888-388
dti
the department for Enterprise
'secure any paying subscribers, it is a relatively minor element in Hutchison's investment in the UK. The problems with the CT2 business are of course much more serious. Hutchison are now potentially the only telepoint operator in the UK (4 were anticipated initially but the others dropped out). Making a success of the venture is now a real struggle, not least because of the current price war in the UK on mobile telecommunications. 6. viii of the meeting note suggests that a final decision on this has still not been taken. More encouragingly Hutchison are apparently doing quite well as service providers (ie middle men between mobile operators and the customers). Also it is similarly encouraging that Hutchison still appear to be committed to launching their PCN network next year (para.3 of the meeting note). This would seem to be somewhat at variance with the impression Li clearly gave that he was keen to get out of telecommunications generally in the UK.
pus Ale
Alan Murray
cc Mr Pryor CP Division
Mr Hall PEP
Mr Baker XAAA
Ms Beech TP
2