the devices in China.

Zain, the pan-African and Middle Eastern mobile group, is looking at making acquisitions in India, the firm told Dow Jones Newswires this week.

The Register reports that T-Mobile UK has given up the fight against regulator Ofcom's sale of 2.6GHz spectrum, leaving O2 UK as the only operator still challenging the regulator and delaying the auction.

TeleGeography reports that MTN South Africa has announced plans to spend ZAR4.6 billion (US$487 million) upgrading its network in 2009.

Cellular News reports that MBNL, the network joint venture between T-Mobile UK and Hutchison 3G UK, has selected Arqiva as its strategic partner for the provision of cell sites.