Six operators to launch LiMo handsets this year February 11, 2009
Posted by aikservices in KTF, LiMo, Linux, Mobile Network Operator, NTT DoCoMo, Orange, SFR. Softbank Mobile, SK Telecom, Swisscom, Telecom Italia, Telefonica, Verizon Wireless, Vodafone.Tags: KTF, LiMo, Linux, Mobile Network Operator, NTT DoCoMo, Orange, SFR. Softbank Mobile, SK Telecom, Swisscom, Telecom Italia, Telefonica, Verizon Wireless, Vodafone
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Six operators will launch mobile phones based on the LiMo operating system this year, announced the LiMo Foundation, an industry group promoting Linux software for mobile services. The operators planning LiMo devices include NTT Docomo, Orange, SK Telecom, Telefonica, Verizon Wireless and Vodafone. Further active operator participants in the LiMo Foundation include KTF, SFR, Softbank Mobile, Swisscom and Telecom Italia. To date 33 commercial handset models have been certified as LiMo Compliant, of which 10 will be on display at the Mobile World Congress by NEC and Panasonic. LG and Samsung will also show new prototype models at MWC in Barcelona.
The LiMo Foundation also announced that all technologies specified for the R2 release of the LiMo Platform have been contributed on time, and LiMo members are currently introducing reference implementations for devices. The LiMo Reference Implementations will include code specified within both LiMo Platform R1 and LiMo Platform R2. This code includes source code contributions from members as well as components originating from open source communities. LiMo Reference Implementation contributors include Access, Azingo, LG Electronics, Purple Labs and Samsung Electronics. The latest technologies in the LiMo Platform include support for features such as advanced multimedia, location-based services, device management and enhanced security. The LiMo Foundation also announced its endorsement of the OMTP Bondi specification, which future LiMo handsets using a web runtime will support for widgets.
DiGi Appoints New Chief Technology Officer February 11, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Digi, Malaysia, Mobile Network Operator, Telenor.Tags: Digi, Malaysia, Mobile Network Operator, Telenor
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Ole Martin Gunhildsbu has been appointed by Malaysian mobile network, DiGi Telecommunications as its new Chief Technology Officer with immediate effect. He has been acting CTO since November 2008 when his predecessor left to take up a new role within the Telenor Group. On his appointment, DiGi Chief Executive Officer Johan Dennelind said: We are happy with Ole’s steady leadership, and his accomplishments in improving network coverage and quality over the past year. I am confident that he will manage this core business aspect of ours effectively as we move forward to take DiGi to the next level.
I’m thankful for this opportunity and really excited to take on the new challenge. Last year the technology organization made a big leap in terms of quality and coverage. I’m positive the organization has what it takes to improve even further and take on the broadband challenges as well, said Gunhildsbu.
Singtel mobile customer base grows 7.3% in Q4 February 10, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Airtel, Australia, Bangladesh, CityCell, Globe Telecom, India, Indonesia, Mobile Network Operator, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Singtel, Thailand, Warid.Tags: Airtel, Australia, Bangladesh, CityCell, Globe Telecom, India, Indonesia, Mobile Network Operator, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Singtel, Thailand, Warid
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SingTel reported a mobile customer base of 232.422 million at the end of 2008, up 35 percent from a year earlier and up 7.3 percent from September. The customer base includes its operations in Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. Proportionate for its ownership, the operator had 82.364 million customers at year-end, up 34 percent from 2007 and up 6.8 percent from the third quarter. In its home market, the total mobile customer base rose to 2.942 million from 2.874 million in September. A total of 68,000 new mobile customers were added during the quarter of which 30,000 were postpaid net additions, with continued good take-up of Apple’s iPhone 3G, SingTel said. The operator’s largest affiliate market is India, where Bharti Airtel grew its base to 85.65 million at the end of 2008, from 77.48 million three months earlier. Telkomsel in Indonesia finished the year with 65.30 million customers, up from 60.50 million in Q3, and AIS in Thailand added 1.3 million customers in Q4 for a total 27.40 million at year-end. Australian operator Optus increased its base to 7.63 million from 7.42 million in September. Optus attracted 213,000 new customers, including 104,000 postpaid in the quarter, compared to 182,000 in the preceding quarter. Optus’ 3G subscriber base now stands at 2.33 million, an increase of 7.9 percent over the previous quarter. Globe Telecom in the Philippines grew to 24.70 million subscribers from 23.75 million three months earlier. In Pakistan, Warid grew its total customer base to 16.9 million, up 28 per cent year-on-year or 4.7 percent from a quarter ago. CityCell’s mobile customer base in Bangladesh was 1.8 million, up 29 percent from a year ago or 3.7 percent from a quarter ago.
