View all newsletters
Receive our newsletter - data, insights and analysis delivered to you
  1. Technology
October 15, 1997updated 03 Sep 2016 9:12pm

HUTCHISON WHAMPOA INVESTS IN GSM OPERATOR WESTERN WIRELESS

By CBR Staff Writer

Hutchison Whampoa Ltd, the Hong Kong-based conglomerate, has taken its first major steps into the US telecommunications market by taking stakes in Western Wireless Corp and its personal communications service Western Wireless Corp unit for a total investment of around $323m. The Issaquah, Washington-based Western Wireless provides cellular and GSM-based phone services to over 100,000 subscribers in the west of the US. This year the unit won an additional 100 PCS operating licenses, awarded by the FCC in its ‘D’ and ‘E’ Block auctions. Hutchison Whampoa already owns Hong Kong’s largest GSM network and holds a 49% stake in UK GSM operator Orange Plc. Western Wireless said it will issue new shares to Hong Kong-based HWL’s Hutchison Telecommunications Ltd unit, representing a 19.9% stake in its Western PCS Corp unit for about $248m. Hutchison Telecoms will also buy 5% of the parent company’s stock for about $74m. The deal is due to close during the fourth quarter, following regulatory approval. Western Wireless is a member of the GSM Alliance, formed in July to market coast-to-coast GSM coverage across the US and Canada. The other six members are Aerial Communications Inc, BellSouth Mobility DCS, Microcell Telecommunications Inc., Omnipoint Communications Services Inc, Pacific Bell Mobile Services and Powertel Inc.

Content from our partners
How businesses can safeguard themselves on the cyber frontline
How hackers’ tactics are evolving in an increasingly complex landscape
Green for go: Transforming trade in the UK

Websites in our network
Select and enter your corporate email address Tech Monitor's research, insight and analysis examines the frontiers of digital transformation to help tech leaders navigate the future. Our Changelog newsletter delivers our best work to your inbox every week.
  • CIO
  • CTO
  • CISO
  • CSO
  • CFO
  • CDO
  • CEO
  • Architect Founder
  • MD
  • Director
  • Manager
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how New Statesman Media Group may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
THANK YOU