Operators

Celluar News notes that Kuwait-based mobile operator Zain has said it is in talks to partner with the local monopoly telecoms operator in Palestine, PalTel, which also operates a mobile network under the 'Jawwal' brand name.

Reuters reports that China Mobile, the world's largest mobile operator, agreed to pay CNY1,000 (US$146) to a subscriber to settle a lawsuit over its mandatory fees, potentially opening the door to a flood of similar complaints.

Middle East and Africa operator Etisalat said that its annual net profit surged 19 percent to AED8.7 billion (US$2.4 billion), from AED7.3 billion in 2007, reports Telecompaper.

Orange Kenya said plans are underway to launch a money transfer service in the country, notes Telecompaper.

Telecompaper reports that the Macedonian Agency for Electronic Communications has announced a public tender for granting two licences for 3G services. T-Mobile has previously been issued a license.

AustralianIT reports that Telstra chairman Don McGauchie has formally begun the process of finding a replacement for Sol Trujillo, who is expected to leave the company sooner rather than later.

France Telecom-owned Orange says it plans to make a renewed push into the business market as companies look to review their mobile phone contracts in light of the financial downturn.