Switzerland's largest telecommunications group, Swisscom, is likely to seek a partner for its domestic mobile phone division, according to the chief executive, Jens Alder.

In an interview with the weekly magazine, "Facts", Alder said the partnership would allow Swisscom to offer more competitive third generation mobile phone services.

The company is expected to obtain a licence for a third generation Universal Mobile Telecoms System (UMTS) at a government auction on November 13.

Alder said it was unlikely that Swisscom's local UMTS operations would be successful unless the company entered a partnership.

"UMTS is taking a global dimension and we are not global. With the new technology, price will no longer be the determining factor, but the difference in the product offering," he said.

"It could be that we alone cannot make an interesting offer for Swiss clients. That would be the time when we need a partner."

Alder did not specify whether the company would seek a tie-up with another telecoms group or content companies such as media groups.

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