Liberty Global (LGI) will probably sell WiMAX service in Australi...

product to help meet regulatory buildout requirements in Chile, Fries told a Citigroup investor meeting in Phoenix late Tues. The company, whose chairman is John Malone, has RFPs out for WiMAX in the 2 countries. Fries estimated it will cost $14 per home passed in Chile. But he downplayed the importance of WiMAX for growth, repeating earlier comments that it’s better suited for broadband and VoIP than video. “Neither of them are huge in terms of spend[ing], but both of them are huge in terms of giving us the education we need… I think WiMAX will struggle to achieve scale as a stand-alone product,” said Fries, adding: “I think it’s going to be slightly longer than people believe to develop standards.” LGI also has spectrum licenses in European countries including Norway and Switzerland, said Fries. WiMAX is unlikely to be “a major revenue driver” for the firm, said Janco analyst Matthew Harrigan, who recommends buying the stock. “I think it’s a nice complement to their existing business, and maybe it enables them to go into some unserved areas.” In Europe, the company is focused on expanding sales of VoIP and broadband. With those services, Fries said, “beating on speed and meeting on price has worked in 2005, and you'll see more of that in 2006.” Amid speculation that LGI may sell assets in France, no decision has been made, said Fries: “We're looking at our options there. Are we a buyer, are we a seller? I'm not so sure what we do.”