DoT releases 3G Spectrum to Bidders
- Category: Editorial
- Wednesday, 08 September 2010 09:30
- Written by Deeptaman Mukherjee
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has allotted 3G Spectrum for commercial use as per timelines mentioned under Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) and in the Letter of Intent issued, once the bid amounts were submitted. The deserving telecom services who have won the bids for 3G are AirTel, Aircel, Vodafone, S Tel, Reliance, Idea Cellular and Tata Cellular Services; and the winners for BWA spectrum were Aircel, Augere, Tikona, Qualcomm, Infotel and Bharti. The bids were submitted in an electronic process conducted by DoT. It has been mutually beneficial, for both the bidders & DoT as the timeline was strictly adhered to, the expected revenue generated & assigning of spectrums concluded on the due date. Quite an accomplishment of sorts for all concerned !! More so, when the bid and the spectrum allotment process has been conducted sincerely by having utmost transparency in satisfying all the stakeholders across India.
- High Value added service offering with probably very high reliability.
- Ability to use features such as Video-Streaming & Higher Internet access speed.
- Enabling data downloads in a higher & quicker manner.
Uninor (Andhra Pradesh) launches Gulf I-Save Pack & STV 786
- Category: Uninor
- Tuesday, 07 September 2010 22:53
- Written by Puneet Jain
Uninor has introduced Special Gulf Calling Pack for its subscribers in Andhra Pradesh to celebrate the holy month of Ramazam. With the ‘Gulf I-save pack’, Uninor subscribers can call the Gulf countries at Rs. 6.99 per minute. The Gulf I-save pack can be activated at a charge of Rs. 31. Tariff rate of Rs. 6.99 per minute is available for all Gulf countries including UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman (Land Line), Qatar (land Line) and Yemen.
For domestic callers, Uninor has launched the Ramzan Special Tariff Voucher ‘STV 786’. The voucher offers a talk time of Rs. 786 bundled with 786 free local and national SMSes.
The Ramzan Special Tariff Voucher STV 786 is valid for 30-days. In addition to talk time of Rs. 786 plus 786 free national and local SMSes, customers will also get one-month free subscription to My Tunes with unlimited song changes and a Quran pack that delivers SMSes quoting verses from the Holy Quran.
MTS launches smartphones - Ivory, Buzz & Alive
- Category: MTS India
- Tuesday, 07 September 2010 12:49
- Written by Puneet Jain
MTS has launched a range of internet enabled smart phones - Ivory, Buzz & Alive. With these smartphone MTS is targeting new generation mobile subscribers, especially the college going and young professionals.These smartphone provide direct access to as much as 15 social networking sites including facebook, twitter, windows live messenger, yahoo and Google search to its subscribers. These devices offer internet connectivity with speeds up to 3.1 Mbps in ideal conditions. MTS so far has been offering similar speeds on the data cards and with the launch of these smart phones, MTS now has extend the high speed mobile broadband connectivity to the smart phones also. MTS will provide 20 GB free for first two months for every subscriber of these devices, as an inaugural offer.
All MTS Smart Phones are available with bundled offers. MTS will be offering all its smart phone consumers, limited and unlimited tariff plans ranging from Rs.192 to Rs.1099. MTS-Buzz offers free usage for both voice and data services worth Rs.1795 with life time validity, whereas Alive and Ivory also offer the free usage of voice and data worth Rs.2295 with life time validity. Standard tariff of 1p/second is applicable to all smart phones for all local & STD calls and Rs 2/MB base tariff for data usage. MTS-Ivory will also offer mobile TV experience with free subscription for two months as per offered tariff plans.
MTS-Ivory, the sleek life style phone has broadband internet access with speeds up to 3.1Mbps. The Ivory can access MTS TV featuring up to 60 channels, and has a 3.2” WQVGA full touch screen for enhanced mobile TV experience. Ivory also features Microsoft exchange push mail access to Facebook,Twitter, Orkut, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, GTlak,Picasa, Cricinfo and many more. It is also Wi-FI enabled with 2 MP camera, Bluetooth and expandable memory up to 4GB. It is priced at Rs. 13,999.
MTS-Buzz is dual mode (CDMA/GSM) messaging and social networking optimized handset. It is a slim QWERTY phone with a unique tattoo for youthful and elegant appearance. The social networking sites like Facebook. Twitter, windows live messenger can be experienced through the large 2.4” screen. It also facilities Internet surfing with Yahoo and Google. It has a stereo FM Radio with MP3 player, a 1.3MP camera and expandable memory up to 4GB. Buzz is available in white and black colours. It is priced at Rs. 6,299.
MTS-Alive is 3G-CDMA touch screen phone with Hi-Speed Access to over 15 social Networking, entertainment and information sites like Facebook, Twitter, Orkut, MSN, yahoo messenger, G-Talk, Cric Info, Weather updates, Picasa, News. It also has an in-built Opera Mini Browser, Expandable memory up to 8GB, Multi-Format Music Player, 1.3 MP Camera with Video Recording and Bluetooth with A2DP for wireless Stereo Music Streaming. It is priced at Rs. 4,999.
