CDMA Operator Merged
As written since 2 years ago in several postings, such as in “Indonesia cellular, too many carriers?” and CDMA Operator for Sale I have indicated that CDMA operators will merge to face the highest competition in cellular business in Indonesia. Currently, only 3 of 6 CDMA operators are keen to build their networks, they are Telkom Flexi, Bakrie Telecom Esia and Smart Telecom. The other three, Indosat Starone, Mobile-8 and Sampoerna Telekom were not excited in the their business development. There is a tend that the active operators will buy the non active ones.
On the last November 2009, Indonesia’s Sinar Mas Group (through its subsidiary, PT Gerbangmas Tunggal Sejahtera) has reportedly acquired a 19% stake in Indonesia’s PT Mobile-8 Telecom for IDR211.4 billion (USD22.5 million). PT Tunggal Sejahtera Gerbangmas bought the shares of PT Global Mediacom Tbk (BMTR) in PT Mobile-8 Telecom Tbk (FREN). Previously, the share of the BMTR was 28.21%. So, PT Global Mediacom Tbk (owned by Hary Tanoesoedibjo) will become the minority share holder in Mobile-8. PT Global Mediacom Tbk was previously the majority share holder with 66,8% and they have sold some of them on September 2008.
Along with the purchase of these shares, the Sinar Mas group has placed its representative Mr. Henry Cratein Suryanaga as chief commissioner of PT Mobile-8. Meanwhile Sarwono Kusumaatmadja and Reynold M Batubara have been appointed and vice commissioner and independent commissioner respectively. The share holder meeting on last November also named the board of director of Mobile-8 i.e: Merza Fachys as CEO and other directors are: Anthony C Kartawiria, Beydra Yendi, Agus Heryanto Lukas and Yopie Widjaya.
So, Smart Telecom and Mobile-8, both CDMA operators in Indonesia are in the same business group now, namely PT Sinar Mas.
Hi, I live in Rawamangun Jakarta. I am an engineer and work in telecommunication area. My hobby is playing bridge with some high achievements. I like to write down both on my profession and on bridge. You may visit my bridge blog at rialbridge.blogspot.com. Want to sell telecommunication products in Indonesia or want to play bridge online, just leave me an email, so we can communicate.