Operators | Fone Arena

Nokia and 3 Scandinavia work together on 3G push to talk

okia and 3 Scandinavia are trialling Nokia Push to talk over Cellular (PoC) service in the Swedish market. With push to talk, people can use their mobile phones like walkie-talkies, communicating with a selected group or with individuals at the push of a button

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 28, 2005

Nokia and 3 Scandinavia work together on 3G push to talk

Espoo, Finland – Nokia and 3 Scandinavia are trialling Nokia Push to talk over Cellular (PoC) service in the Swedish market. With push to talk, people can use their mobile phones like walkie-talkies, communicating with a selected group or with individuals at the push of a button. The trial is initially targeted to business users, but private and business users alike can benefit from this simple, direct communication.

To ensure the success of the trial in 3 Scandinavia’s WCDMA 3G network, Nokia leverages its leading position in GSM-based PoC, unique experience from terminals, knowledge of consumer behavior, and systems integration. Nokia will provide selected push to talk handsets, including Nokia 6280, for potential use in the trial.

"We strive to offer innovative services to appeal to all our customers. Push to talk is a fascinating new service for business users in particular," says Jörgen Askeroth, Chief Technology Officer, 3 Scandinavia. "We chose to trial push to talk with Nokia because their end-to-end solution will be compliant with the OMA (Open Mobile Alliance) standard, and because of Nokia’s service commitment and capability to support the PoC platform."

"We are very pleased to work together with 3 Scandinavia in trialling push to talk," says Bob Bird, Vice President, Networks, Nokia. "We are confident that this trial strengthens Nokia’s position as a leader in push to talk worldwide."

Nokia’s end-to-end push to talk solution offers a full feature set, and will be compliant with the OMA standard. Nokia’s solution is compatible with the IP Multimedia Subsystem as standardized in 3GPP, and it will be capable of supporting various push-to-media, such as video. With commercial contracts for 45 PoC service offerings, and several operator trials ongoing, Nokia is leading the market for Push to talk over Cellular in GSM. Nokia has launched 30 PoC handsets, out of which 20 are available in Sweden and 5 are 3G terminals.

About 3

3 is the leading mobile broadband and media operator in Scandinavia and was the first to launch 3G services in Sweden in May 2003 and Denmark in October 2003. In Scandinavia, 3 is a joint venture between Hutchison-Whampoa (60%) and Investor AB (40%). 3 services are available from sister companies in Australia, Austria, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy and United Kingdom. 3 also holds UMTS 3G licences in Indonesia and Norway.

About Nokia

Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com

Nokia enhaces IDEA Cellular’s Services

IDEA Cellular, a leading mobile operator in India, and Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, have launched Nokia’s Intelligent Content Delivery System (ICD) solution on all IDEA’s mobile networks across India.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 28, 2005

IDEA Cellular chooses Nokia Intelligent Content Delivery to become India’s 1st operator to charge differentially for data services

Espoo, Finland – IDEA Cellular, a leading mobile operator in India, and Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, have launched Nokia’s Intelligent Content Delivery System (ICD) solution on all IDEA’s mobile networks across India. The Nokia ICD solution enhances IDEA’s mobile packet core network capabilities and enables it to connect both prepaid and post-paid subscribers to data services and charge them according to the value of traffic and content. This makes IDEA India’s first and only operator to charge differentially for data services, thereby increasing its revenue streams.

Nokia ICD solution allows IDEA to provide data services, such as downloadable ringtones, music, games, browsing, streaming, MMS and content based SMS, to both prepaid and post-paid customers and charge for them differentially.

"IDEA has always been at the forefront of providing innovative data services to its customers by leveraging the latest technologies. We have taken another significant step in that direction by charging online for data services for our prepaid customers. Data services usage is on the rise and it was important to not only extend data services to prepaid customers but also charge customers differentially depending on the importance of the service for them," said Vikram Mehmi, CEO, IDEA Cellular. "Nokia’s technology combined with strong systems integration capabilities made Nokia the natural choice as we enhance our service machinery to support our increasing data services offering."

Systems integration of the Nokia solution to IDEA’s existing network environment (Multivendor Integration) and specific customization are key part of the agreement. In addition, Nokia provides IDEA with a comprehensive set of services, including delivery services, Help Desk, software maintenance and emergency support.

"The Nokia ICD solution deployment for IDEA is the first of its kind in the Indian telecom market, and is a strategic step in the Nokia – IDEA relationship. This is the first deployment of the Nokia ICD solution in India and Nokia is the sole supplier of such a solution for IDEA across all its networks," said Ashish Chowdhary, Country Head, Networks, Nokia India. "The Nokia ICD solution will enable IDEA to drive greater revenues from its data services offering to its customers."