Bharti Airtel exits Bulk SMS Business
- Category: Airtel
- Sunday, 05 September 2010 11:18
- Written by Deeptaman Mukherjee
Before elaborating on the title, All of us should virtually pat the back of Airtel management for this step.It was recently announced that Bharti Airtel has decided to exit the Bulk SMS Business as they have understood that the customers get irritated by such Spam Messaging. This decision is really appreciative, more so at a time, when DoT and TRAI are unable to explore ways of getting freedom from the commercial calls and message services. Thus, Bharti Airtel have become the first Service Provider to take this step of exiting Bulk SMS Business, which is expected to be around INR 20 crores monthly.
Mr. Sanjay Kapoor, CEO, Bharti Airtel quoted, "For us, the bulk SMS business case doesn’t stack up against our priority for the customer. We wanted to take a leadership position in this area as pesky calls and messages have become a huge irritant for consumers". Going further, he also suggested that Other Operators should too discourage this citing convenience issues of The Customer and should levy a termination charge of 5 to 10 paise per sms for the same.
In a probablity where The Regulators fail; Perhaps, Self Regulation should succeed.
Idea cellular revised SMS and GPRS packs in Maharashtra & Goa circle
- Category: Idea Cellular
- Saturday, 04 September 2010 17:39
- Written by Mihir Patil
!dea cellular, one of the oldest provider of Maharashtra and Goa circle has finally brought something for the users in Maharashtra and Goa circles. !dea was the only provider offering outdated sms pack in this circle after Reliance communications bombarded telecom industry with their cheap sms packs. There was no pack offering 500 local/national sms per day since more than a year inspite of other operators following Reliance's footsteps.
- Rs. 10 :- 100 Local sms valid for 10 days.
- Rs. 23 :- 100 Local/National sms everyday after the first 3 sms at 60 paise/msg valid for 30 days.
- Rs. 31 :- 1000 Night sms ( 11 pm to 6 am) valid for 30 days.
- Rs. 33 :- 300 Local/National sms valid for 15 days.
- Rs. 53 :- 500 Local/National sms valid for 30 days.
- Rs. 79 :- 1000 Local/National sms valid for 30 days
- Rs. 97 :- 500 Local/National sms per day after the first sms at 99 paise, accounting to 15,000 sms valid for 30 days.
RCOM announces Open Market Handset offer on Postpaid CDMA Mobile
- Category: Reliance Mobile
- Friday, 03 September 2010 17:10
- Written by Puneet Jain
Reliance Communications has launched a open market handsets bundle offer for new post paid CDMA customers across India. The offer is available for new subscribers with a promotional benefit of free unlimited local calling to any Reliance Mobile for 6 months on subscription. The offer is applicable on tariff plans of Rs. 199 per month and above. Under this offer, customers have the flexibility to choose from a very wide range of CDMA open market phones.
Targeted towards the youth and business class, these handsets includes Samsung – Corby, Samsung - SCH - B519, Samsung - SCH – F219, LG 6300, Fly C250, Karbonn - KC320, Byond - C404, Max - GC 333, GC 343, GC 355 CD11, Micromax – C112 and Coolpad-188, 2838, 2938, S50, S100, 2618.
BSNL launches New Unlimited 256Kbps Broadband Plan
- Category: BroadBand
- Friday, 03 September 2010 08:56
- Written by Bandhan Preet Singh
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. has announced the launch of new 256 Kbps Unlimited Broadband Plans. BSNL's 256 Kbps Unlimited Broadband Plans are already availabe in Gujarat, AP, Punjab, Haryana and Kolkata at Rs. 625 per month, however the new Broadband Plan which BSNL has announced will be applicable in all the circles except Hyderbad (for Hyderbad also a plan is available which is discussed later in the article).The new BSNL Broadband Plan - 'BB Home UL 499' is available at a monthly charge of Rs. 499 and provides Unlimited Usage with bandwidth of 256 Kbps. 'Annual Payment Option' is available for this plan, those who want to avail Annual Payment Option need to pay Rs. 4990. This plan is applicable for all circles except Hyderabad.
For Hyderabad circle, the new plan is 'BB Home UL 399 CS2'. It is available at a monthly charge of Rs. 399 and provides Unlimited Usage with bandwidth of 256 Kbps. 'Annual Payment Option' is available for this plan, those who want to avail Annual Payment Option need to pay Rs. 3990.
BSNL has launched these new plans as a promotional offer for 90 days upto 30th November. However we expect that these plans will be carried on by BSNL even after the promotional period.
PS : These plans might be available in some circles after few days. So please contact BSNL Broadband Customer care of your respective circles.
