Hutchison Whampoa

Hutchison launches international MVNO enablement platform

Hong Kong-based telco Hutchison Whampoa, parent company of mobile operator Three, has launched a mobile virtual network operator enablement (MVNE) platform, dubbed “Hue”. According to Hutchison, Hue acts as a single point of entry for MVNOs looking for a global footprint and will have access to Hutchison’s networks across Europe and Asia.

Hutchison and Telefónica confirm O2 acquisition

Consolidation is the new black in the UK mobile market, as Telefónica has confirmed the sale of O2 to Hutchison Whampoa, the owner of Three. The deal, valued at £10.25 billion, is expected to be completed by mid-2016, and will see the formation of the UK’s largest mobile operator.

Three UK reports flat 2014 sales growth

Three UK has published its 2014 annual results showing flat revenue growth of 1% to £2.05 billion, however EBITDA increased by 31% year-on-year, while net customer service revenue was up 6% compared to 2013.

Merger of O2 and 3 not an instant fix, say analysts

Following confirmation form both Hutchison Whampoa and Telefónica the two indeed are in official talks over the sale of Telefónica’s O2 to 3’s owner Hutchison, industry analysts have been quick to offer their views on how this proposed bid would affect the UK mobile market if approved. It seems it is a thorny issue.

Telefonica logo office

Hutchison Whampoa and Telefónica confirm O2 UK sale talks

Following an early leak of the news both Hutchison Whampoa and Telefónica have confirmed that the two companies are in exclusive negotiations over the sale of UK operator O2, currently owned by Telefónica, to Hutchison, the owner of 3 UK.

Telefonica logo office

Hutchison, Telefónica in merger talks over O2, Three – report

Hong Kong-based Hutchison Whampoa and Spain’s Telefónica are in talks over a possible merger of their respective UK subsidiaries Three and O2, according to a report. Following BT’s preliminary talks with owners of EE, Orange and Deutsche Telekom (DT), as well as Telefónica over O2, it was reported Hutchison was also preparing to bid for one of the two UK operators.

Hutchison preparing to bid for EE or O2 – report

Following the news earlier this week about BT’s preliminary acquisition talks with EE and O2, it has been reported Hutchison Whampoa is preparing to make an offer of its own for one of the mobile operators.

3 Austria gets Android carrier billing

Hutchison Whampoa’s 3 group has successfully integrated Google Play direct carrier billing into the network of its Austrian subsidiary, 3 Austria. The company has already rolled out the system in Sweden, Ireland and Hong Kong, allowing apps and other digital goods such as books, music, games as well as the music streaming service Music All Access to be paid for via the mobile bill.

3UK triples half-year operating profit

The UK arm of operator group Hutchison Whampoa said it has more than tripled its operating profit year on year during the first half of 2013. 3UK generated £86m in the first half of 2013, a 231 per cent increase on the £26m it pocketed in the first half of 2012.

3 to buy O2 Ireland as consolidation drive continues

Hutchison Whampoa, which operates the 3 brand in Europe, has announced that it is to buy Telefónica’s Irish mobile operation O2 for €780m, with a further €70m payable if a number of agreed financial targets are hit. It is the second consolidatory move made by Hutchison in recent months, following the acquisition of Orange Austria, which was completed at the end of 2012.

Hutchison to buy Orange Austria

Orange Austria, owned by France Telecom, is to be acquired by Hong Kong’s Hutchison, which competes with Orange through its 3 Austria operation. The deal, worth €1.3bn, consolidates the third and fourth players in the Austrian market.

Irish Government announces rural broadband & next-generation schemes

Irish Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte has announced details of a rural broadband scheme for the country. The scheme is geared towards ensuring universal broadband access in Ireland before the end of 2012. According to the Minister, individual premises in rural areas that have been unable to obtain a broadband service will be able to avail of one on request.

Hutch considers selling out of Israel

Emerging markets spin off Hutchison Telecommunications International (HTIL) said it is considering offloading its indirect stake in Israeli operator Partner Communications.

3 gets social with budget 3G gadget

The newly inaugurated handset unit that emerged from the incubator of Hong Kong’s Hutchison Whampoa, showed off the fruits of its labour on Thursday. The INQ1, designed by INQ Mobile and built by Chinese electronics firm Amoi (which also built the 3 Skypephone), puts the focus on internet-based communication tools like Facebook. The device, which […]

Hutch sets up firm to design handsets for 3

Hong Kong conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa looks like it’s about to try its luck in the handset design space. A new subsidiary called INQ Mobile has recently set up shop, and while the unit does not appear to have yet launched, its mission statement is quite clear – to design multimedia focused phones for use on […]

Hutchison shrinks 3G losses

Hong Kong conglomerate Hutchison-Whampoa defied the economic gloom on Thursday, shrinking losses at mobile unit 3 Group for the six months to the end of June by 72 per cent year on year to HK$3.2bn. Revenues for the same period also jumped 14 per cent from HK$28bn to HK$32bn, as the groups 3G customer base […]

iPhone coming to Hong Kong

In a terse announcement on Thursday, Hutchison-Whampoa-owned mobile operator 3, said it would be bringing the Apple iPhone to Hong Kong and Macau later this year. There is still some confusion over whether the iconic device will make an appearance on the Chinese mainland however, after leading wireless operator China Mobile called off discussions with […]

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