Movicel looking at move from CDMA to GSM

Angolan CDMA-based mobile network operator Movicel is formulating a plan to switch to GSM/UMTS technology to compete better with its rival Unitel, a company source told news agency ANGOP at the Luanda International Fair this week. The source claimed that further information on the future strategy would be presented in an upcoming press conference, along with other development plans for the cellco. TeleGeography’s GlobalComms Database notes that Movicel provides CDMA2000-based services in all 18 of Angolan provinces, and also offers 3G 1xEV-DO-based services. Unitel, the larger operator by subscribers, operates a GSM network with national scope in addition to 3G W-CDMA/HSDPA-based services. Movicel is 80% privately-owned by domestic, Chinese and Brazilian investors; state-run fixed line operator Angola Telecom retains an 18% stake and national postal operator Correios de Angola has 2%.