The Nokia ICD solution is a network based centralized service and content control system, which enables operators to analyze, charge and manage services in a flexible manner. The Nokia ICD solution helps the operator provide highly segmented services for different subscriber groups, providing advanced tools for service and subscription profiling and management, as well as for charging and access differentiation. All services can be charged either offline as postpaid or online from the user’s prepaid account. Nokia has over 48 references for the Nokia Intelligent Content Delivery.

About IDEA Cellular

As India’s leading GSM Mobile Services operator, IDEA Cellular has licenses to operate in 11 circles. With a customer base of over 6 million, IDEA Cellular has operations in New Delhi, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Uttaranchal, Haryana, UP- West and Kerala. IDEA Cellular’s footprint currently covers approximately 45% of India’s population and over 50% of the potential telecom-market.

Customer Service and Innovation are the drivers of this Cellular Brand. With GPRS currently available on all its’ networks, for both pre and post paid customers, IDEA Cellular is the first company to commercially launch next generation EDGE technology (a 3G technology) for its Delhi circle.

As a leader in Value Added Services, Innovation is central to IDEA’s VAS Factory. It is the first cellular company to launch music messaging with ‘Cellular Jockey’, ‘Global SMS’ in over 540 networks across all technology platforms, a voice portal with ‘Say IDEA’. A frontrunner in introducing revolutionary tariff plans, offering maximum savings to its customers, IDEA Cellular has the distinction of offering the most customer friendly and competitive Pre Paid offerings, for the first time in India, with ‘Eco Talk’, ‘Flexi-charge’ and other segmented offerings. The most recent offering – ‘Lifetime Idea’ is the first and only loyalty program, for pre paid customers, introduced by a Cellular brand and Pay Easy which is bill payment through the effective use of the pre-paid channel. IDEA is the only operator in the world to launch this service. Idea is the only cellular operator who has launched a complete suite of Mobile Email services.

Idea has many milestones to its credit, mainly – scoring the highest percentage in Metros and Circle B & C in Customer Satisfaction and the highest percentage in Value Added Service and Overall Sales satisfaction as per the Voice and Data – Customer Satisfaction Survey in December 04. The largest M&A deal in India INC, through its acquisition of Escotel in 2004 and its Rs. 5000 crore financial closure, both being largest ever in the history of Indian telecom.

IDEA Cellular Ltd. is headquartered in Pune.

About Nokia

Nokia wins USD 141 million GSM network expansion with BSNL in India

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), one of India’s leading telecommunications companies, has awarded Nokia a comprehensive GSM/EDGE and GPRS network expansion project in North India.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 24, 2005

Nokia wins USD 141 million GSM network expansion with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in India

Espoo, Finland – Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), one of India’s leading telecommunications companies, has awarded Nokia a comprehensive GSM/EDGE and GPRS network expansion project in North India. The expansion, valued at USD 141 million, will include core and radio network equipment, and an extensive range of services.

The expansion will enable BSNL to significantly increase its network coverage and capacity in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh (both east and west circles), Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. It gives BSNL the chance to introduce the benefits of mobility to 2 million new Indian subscribers, and underscores Nokia’s commitment to the dynamic Indian market.

"This is an important network expansion to BSNL as we strive to offer the best network coverage and capacity to our subscribers," says GS Grover, Director Commercial & Marketing, BSNL.

"We are delighted to strengthen our successful cooperation with BSNL," says Ashish Chowdhary, Country Head, Networks, Nokia India. "This expansion provides BSNL the ability to enhance its network coverage and capacity, and shows the strength of Nokia’s full range of service offerings."

Services play an important role in the contract, including complete network planning and optimization, infrastructure design, supply and implementation, and commissioning as well as systems integration and Nokia’s over-the-air (OTA) device management solution. This expansion is an extension of a USD 284 million GSM/EDGE and GPRS contract signed by Nokia and BSNL in 2004.

Nokia’s operations in India include networks and terminals sales divisions, three Research and Development facilities and an upcoming manufacturing facility in Chennai that will produce both terminals and GSM infrastructure equipment. Nokia also plans to open a Global Networks Operation Center in India by the end of the year.

About Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)

BSNL is India’s No. 1 telecommunications company and the largest public sector undertaking in India with authorized share capital of $3.6 billion and a net worth of $13.85 billion. It has a pan-India network with over 42 million subscribers across 5000 towns and almost 12.5 million GSM cellular subscribers. www.bsnl.in

About Nokia

Nokia wins over USD 55 million GSM network expansion deal from AIS in Thailand

Nokia and Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS), one of Thailand’s leading mobile phone service operators, have signed a deal worth over USD 55 million to expand AIS’ GSM network in the Northern, Central and Southern regions of Thailand.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 23, 2005

Nokia wins over USD 55 million GSM network expansion deal from AIS in Thailand

Espoo, Finland – Nokia and Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS), one of Thailand’s leading mobile phone service operators, have signed a deal worth over USD 55 million to expand AIS’ GSM network in the Northern, Central and Southern regions of Thailand. The expansion will improve network coverage and capacity and enable AIS to boost service quality and offer innovative multimedia and convergence services.

Under the agreement, Nokia is supplying radio network expansion and Nokia Unified Core Network solutions, including IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), 3GPP Release 4 MSC Server and Nokia Presence solution. The expansion is supported by Nokia’s systems integration, implementation, optimization, project management and consulting services. The system continues to be supported by the unique multitechnology Nokia NetAct(TM) solution.

"AIS continues to dominate Thailand’s mobile services despite the challenges posed by the price competition in the market," says Ms. Arpattra Sringkarrinkul, Executive Vice President, Solutions AIS. "Thanks to Nokia’s flexibility and end-to-end capability, we have been able to quickly respond to the subscriber growth and to differentiate our service offering with new innovative multimedia and convergence services."

"Nokia is pleased to continue the successful cooperation with AIS in expanding its GSM network to meet the subscriber growth and heated local competition," says Somchai Thamsirisup, Account Director, Networks, Nokia. "The collaboration now extends to cover strategic non-voice and IP-based services."

Nokia has been working with AIS since the early 1990s, providing comprehensive services for the operator’s GSM infrastructure.

Nokia’s complete, end-to-end IMS solution enables operators to offer IP-based multimedia services such as push to talk and Presence. The solution includes the Nokia IP Multimedia Subsystem solution and application servers, which are connected to the IMS via the open IMS Service Control (ISC) interface. Nokia has over 30 Nokia IMS references, including 10 commercial deals.

The MSC Server System brings the operators improved efficiency by reducing the cost of building and operating mobile networks. Nokia leads the market in the 3GPP Release 4 mobile softswitch with over 70 customers for the Nokia MSC Server, over 20 of which are already in live commercial use.

Nokia Presence solution lets mobile subscribers know how and when they can reach their family, friends, or colleagues before making a call.

About AIS

Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS), a subsidiary of Shin Corporation PCL., is the established leader in Thailand’s wireless communications industry after more than 15 years of services with its subscribers based more than 16 millions and market share more than 50%.

To date, AIS service network covers 795 districts (amphur) throughout Thailand, plus international roaming across in six continents. Additionally, indoor coverage has been greatly expanded in both Bangkok and the provinces. AIS has continuously enhanced and expanded its network in order to respond to the market and technological advances, whilst keeping abreast of consumers’ growing demands and needs. It continues to integrate the latest in advanced technology and deliver more than just voice communication, with GPRS and EDGE technology.

AIS strongly believe that wireless communications bring changes to the way Thai people live their life, regardless of who they are and what they do. With endless communications possibilities, the quality of life is better. Visit our web site at www.ais.co.th

About Nokia

Rural India next target for mobile giant Bharti

NDIAN plumbers and electricians may earn only ?50 a month and live in a shack with no running water but they all seem to have mobile phones, thanks to a company celebrating its 10th birthday this week

NDIAN plumbers and electricians may earn only £50 a month and live in a shack with no running water but they all seem to have mobile phones, thanks to a company celebrating its 10th birthday this week.

In 1995, Bharti Televentures chose to ignore market analysts who warned the market for mobiles in New Delhi would be only 7,000 people. It now has 1.8m subscribers out of the capital’s total of 5m. The country has 66m subscribers with almost 3m being added every month.

Indians are grateful to Bharti; it liberated them from having to cringe before corrupt government officials and wait years for a phone connection.

Spice Telecom kicks off New Strategic Initiatives

Spice Telecom, the premier telecom service provider today announced that Mr. Prakash Nanani has taken over as the Chief Executive Officer for Punjab and Karnataka circles. Mr. Prakash Nanani unveiled the new Spice logo.

Spice Telecom kicks off New Strategic Initiatives

Mr. Prakash Nanani takes over as the Chief Executive Officer for Punjab & Karnataka circles
Spice unveils the new brand logo
Launches first of its kind Lifelong Validity Offer on Mahabuck

Chandigarh, October 28, 2005: Spice Telecom, the premier telecom service provider today announced that Mr. Prakash Nanani has taken over as the Chief Executive Officer for Punjab & Karnataka circles. Mr. Prakash Nanani unveiled the new Spice logo. The new Spice logo shall be common to Spice group companies operating in the ICE (Information, Communication & Entertainment) sector. The new brand identity is derived from the Brand Core Purpose, Brand Vision & Brand Values. Mr. Prakash Nanani also announced the launch of a first-of-its kind ‘Life time validity’ offer on Mahabuck for Spice pre-paid subscribers.

