NTT DoCoMo buys 30% of Bangladesh's Aktel for $425 million

NTT DoCoMo buys 30% of Aktel for $425 million

It’s not just the Chinese telecom industry that’s consolidating. Large operators constantly eye emerging markets for expansion. That being said, Japanese leading operator NTT DoCoMo has sealed a deal to buy the 30% stake of Bangladesh’s third largest mobile operator Aktel, which has 7.4 million subscribers as of end Q1 2008.

According to Reuters, DoCoMo has beaten competition from Vodafone, and will pay about $425 million for the 30% stake. The remaining 70% of Aktel is owned by Telekom Malaysia International. Bangladesh is the sixth fastest-growing market in Asia Pacific region, with a year-on-year connections growth rate of 60% as of end of the first quarter of this year.

Earlier in 2008, DoCoMo has raised its stake in Philippine Long Distance Telephone and bought a stake in U Mobile, an unlisted firm partly owned by Malaysian tycoon Vincent Tan.

UPDATE: DoCoMo ended up paying $350 million, 18% less than anticipated, for Aktel stake. (Bloomberg)

[Via: Reuters]

About The Author

Dusan Belic

Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis.

Mamun

I am very much happy to know, NTT is going to business with AKTEL. My undergraduate final project was “NTT’S (Nippon Telegraph & Telephone corporation) investment (technology) options analysis in telecom market (Voice/ data) of Bangladesh”. I communicated with NTT in Japan and inspire them to join in Bangladesh. After 2 years later, I am going to success. I promised myself, Until, NTT invest in our telecom sector, I will not join in any Telecom…….

Right Now , I am thinking………..
Rifat Ahmed

Thank you……….. I am also happy to know. Last time I have seen that you were worked so hard in your project and so much reported written for investing in Bangladesh. I was always used to see communicating with BTRC about NTT. I knew you will be successful. I also very much surprised to know that you didn’t get a job in telecommunication sector even though you know lot of things (technical, Business) . I remembered, once, Dr Awal (North South University) told in class…….. Mamun is a strong man and He can manage every thing. He is dynamic, intelligent and creative person as well. As you know …. Now no matter how you know …………. You need someone (Uncle) in GP, AKTEL, BanglaLink for a job… otherwise as a creative person (Business & technical) your priority would be first. I hope Now At least you are happy …….. You inspired NTT to join in Bangladesh
I appreciate your creativity….

Rifat
Salma Sultana Nishu

I am also happy to know NTT is investing in Bangladesh. I heard AKTEL was going to business with Vodaphone…. Now they change their decision and join with NTT. I think its good decision. I have just seen these comments. I know Mamun from my university. He might be told me about NTT when we are student in last semester at NSU. He worked hard ( 499 project). He was very serious. Now I understand …It’s a result of his project for investing NTT in Bangladesh. Thank you DR. Awal and his creative student Mamun
I am grateful for everyone who is working. Thank you NTT and AKTEL
Toder Baap

Kothakar bocachoda mamun r ek bocachoda rifat r ek bolod nishu ei 3 jon mile bole NTT r AKTEL re ek korse. Tora jodi eto boro kutub hos taile kemne cholbe? chaabazi korar jaiga pas na, shala shob chapabaz er dol.
Toder Baap

PS Mamun no matter how much u beg cry or have putki mara by ppl you will never be able to join any telco, trust me send ur profile to guinnese book of records to claim bokachoda of the universe award.
mobile user

Is DoCoMo coming to revive AKTEL?
rony sunwar rahman

i m a aktel user.but last few years our aktel has not give their best in their uswrs.so i want to say that aktel should take ist position in BANGLADESH with NTT docomo.i think that they should open a new cell phone connection for teen agers and young people like djuice(grameenphone) R O N Y student of AIUB
sohel

Thank you NTT Docomo