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Vivendi plans Brazilian mobile foray
05 March 2010
Vivendi is hoping to secure mobile frequency spectrum for its new Brazilian acquisition, GVT
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Vivendi
Brazil
SFR
Vodafone
Anatel
France
French group Vivendi is eyeing opportunities in the Brazilian mobile sector, according to reports. In November 2009 the company closed a €3 billion deal to buy GVT, a Brazilian fixed-line broadband company.
GVT is set to launch internet services in Brazil’s main cities and will also supply TV services to customers, once the relevant regulation is in place.
Vivendi, which operates in France under the SFR brand, will have to buy spectrum and build a mobile network to enter the Brazilian market. It may be interested in purchasing spectrum from Anatel, the country’s regulator, which is auctioning bandwidth to a new operator.
The company may have to invest €1.5-€2 billion in buying the spectrum and is closely watching Anatel’s decision about a spectrum sale. It may also choose to buy an established operator.
Jean-Bernard Lévy, Vivendi’s CEO, is also seeking to buy Vodafone’s 44% stake in SFR. The stake is valued at €5.6 billion. GTB