Mr. Prakash Nanani takes over as the Chief Executive Officer, Spice Telecom

Mr. Prakash Nanani, has taken over as the CEO, he confirmed the news of the exit of Distacom from the mobile service venture. The Honk Kong based Distacom, the foreign shareholder has sold its stake in the B.K.Modi promoted Spice Telecom, to Ashmore Investment Management Ltd., a financial investor and the Deutsche Bank Group.

Mr. Nanani also stated that Mr. Navin Kaul, former Chief Operating Officer, Punjab circle, has taken over as the Chief Operating Officer, Karnataka circle.

Speaking at the occasion Mr. Nanani, stated that “Spice being the oldest cellular operator in this region, has always remained focused and committed towards developing state-of-the-art telecommunication infrastructure and Spice Telecom is also in the process of consolidating and investing in various disciplines, like network and technology upgradation, increase in infrastructure and resources and also enhancement of the brand image.”

New Spice Logo

Spice is owned by Mcorp Global, the holding company for the brand. Mcorp Global is focusing on the ICE sector and in this direction has been building on the strength of its subsidiaries that have been in operation in this sector, like Spice Telecom & Spice Mobile. The group has also made recent forays into certain specific market segments of the ICE sector, like Spice Malls & Multiplexes. The group believes that it will gain from having a common brand for the ICE sector, as it would be able to gain from the economies of scale in branding & marketing. A common consumer brand shall also foster greater consumer awareness for the brand and in time lead to greater trust in the brand.

The Spice logo is depicted in Orange, Purple, Green, Blue & Yellow colours. The colors of the brand logo depicts specific values that are synonymous to Spice Telecom: Orange – Vibrancy, Purple – Innovation, Green – Freshness, Blue – Trust & Yellow – Fun.

The new Spice brand identity is derived from the Brand Core Purpose, Brand Vision & Brand Values. The strategy for the brand is captured concisely by these:

Brand Core Purpose: To always be the first to provide user-friendly and innovative solutions for young minds in the ICE space

Brand Vision: To be the most preferred choice for energetic young minds
for ICE products and services by 2011

Brand Values: Fun, Innovative, Vibrant, Empathy, Trust, Speed of Response

The new Spice identity shall be shared by a group of companies namely: Spice Telecom (GSM service provider), Spice Mobile Phone (Mobile Handset), Spice Mega Malls & Multiplexes (Commercial Property (Development & Management), Spice Films (Film Production), Spice Onshore Telecom BPO and Spice IT Peripherals (Printers & Computer Hardware). The new Spice logo will ensure that a common identity is created that is synergistic and relevant to all the companies. All these companies shall work in tandem to provide consumer delight.

First of its kind offer – Life time Validity on Maha Buck

Spice today announced the launch a first of its kind offer in India for Spice Megatalk pre-paid subscribers termed as the ‘Maha Buck’ offer. Maha Buck provides
Spice Megatalk subscribers Life time validity on a recharge of Rs. 3300.

The details of Spice Maha Buck Voucher are as follows:

MRP of Maha Recharge: Rs.3+300/-

Talktime on Maha Recharge: Rs.500/-

Validity on Maha Recharge: Life Long

Subscriber who avail this offer cannot have zero balance for consecutive 90 days, and will have to be on the Megatalk tariff plan.

About Spice Telecom

Spice is Punjab’s premier mobile phone service provider and is the first cellular operator in India to be ISO 9001-2000 certified for its entire operations. Spice has an extensive network across more than 205 cities and towns in the state, covering 95% of Punjab’s urban area. In addition, it also covers more than 3250 km of roads and highways in Punjab including connectivity on the National Highway and GT Road. Spice subscribers can roam on national and international networks. In fact, Spice has the highest International roaming coverage involving tie-ups with over 414 International operators across 199 countries.

Hutch gets 140 million dollar loan for expansion in india

Hutchison Essar Ltd, India’s fourth largest mobile-phone company, got a $140mn to expand its phone network in India

Hutchison Essar Ltd, India’s fourth largest mobile-phone company, got a $140mn to expand its phone network in India.
The deal is the first syndicated loan for Hutchison Essar, a joint venture between Hutchison Whampoa Ltd.’s Hong Kong-based Hutchison Telecommunications International Ltd. and the Essar Group in Mumbai.