Former Blyk chief takes the helm at O2’s media arm February 10, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Blyk, Mobile Network Operator, MVNO, O2, UK.Tags: Blyk, Mobile Network Operator, MVNO, O2, UK
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O2 has appointed former Blyk chief executive Shaun Gregory as managing director of media. He will take on the role on March 1. Gregory will be responsible for the overall media strategy at the operator, as well as building an advertising business to offer mobile and cross-media opportunities for brands in the UK. He will report to O2 UK customer director, Tim Sefton.
Prior to joining O2, Gregory was chief executive at ad-funded youth MVNO Blyk in the UK. He has also held positions including new media director at The Telegraph Media Group and board director at Emap.
VipNet to offer HSPA+ from spring February 10, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Croatia, Ericsson, HSPA, Mobile Network Operator, VipNet.Tags: Croatia, Ericsson, HSPA, Mobile Network Operator, VipNet
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Croatian mobile operator Vipnet has successfully tested and demonstrated mobile broadband HSPA technology with Ericsson Nikola Tesla at the Vipnet Technology Day. The operator says it will support the HSPA+ speeds of up to 21 Mbps starting from the spring in major cities. HSPA+ speeds require new devices to access the internet, and manufacturers are expected to start delivering devices for the Croatian market in the second semester this year. Vipnet also started to introduce HSUPA 5.7 technology, which offers data upload speeds almost four times higher than current levels.
Vodafone Portugal Tests Mobile Downloads at 16 Mbps February 6, 2009
Posted by aikservices in HSPA, Mobile Network Operator, Portugal, Vodafone.Tags: HSPA, Mobile Network Operator, Portugal, Vodafone
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Vodafone Portugal this morning initiated in Lisbon the first data session using the new HSPA+ 64QAM technology which makes it possible to use Mobile Broadband at a theoretical maximum download speed of 21.6 Mbps.The tests were carried out under real conditions on the Vodafone Portugal network in partnership with Ericsson, and real download peaks of 16 Mbps were achieved.These tests were carried out following those made in January by the Vodafone Group using the same technology.Vodafone Portugal is expecting to launch commercial HSPA+ Internet offers in 2009, as soon as compatible data devices come onto the market.
HSPA+ is the next step in the development of 3G/HSPA (High-Speed Packet Access) technology and uses the latest 64QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) modulation techniques. Vodafone estimates that the speeds achieved using HSPA+ technology could be increased even further with the MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) functionality which uses multiple antennas on base stations and data devices and supports a theoretical maximum speed of 28.8 Mbps.
Vodafone sales up 14%, raises outlook on forex boost February 4, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Financial, Mobile Network Operator, UK, Vodafone.Tags: Financial, Mobile Network Operator, UK, Vodafone
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Vodafone Group reported revenues for the three months to December of GBP 10.47 billion, up 14.3 percent from a year earlier on the back of positive currency effects and takeovers. On an organic basis, sales fell 1 percent year-on-year, as growth in Africa and Asia could not offset a decline in the mobile operator’s mature markets in Western Europe. Vodafone added 9.5 million new mobile customers in the period, led by its Indian operation gaining over 6.3 million and Vodacom in Africa adding over 1 million. The company finished 2008 with 289 million customers, proportionate for its ownership in subsidiaries. Due to the decline in pound sterling, Vodafone has increased its operating profit outlook for the full year by GBP 500 million, to GBP 11.5 billion, and raised the free cash flow forecast by GBP 300 million, to a range of GBP 5.5-6.0 billion. Revenues are now estimated at GBP 40.6-41.5 billion, up from the previous outlook of GBP 38.8-39.7 billion. Vodafone CEO Vittori Colao said in a statement that the underlying outlook remains the same, with results in the past quarter similar to the previous three months. He also reiterated a target for GBP 1 billion in cost savings by March 2011, of which half are expected by March 2010.
