The world’s largest cell-phone operator in value terms, Vodafone, is reportedly interested in acquiring Bulgaria ’s leading player in the sector MobilTel, reads the local daily 24 Hours quoting rumours coming from unnamed sources. Vodafone signed a strategic partnership with MobilTel last year for introduction of harmonised roaming tariffs, wireless internet cards, email salutations, and the web-based application Vodafone Life. MobilTel is nominated for best Vodafone practices for quick accommodation of new products on the local market. Telekom Austria holds the full-stake in MobilTel. The local market leader is already integrated into Telekom Austria ’s wireless arm mobilkom and stands as one of the major profit making subsidiary in the Austrian group. On this line, the rumours for a possible sell-out to Vodafone look quite surprising. Moreover, Telekom Austria is reportedly interested in acquiring the controlling stake in the Greek telecom group OTE as part of its long-term strategy for taking over a dominant market position in Southeast Europe . One of the possible explanations for eventual divestment in MobilTel might be linked to antitrust regulations, as the second largest cell-phone operator in Bulgaria , GloBul, is controlled by OTE’s wireless arm Cosmote.