The deal was arranged by Bank of America Securities LLC, N Bayerische Hypo-UND Vereinsbank AG, Chinatrust Commercial Bank, Rabobank NA and Raiffeisen Zentralbank Oesterreich AG.

Nokia and T-Mobile test HSDPA in live networks in the UK, the Netherlands and Germany

Nokia and T-Mobile have completed High Speed Downlink Data Packet Access (HSDPA) calls using Nokia’s 3G network technology

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 15, 2005

Nokia and T-Mobile successfully test HSDPA in live networks in the UK, the Netherlands and Germany

A step forward in delivering faster mobile services to consumers

Espoo, Finland – Nokia and T-Mobile have completed High Speed Downlink Data Packet Access (HSDPA) calls using Nokia’s 3G network technology. The calls were made in T-Mobile’s live network in the UK, the Netherlands and Germany, and are the result of the strong collaboration between the two companies to deliver HSDPA to the commercial networks. The solutions will now be used to further progress testing with T-Mobile prior to commercial launches.

"The HSDPA calls demonstrate T-Mobile’s commitment to raising the bar for the quality of broadband mobile data services," says Hamid Akhavan, Chief Technology Officer, T-Mobile. "The calls are a good example of the successful cooperation that is taking place between T-Mobile and Nokia in the field of high speed mobile access and broadband applications."

"Nokia is pleased that the collaboration with T-Mobile has resulted in successful HSDPA calls, which demonstrate that Nokia’s HSDPA solution is ready to support operators leveraging their mobile data opportunities," says Kari Sundbäck, Vice President, Networks, Nokia. "We will continue to work very closely with T-Mobile in the UK, the Netherlands and Germany in preparing their networks for commercial HSDPA launches."

The Nokia HSDPA solution is a software upgrade to the WCDMA 3G network that offers end users significantly faster download speeds – up to 1.8 Mbps in the first phase, compared to 384 kbps on standard WCDMA 3G networks. Operators upgrading their networks with the Nokia HSDPA solution can take advantage of improved data rates and throughput, enhancing the efficiency of the network to support a higher number of users at a lower cost per user. The Nokia HSDPA solution allows operators to provide enhanced end-user services at significantly lower cost per bit.

Later, an upgrade to High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) with enhanced upload speeds, will be available in a similar manner. Nokia upload speed is already 384 kbps. Nokia already has over 20 HSDPA contracts, 7 of which have been published.

About T-Mobile

T-Mobile International is one of the world’s leading companies in mobile communications. As one of Deutsche Telekom`s three strategic business units, T-Mobile concentrates on the most dynamic markets in Europe and the United States. By end of 2004, almost 120 million people were using the mobile communications services provided by companies in which T-Mobile or Deutsche Telekom have a majority or minority stake. And all that over a common technology platform based on GSM, the world’s most successful digital wireless standard. This also makes T-Mobile the only mobile communications provider with a seamless transatlantic service. www.t-mobile.com

About Nokia

Nokia powers Optus 3G network in Australia

Nokia today supported Optus’ 3G services launch in Australia providing the behind-the-scenes network infrastructure and turnkey services as well as assisting Optus to develop 3G consumer applications

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 14, 2005

Nokia powers Optus’ 3G network in Australia

Sydney, Australia – Nokia today supported Optus’ 3G services launch in Australia providing the behind-the-scenes network infrastructure and turnkey services as well as assisting Optus to develop 3G consumer applications.

In November 2004, Optus jointly announced an innovative infrastructure sharing deal with another operator to have Nokia build a shared 3G network.

The shared network is the first in the world to feature Nokia’s Multi-Operator Radio Access Network (MO-RAN) technology, which allows for the easy sharing of radio services.

Where MO-RANs are deployed they allow for two operators to share the same base station and to share the radio network controller which directs the voice and data traffic back to the operator’s own core network. An analogy is that it works like two banks sharing an Automatic Teller Machine.

"The issue for many operators is no longer whether to share a network, but rather, what approach will offer the best solution. We are delighted to have worked with Optus on their 3G network and applications," said Henrik Glud, Optus Account Director for Nokia Australia.

In addition, Optus and Nokia have worked with Australian developer, Bullant, to bring to market a 3G content personalisation application called ‘MyZooNow’ which will run as the active handset user interface on a range of mobile phones including the Nokia N70 and Nokia 6680.

Optus MyZooNow features a homepage that pushes information to customers that is relevant to their interests, work and social needs, such as news and weather, music and lifestyle.

