Treasury touting telecom consolidation again

"The creation of a Domestic Telecommunication Operator (KOT) is potentially possible. Merging the capital of many entities might bring about numerous synergies - lowering costs or creating a joint sales network, for instance. The decision rests with the shareholders," said Ireneusz Dabrowski, recently appointed deputy Treasury Minister. KOT would be comprised of KGHM-owned Telefonia Dialog, National Grid's (PSE) Exatel, Exatel- and Orlen-owned Niezalezny Operator Miedzystrefowy and obviously Polkomtel, which operates the Plus and Sami Swoi brands and is owned by KGHM and Orlen. There are also plans to purchase TP Emitel, which owns infrastructure for radio and television signal transmission, from TPSA. This might be a difficult procedure, but Dabrowski seemed confident. "We do not have a finalized plan yet, but I would like to conclude this issue by the end of the year," said deputy Treasury Minister.(Puls Biznesu, pp.1, 4) M.M.