Boston, MA - July 27, 2005 -- Strategy Analytics, the global research and consulting company, today noted that the acquisition by France Telecom of third-placed Spanish operator Amena will open the door for increased competition and providing a fertile ground on which to launch next-generation converged services

In the Insight, "France Telecom's EUR6 billion Amena Acquisition Threatens Telefonica & Vodafone," published today, Strategy Analytics analyzes opportunities for the new Orange property, the third largest in the Orange Group after the UK and France, and the threat this new more powerful entity poses for Vodafone and Telefonica.

"Amena has never had either the scale nor the financial clout to mount a real challenge to the big players" said Sara Harris, Senior Industry Analyst at Strategy Analytics and author of the Insight, "However, as Orange Spain, it combines considerable brand prestige with serious industry knowledge, and we believe it can take several points of market share from Telefonica and Vodafone".

David Kerr, Vice President of the Global Wireless Practice added, "France Telecom will own all the components of a complete triple-play offering for the Spanish market. We expect that Orange will roll out its signature devices and Orange World portal quickly in the Spanish market in order to up the competitive ante with Vodafone and Telefonica, and to specifically challenge Vodafone Live! with programs such as Orange's "TRY" promotion. "

Strategy Analytics analysts are available for further discussion and comment.