MyZooNow was ‘incubated’ in the Optus Nokia Future Lab. The Future Lab is a joint initiative by both companies designed to test and develop potential mobile applications.

According to Allen Lew, Managing Director, Optus Consumer, "We have worked with infrastructure providers, application developers and handset manufacturers like Nokia, to ensure that we use the faster speeds of 3G to deliver simple and user friendly applications like MyZooNow that add value to customers mobile experience."

Nokia is providing Optus with complete 3G core and radio networks and turnkey services, including supplying, deploying and testing the equipment in the field as well as network optimization, management, monitoring and maintenance services. Nokia has also provided a 3G operations startup, where Nokia operational staff works along side Optus people while operating the network and through this exersice also train Optus staff.

Introducing new technology platforms and services is a highly complex business and Nokia has over 15 years experience in assisting operators deploy the latest technology.

With its operational expertise gained from running networks on behalf of operators around the world, Nokia is able to support operators provide the highest-quality service to their subscribers while also improving their operational efficiency.

About Nokia

Airtel to adopt new number series in Karnataka from Nov 13

Keeping in tune with the new directive from the Department of Telecommunications, Airtel Broadband and Telephone Services, India?s largest broadband service and private telephone service from Bharti Tele-Ventures Ltd, will adopt a new number series beginning with ?4? for its fixed line services, instead of ‘5’, in Karnataka from November 13.

Keeping in tune with the new directive from the Department of Telecommunications, Airtel Broadband and Telephone Services, India’s largest broadband service and private telephone service from Bharti Tele-Ventures Ltd, will adopt a new number series beginning with ‘4’ for its fixed line services, instead of ‘5’, in Karnataka from November 13.

Airtel, in a release here today, announced that it would continue to connect all calls received on the old number till February 28 next. Post this till March 31 next, an automated voice recording system would inform customers about the change in numbers. To make life simpler for its customers, Airtel would also be launching a new short code for general customer care: 121. This general customer care number would be uniform across all circles of Airtel Broadband and Telephone Services.

The change would take place in phases depending on the city of operation. In Karnataka the change would happen in Bangalore on December 11, Mysore–November 13, Mangalore, Hubli, Belgaum and Manipal-November 20, the release said.

Airtel has more than one million fixed line customers in the country and provided broadband and telephone services in Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Kolkata, Madhya Pradesh, Maharastra, Mumbai, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, UP (East) and UP (West).

CSL launches Asia’s first commercial video sharing service with Nokia IMS

Mobile operator CSL and Nokia today jointly announced the commercial launch of Asia’s first video sharing service in Hong Kong enabled by Nokia IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and systems integration services. At a press conference, CSL and Nokia demonstrated video sharing service using the Nokia N70, the 3G Series 60 smartphone with 2 megapixel camera and a full set of Nokia Nseries features

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 7, 2005

CSL launches Asia’s first commercial video sharing service with Nokia IMS

Hong Kong, China – Mobile operator CSL and Nokia today jointly announced the commercial launch of Asia’s first video sharing service in Hong Kong enabled by Nokia IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and systems integration services. At a press conference, CSL and Nokia demonstrated video sharing service using the Nokia N70, the 3G Series 60 smartphone with 2 megapixel camera and a full set of Nokia Nseries features.

The service launch affirms CSL and Nokia’s leading position in bringing innovative mobile services to the end-users. This milestone service also demonstrates Nokia’s end-to-end capability in enabling operators to differentiate and offer a variety of services on the fiercely competitive Hong Kong telecommunication market.

Video sharing is a multimedia service that allows users to view live or prerecorded video during a normal voice call on their mobile phones. Both the caller and the receiver can watch the same video and discuss it, and then end the video sharing without ending the voice call. Video sharing is based on standardized 3GPP IMS and IETF technologies, and its specifications are available at Forum Nokia.

"We are pleased to announce another notable first – being Asia’s first mobile operator to introduce the 3G video sharing service to our customers. Video sharing is a natural expansion of voice calls and an advancement of normal video calls," said Hubert Ng, Chief Executive Officer of CSL. "The introduction of video sharing service during a voice call is a key evolutionary step for 3G video services. We believe that the 3G video sharing service will become one of the most popular services among consumers. It will also help corporate customers to enhance the efficiency of their business operations."

"We are very pleased to continue our long-term and successful cooperation with CSL and join hands to achieve another important milestone in Asia’s mobile telecommunications industry through the commercial launch of video sharing service," said Wei Yuan, Vice President of Networks, Nokia China. "Nokia is well prepared to cooperate with innovative industry players like CSL in shaping the future of mobile multimedia communications."

