Spanish operator Telefonica lost its Swiss UMTS license because it never developed it or invested the necessary infrastructure, says the Swiss communications commission. Meanwhile, Spanish 3G licensee Xfera looks to be scrambling at the eleventh hour to find a partner that will keep its operations afloat. Reports indicate that Xfera is in talks with Egyptian operator Orascom. Last month, the Spanish Ministry of Industry started the process of revoking Xfera's license because it missed its service launch deadline. A deal with Orascom may be the company's last chance to remain in the market.
For more about Telefonica's 3G license loss in Switzerland and Xfera's woes:
- check out this article from Dow Jones
- take a look at this article from telecoms.com (sub. req.)