In Brief: Elektrim; El-Net row; Huta Ferrum; PZU Zycie earnings; E-banking

Telecommunications conglomerate Elektrim S.A. has pledged to invest $300 million in expanding its fixed-line phone and internet services over the next two years. (Gazeta Wyborcza, page 22) ... Phone operator Netia has withdrawn the motion it filed with the Supreme Administrative Court (NSA) against rival El-Net. It had accused El-Net of undeservedly receiving a license to operate a fixed- line phone service in the Warsaw area. Netia believes the gesture will encourage the Telecommunications Ministry to look more favorably on its next application for a license. (Gazeta Wyborcza, page 18) ... The shareholders of steel mill Huta Ferrum are today expected to announce a new board that would foster a co-operative working atmosphere with the major share-holders, KFI Collesum, Izostale and the State Treasury. (Puls Biznesu, page 4) ... Life-insurance company PZU Zycie has recorded impressive profits of zl. 330 million for the first five months of this year. (Puls Biznesu, page 5) ... The development of e-banking in Poland is being held back by the lack of a good technical infrastructure and inadequacies in the law. (Prawo i Gospodarka, page 10). S.M.