Nokia’s complete end-to-end solution for IMS-based multimedia includes the Nokia IP Multimedia Subsystem solution with open IMS Service Control (ISC) interface towards application servers and Series 60 devices supporting downloadable SIP clients. Nokia has over 30 Nokia IMS references, including 10 commercial deals.

About CSL

CSL is a pioneer in the mobile communications market in Hong Kong. The Company launched its mobile services in 1983, and today operates a world-class GSM / WCDMA network through its mobile brands: 1O1O and One2Free. Pioneer to introduce HSCSD, GPRS, EDGE, MMS and video sharing service the Company launched 3G and Wi-Fi Service In December 2004. CSL is 100% owned by Telstra. For more information about CSL, please visit www.hkcsl.com

About Nokia

Nokia is committed to long-term development and preferred partnership in China. With strong local R&D, manufacturing and innovative technologies, Nokia has continuously strengthened its market position in China as a leading supplier of mobile terminals and mobile networks. Nokia is the largest exporter in the Chinese mobile telecommunications industry. Nokia has six R&D units, four manufacturing sites and widespread operations in mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. The total number of Nokia employees in China area is over 5,600. www.nokia.com.cn

Mobile gaming to hit Rs 1,500 cr by 2010

Indians are spearheading the mobile gaming revolution around the world, quietly. Consider this: when a youngster in Australia plays cricket on his mobile, or another in the US weaves Spiderman?s webs or a teenager in Russia hits a Maria Sharapova forehand on her mobile set, chances are that these games have been developed in India

Indians are spearheading the mobile gaming revolution around the world, quietly. Consider this: when a youngster in Australia plays cricket on his mobile, or another in the US weaves Spiderman’s webs or a teenager in Russia hits a Maria Sharapova forehand on her mobile set, chances are that these games have been developed in India

In fact, an Indian provider has developed three of the four games included in the next month’s World Mobile Gaming Championships in Singapore.

One reason for the prominance of Indian companies might be the popularity of these games in India itself. Within a year, the market has expanded from a mere Rs 25 crore to at least Rs 80 crore in 2005.

In another five years, it is set to touch the Rs 1,500 crore mark. “This is due to the stupendous growth of mobile users — at 3 million a month. And 40 per cent of the handsets sold are JAVA-enabled (needed to download games),” says Rajiv Hiranandani, country head, Mobile2win India, a mobile games provider.

Read Full Story [Business-Standard]

Telefonica to Acquire O2 for $32Bln

Telefonica, Spain’s biggest telephone company, has agreed to buy British mobile phone operator O2 for ?17.7 billion ($31.5 billion) in the largest acquisition in the European phone industry in five years

MADRID — Telefonica, Spain’s biggest telephone company, has agreed to buy British mobile phone operator O2 for £17.7 billion ($31.5 billion) in the largest acquisition in the European phone industry in five years.

Telefonica offered 200 pence in cash per O2 share, the Madrid-based company said in a statement. The offer for O2 is 22 percent higher than Friday’s closing price of 164.25 pence.

Buying O2 will give Telefonica 25 million customers in Britain, Germany and Ireland, bringing its total to more than 165 million.

The deal would be the largest led by chairman Cesar Alierta, 60, who is seeking assets in Europe after spending more than $50 billion on takeovers in Latin America since the 1990s.

"Telefonica can’t push much further into Latin America," said Gary Dugan, head of equity research at Barclays Investment Services. "You have to get bigger globally and not just protect your backyard."

The stock of O2 rose as much as 26 percent to 206.75 pence, above the offer price, and traded at 204 pence in early trading in London. The shares of Telefonica and its mobile phone unit Telefonica Moviles were suspended from trading in Madrid, the exchange said.

The purchase will "immediately" add to earnings per share, according to the statement.

The deal would be the biggest takeover announced in the industry worldwide since the $41 billion acquisition of Nextel Communications proposed in December 2004.

It is the largest involving a European telecommunications company since May 2000, when France Telecom agreed to buy Orange from Vodafone for $41.7 billion, according to Bloomberg data.

The board of O2 said it considers the bid "fair and reasonable" and would recommend its shareholders accept it.

O2 "will open the group to the two largest European markets with sizeable critical mass, and it will balance our exposure across business and regions," Alierta said in the statement.

The British company is the biggest mobile phone operator in Britain by customers. Its second-biggest market is Germany, and it also offers services in Ireland.

Up to Monday, O2 shares had jumped 56 percent in the last 12 months as the company has been the focus of takeover speculation ever since it rejected a bid from Dutch-based KPN in February 2004.

Germany’s Deutsche Telekom and KPN ended talks to make a joint bid for O2 in August. Under the plan, KPN would have taken control of O2’s German business.

