FACTBOX-Latecomers to mobile phone markets struggle

Oct 20 (Reuters) - As France prepares to accept bids for a fourth mobile phone licence on Oct. 29, here is a look at operators that have tried to break into European markets long after rivals.

These three operators were the last to enter their respective markets and none have yet turned a profit.

SPAIN - YOIGO

Main shareholder: 76 percent owned by TeliaSonera (TLSN.ST)

Price paid for the licence: 136 million euros in 2000

Investment in network and operations: 1 billion euros

Launched first commercial offer: 2006

Current market share: 2.2 percent

Financial results: 117 million euro in losses in 2008, aims for EBITDA profit in 2010

The Spanish private company obtained the licence in 2000. But it struggled to build a network and did not launch commercial services until 2006.

As a result, Yoigo's competitors had already signed up 45 million customers by the time it came to market. Telefonica's Movistar brand (TEF.MC) held half the market, while Vodafone (VOD.L) and France Telecom's Orange (FTE.PA) split the rest.

Yoigo, which is 76 percent owned by Norwegian telecom firm TeliaSonera, has spent 1 billion euros on infrastructure, recruiting clients, and building a brand in recent years.

It billed itself as the low-cost alternative to the other players.

Yet Yoigo still has only 2.2 percent market share in Spain, or 1.2 million clients. It aims to turn an operating profit by the end of next year but will not have positive free cash flow until 2011.

Last year, TeliaSonera said it was considering selling all or part of its stake in Yoigo, but did not get any attractive offers. Now it says it will keep Yoigo and focus on improving its results.