Warid Telecom Gets Funding for Network Expansion January 30, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Financial, Mobile Network Operator, Pakistan, Singtel, Warid Telecom.Tags: Financial, Mobile Network Operator, Pakistan, Singtel, Warid Telecom
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Pakistani mobile network operator, Warid Telecom says that it has had an injection of US$250 million in equity by its two joint shareholders, Singtel and the Abu Dhabi Group. The company said that the funds will be used to expand the network coverage.Tariq Gulzar – Warid’s Chief Financial Officer said, This equity injection of US$250 Million by the company’s shareholders, namely Abu Dhabi Group and SingTel, demonstrates the confidence reposed by our shareholders in the company’s ability to continue to provide highest level of quality services to our valued subscribers at very affordable prices. We are going to further enhance our technical and retail network across the country to exceed the expectations of our existing and potential subscribers.
Warid Pakistan is a joint venture between Abu Dhabi Group & SingTel Group. Abu Dhabi Group entered into a strategic alliance with Singapore Telecom. Subsequent to this transaction in July 2007, telecom giant SingTel acquired 30% percent equity stake in Warid Pakistan, for US$758 million.
First SIMpass-enabled Mobile Phone Launched in China January 29, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Asia, China, China Unicom, Cqpass, Mobile Network Operator, Mobile Payment, Near Field Communication, SIMpass.Tags: Asia, China, China Unicom, Cqpass, Mobile Network Operator, Mobile Payment, Near Field Communication, SIMpass
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China Unicom has launched a mobile phone based payment service in the city of Chongqing which enables users to use their phone to pay for transport tickets and at various retailer for normal purchases. The ‘Cqpass’ is a multi-system mobile payment service first to use the SIMpass enabled custom-made mobile phone that was unveiled in Chongqing last month. SIMpass is a Single Card Near Field Communication (SC-NFC) platform. The custom-made mobile phone for this service is developed under the cooperation between China Unicom, Chongqing Yucheng Transportation Card, Guohong Telecom and Digital Group and Watchdata that provided the SIMpass technology.
The Cqpass mobile payment service has all the functions similar to the regular Yucheng Tong Card and can be used to pay for bus rides, cable car rides, hotels, parks entrance and restaurants. Apart from these functionalities, it also features transaction record query and card number display.In 2009, the project will start the development of its second stage of application that would link the subscriber’s bank account to enable the OTA top-up functionality.
Vodafone issues handset strategy to manufacturers January 29, 2009
Posted by aikservices in Mobile, Mobile Network Operator, Telecom, UK, Vodafone, Wireless.Tags: Mobile, Mobile Network Operator, Telecom, UK, Vodafone, Wireless
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Vodafone told manufacturers that it would reduce the number of handsets in its range this year.The operator gathered all of the manufacturers it uses for its annual meeting at its head office in Newbury last week.Chairing the meeting was devices chief, Chris Edwards, who also hinted at standardised services and user experience on the handsets.One manufacturer in attendance said: The message was clear. They want to drive down how much we charge them, and they want a richer, more uniform “Vodafone” experience on handsets.
A spokeswoman for Vodafone said: At a recent device conference that Vodafone UK held for manufacturers, we updated on our strategy to continue to take best in class devices that meet the cross section of customer types. This will mean that we will continue to focus on a narrower range of devices overall, avoiding duplication and improving in market execution and the customer experience.
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