11.   In addition, Telefonica was one of eight telecom operators included in an EU investigation launched last year into mobile telephone fees.

12.   In his book Telecom Policy and Digital Convergence, Professor Milton Mueller says the current licensing system for telecom operators is inefficient.

13.   Interconnection charges are a headache for telecom operators worldwide as the costs of services are complicated to evaluate in order to determine acceptable interconnection fees amongst operators.

14.   MCI WorldCom chief Bernie Ebbers reportedly said he has major plans to take on European telecom operators on their own turf.

15.   So telecom operators must decide where they want to stand and operate and whether they want to offer networks to others, McCue said.

16.   Stream is owned by News Corp. and Italian telecom operator Telecom Italia.

17.   Telewest is one of several troubled British telecoms operators.

18.   The Commission added that the agreement will also cover private telecoms operators, including private Korean telecoms operator Dacom.

19.   The company already owns a stake in Belgian telecoms operator Belgacom SA.

20.   The EU head office said Friday it will launch an inquiry into whether dominant telecoms operators in the European Union are charging fair prices for international phone calls.