Bharti Airtel launches Global Data Services in Thailand & Malaysia
- Category: Airtel
- Thursday, 02 September 2010 11:00
- Written by Deeptaman Mukherjee
Bharti Airtel, India's Numero-Uno & a leading Global Player having its presence in 19 countries across Asia & Africa, is set to strengthen their portfolio by launching Global Data Services in Thailand & Malaysia. The 'Go Global' Message here is loud and clear by offering services which would include IPL, Managed MPLS and Ethernet. TRUE International Gateway and Telecom Malaysia are the Associations which Bharti is banking on in Thailand & Malaysia respectively. Ajay Chitkara, CEO - Global Data Business, Bharti Airtel, stated his business mission by saying, "The launch of our services in Thailand & Malaysia fall in line with this organizational strategy, enabling us to cater to two of the fastest growing international bandwidth markets. We strongly believe that our global reach and comprehensive product portfolio will allow us to effectively service the needs of customers in these regions".
The unique features related to this launch entail -
On the other hand, the Global Data portfolio includes services - solutions for voice and data connectivity, collaboration services, co-location, carrier outsourcing and content distribution through its next-generation high speed submarine and fiber network.
Better listen, the Airtel Jingle is just getting louder & louder !!
BSNL introduces new GPRS Plans for its Prepaid and Postpaid subscribers
- Category: BSNL
- Tuesday, 31 August 2010 16:30
- Written by Puneet Jain
A few days back we were discussing about BSNL GPRS plans tariff on our Facebook Page and today we come to know that BSNL has announced revision of its GPRS plans' tariff for both Prepaid and Postpaid subscribers. We do not know if its co-incidence or something else, but whatever it is, its great news for BSNL GPRS users.Here are the details of BSNL's new GPRS Plans :
For its Postpaid users 4 new Plans are available at a fixed monthly cost of Rs. 49, Rs. 89, Rs. 199 and Rs. 249.
| Fixed Monthly Cost |
Free Data Usage
|
Charges beyond Free Data Usage | |
| Day/Any time usage | Night Usage | ||
| Nil | Nil | Nil | Rs.0.01/10KB |
| 49 | 300 MB | 2 GB | Rs.0.01/10KB |
| 89 | 2 GB | Nil | Rs.0.01/10KB |
| 199 | 2 GB | 4 GB | Rs.0.01/10KB |
| 249 | Unlimited | Rs.0.01/10KB | |
For Prepaid customers 7 new GPRS Packs are introduced :
| Recharge Voucher | Free Data Usage | Charges beyond Free Data Usage | Validity (in Days) | |
| Day/Any time usage | Night Usage | |||
| 7 | 100 MB | Nil | Rs.0.01/10KB | 1 |
| 14 | 200 MB | Nil | Rs.0.01/10KB | 3 |
| 54 | 300 MB | 2 GB | Rs.0.01/10KB | 30 |
| 98 | 2 GB | Nil | Rs.0.01/10KB | 30 |
| 219 | 2 GB | 4 GB | Rs.0.01/10KB | 30 |
| 274 | Unlimited | NA | 30 | |
| 555 | Unlimited | NA | 180 | |
BSNL took more time than usual to annouce this price reduction as most of the other telecom operators have already reduced their GPRS tariff long back. Anyways "Better late than Never".
PS : Prices mentioned above may vary a little bit from circle to circle. The above plans are valid from 1st September 2010.
Before recharging with above Prepaid GPRS Packs please confirm with your customer care if these packs are available in your state. Availability of these packs may be delayed in some of the states.
RCom forms 3G Business Team, plans 3G Innovation Lab
- Category: Reliance Mobile
- Monday, 30 August 2010 14:57
- Written by Puneet Jain
Reliance Communication today revealed its 3G Business Team and 3G Innovation Lab. In an all India bid for 3G spectrum, RCom has won 13 circles including the metros of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.Reliance Communication has appointed Mr Prashant Gokarn as Head – 3G. was earlier involved in 3G roll out in several countries and has worked in companies like Spectrum, Anderson Consulting and S2T. At RCom, he was heading Corporate Strategy since 2008. Following his new mandate, he has moved to 3G business. He will also be a key member of RCOM’s Wireless Management Board.
RCOM has also roped in Google's former Head of Wireless Business Mr Suresh Jayaraju as Head -New Age VAS. He has an experience of over 14 years managing internet, media, and mobile technologies. Prior to joining RCom, his other assignments were with Tech Mahindra, OnMobile Systems Inc and Rediff.com.
As part of its 3G readiness plan, RCom has established a 3G Innovation Lab with end-to-end wireless network infrastructure. This Innovation Lab will be an integral part of RCom’s 3G operations offering real-time product developmental capabilities and time-to-market equation benefits to RCOM. The 3G Innovation Lab will be in line with RCom’s strategic focus to encourage innovations in mobile technologies.
The objective of the Innovation Lab is to facilitate the development of mobile service innovations through collaboration with 3rd party developers.
RCom’s 3G Innovation Lab will involve a community of content developers, product innovators, technology platforms enablers, device manufactures and OEMs. The collaborative unit will be formed through tie ups with top local as well as Global partners.
The Lab is a move towards the ‘Open Platforms’ architecture which encompass open systems, open networks, democratic framework for partners & consumers for availability of the best products based on the consumer’s usage. The Lab is established at Reliance ADA Group’s Headquarters in Dhirubhai Ambani Knowledge City, near Mumbai.
