> The Chilean government is evaluating a convergence and reconstruction bill it hopes will boost competition in both mobile and pay-tv markets. If adopted, the bill would allow for the creation of a wholesale telecommunications infrastructure provider and permit the development of infrastructure operators that could rent out infrastructure to third parties, according to a report from BNAmericas. This in turn would enable them to focus on providing services. Story.
> After posting its first annual decline in four years, shares of TPG Telecom Ltd. and Iinet Ltd dropped on speculation that Telstra Corp. may cut prices to win itself more customers. Australia's largest telco cut its earnings forecast so it can increase spending and staunch market share losses by winning new customers. Story.
> One-time collection of license fees has created a spectacular anomaly for Qatar Telecom, (QSC), which provides telecommunications services in 17 countries from Asia to Africa. The company, also known as Qtel, reported a 45 percent decline in its 2Q profits after the fees were not collected again. According to a company statement e-mailed on Sunday, net income fell to 571 million riyals ($157 million) from 1.04 billion riyals a year earlier. Story.
And finally... Taking a little more time to pretty itself up in the mirror for its upcoming betrothal to CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL), Qwest Communications (NYSE: Q) last week extended an offer to purchase its $1.2 billion outstanding 3.50 percent convertible senior notes due in 2025 from August 12 to August 26. At the end of 2Q 2010, Qwest announced its plans to reduce its then $11.3 billion by $3.5 billion by the end of 1Q 2011. Story.