America Movil’s intention to take over a 28 per cent stake in Dutch operator KPN is an indication of two important developments in the changing global telecoms sector. While some European operators are still expanding internationally, the balance of power in the global market is shifting away from old European players to emerging telecoms giants. At the same time, new global players from the emerging markets are looking to diversify their presence with the main objective of bringing in the know-how and experience of operators from the mature markets.

Latin American operator group América Móvil is spearheading the launch of a mobile money service in Mexico, aimed to serve the nation’s underbanked population. The service, called Transfer, will be launched by a joint venture between the operator, Citibank´s Mexican unit Banamex and local bank Banco Inbursa.