Japanese mobile operator Softbank is to launch commercial 3G IMS-based femtocell services from January 2009, making it the first operator in the world to do so.

Russian-owned Shyam Telelink is set to become one of the first new Indian mobile licensees to launch commercial services when in turns on its network in Rajasthan this week, reports India's Economic Times.

China Mobile, the world's largest mobile operator by subscribers, says it will continue its strategy of expanding into emerging markets in Asia and Africa despite not yet seeing a return on investment from its Pakistan subsidiary, Paktel.

TeleGeography reports that the Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) is in the final stages of preparation for the launch of 3G services and will launch a 3G spectrum auction before the year-end.

South Korean mobile operator SK Telecom has renamed its recently acquired Hanarotelecom fixed-line subsidiary as 'SK Broadband,' says Telecompaper, citing a Korea Times report.

The global financial crisis means that Canada's new mobile licensees could be delayed in launching services to compete with the country's big three operators, says Reuters.

Russian billionaire Alexander Mamut is to acquire OOO Evroset, the Russian mobile phone retailer that controls about a third of the country's mobile retail market, notes Bloomberg.