The number of mobile operators in Europe making a profit will fall to between five and six in the long-term, states Hamid Akhavan, CEO of Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile. According to Akhavan, there are currently around 50 operators in Europe, but with growth abating, this number seems very likely to fall. However, the pace of this consolidation is being slowed by regulations. "In some countries, a fusion or an acquisition is simply not possible. On the other hand, some smaller companies do not want to be taken over," he said.
A similar picture also exists for Asia and the U.S., with a small number of operators becoming dominant, claims Akhavan. "Mobile phone companies are under more pressure now, and regulators should understand this and ease restrictions."
For more on this story:
- read AFXnews
Related story:
BT hits back at claims of mobile trouble