"It’s the European operator that better fits Telefonica’s strategy," said Alberto Espelosin, who helps manage $7 billion, including Telefonica shares, at Ibercaja Gestion in Zaragoza, Spain. "The key will be whether Deutsche Telekom wants to make a higher offer."

Alierta said in September that Telefonica "would make selective acquisitions" to add growth. In June, the former Spanish phone monopoly acquired a controlling stake in Cesky Telecom, the biggest Czech phone company, for 2.7 billion euros ($3.3 billion).

In September, it spent an additional 917 million euros to boost its stake in Cesky Telecom to 69 percent.

Goldman Sachs and Citigroup advised Telefonica. JPMorgan Cazenove and Merrill Lynch advised O2.

via [moscow times]

Hutch getting redesigned

Hong Kong?s Hutchison has taken a strategic decision to redesign the Hutch brand, in the run-up to the Hutch-Essar IPO

Hong Kong’s Hutchison has taken a strategic decision to redesign the Hutch brand, in the run-up to the Hutch-Essar IPO.

Hutchison Essar will unveil Hutch with its new look across 13 circles by late-November. As the company’s existing Orange and Hutch brands have a common colour, “The redesigned Hutch umbrella brand will have a definite colour variation,” Hutchison officials told ET.

There’s a tight lid on the new brand design and colour specifics. But it’s understood that the world’s top brand consultancy firm, the London-based Wolff Olins, may be involved in redesigning Hutch. Wolff Olins is the original creator of Orange.

“It’s imperative that Hutchison Essar evolves a single and unique brand identity in India, instead of its twin-brand image. The entry of the world’s biggest GSM player into India is likely to expedite unveiling of the new look of Hutch and put the company’s brand unification plans on fast track,” sources said.

Significantly, Hutchison’s decision to introduce new colour and design to Hutch is in the aftermath of the recent Orange-Hutch tussle over alleged trademark and copyright violations by Hutchison. During the legal battle in Delhi High Court, the Orange Group had alleged that Hutch had created images which were based on Orange’s guidelines.

Though the Orange-Hutch legal duel is over, there’s a feeling that Hutch and Orange brands are similar, especially as both use the orange colour. “As both brands share a similar philosophy, there’s little economic sense in Hutch-Essar managing two separate brands in India,” said sources .

In fact, Hutchison Essar expects a common umbrella brand to trigger media efficiencies, in which the company won’t need separate adaptation strategies for both brands. Once DoT clears Hutch-Essar’s 100% acquisition of the BPL Mobile circles, the new- look Hutch will be unveiled in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

via [economictimes]

Vodafone buys stake in Bharti Tele-Ventures

Vodafone Group Plc, the world’s No.1 cellular service provider, has picked up a 10% stake in Bharti Tele-Ventures Ltd. for Rs67bn or US$1.2bn. Vodafone Mauritius Ltd. has purchased shares in Bharti Enterprise Pvt. Ltd. (the unlisted holding company), which gives the British cellular service major a beneficial stake of 4.4% in Bharti Tele-Ventures.

The investment from India’s leading GSM-based telecom operator by the British cellular major comes more than a week after the Cabinet cleared the proposed hike in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in telecom, from 49% to 74%.

In addition, Vodafone, through Vodafone International Holdings BV, has also picked up 5.65% stake from Warburg Pincus, thereby taking the total beneficial interest in Bharti Tele-Ventures to around 10%.

The above transactions do not make any change in the direct shareholding of Bharti Tele-Ventures. Bharti Enterprises maintains a controlling interest of 45.9% in Bharti Tele-Ventures through its subsidiary, Bharti Telecom Ltd. With the final sale of its stake, Warburg Pincus has now completely exited its position in Bharti Tele-Ventures. Bharti Enterprises owns 68% in Bharti Telecom, which in turn holds 45% stake in the listed Bharti Tele-Ventures.

Commenting on the occasion, Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman & Group Managing Director, Bharti Enterprises, said, "We are delighted that Vodafone has made a call on the Indian telecom sector and has chosen Bharti Tele-Ventures Ltd. to be the vehicle to develop its continued interest in the Asian region. Today, when Bharti stands on the threshold of being an Asian telecom powerhouse, it has tied up with Vodafone to take the company to the next level and to support Bharti in achieving its vision of making Airtel the most admired brand in India".

At 12:58 p.m., shares of Bharti Tele-Ventures were trading at Rs327, up Rs15 or 4.8%, over the previous close. Earlier, the stock had touched a high of Rs330.5 and a low of Rs311. Around 1.62mn shares of Bharti Tele-Ventures have changed hands on BSE.