Telia to possibly enhance Netia stake with Polkomtel

Telia to possibly enhance Netia stake with Polkomtel Sweden's national telecommunications operator, Telia, could indirectly take a stake in mobile telephone operator Polkomtel, which operates the Plus GSM network. Telia is favored to takeover Danish Tele Denmark (TD) in a transaction worth about $6 billion. If Telia acquires the 42% stake in TD up for grabs, it will control TD's 20% stake in Polkomtel. The transaction would greatly affect the Polish telecom market. Both Telia and its affiliate Netia, have always wanted to enter the mobile market. Polkomtel will provide that opportunity. Given that Telia is likely to takeover Polkomtel, it is probable that Telia-Netia will back out of the third generation mobile system UMTS tender. (Puls Biznesu, page 6)