EoW November 2011

Elsewhere in steel . . . ❈ ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel producer, has said it is committing $2.1 billion to expanding its iron ore mining and processing facilities in Northern Quebec, an investment that will enable subsidiary ArcelorMittal Mines Canada to increase its annual production of iron ore concentrate from 14 million metric tons to 24 million by 2013. Luxembourg-based ArcelorMittal, whose overseas operations include the Dofasco steel making complex in Hamilton, Ontario, plans to expand its mine at Mont-Wright and is evaluating boosting production of iron ore pellets at its plant in Port-Cartier, both in Quebec. As noted by Bertrand Marotte, the Quebec business correspondent of the Toronto Globe and Mail (27 th July), interest in Canada’s iron ore reserves has been growing over the past few years, with several Chinese investments in new development projects in the Labrador Trough.

The number of customers leaving AT&T rose and new subscriber signups fell in the quarter ending in June, re ecting inroads by Verizon Wireless since February when that rival also began selling the popular iPhone. The number of customers leaving AT&T (“churning,” in industry jargon), rose to 1.43% in the quarter, compared to 1.29% in the equivalent period of 2010. New subscriber signups also fell, to 1.1 million from 1.6 million during the year-before quarter. Even so, AT&T – which is relying on growth from its wireless voice and data business to o set declines in xed-line revenue – has managed to enrol a record 98.6 million wireless subscribers.

Information technology

An American fan of cloud computing has a suggestion for global economic recovery: stop wasting billions on ‘the IT cartel’ “Governments, businesses and consumers all have a lot to gain, but not everyone will have an equal say at the table.

Telecom

❈ AT&T commenced rather quickly to feel the e ects of its lost exclusive on the Apple iPhone in the United States.

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EuroWire – November 2011