| Date:
30/12/2005
The year '06 will wintness an un-precented growth According to Mr.Vikram Mehmi, CEO, IDEA Cellular, "India is getting closer to the dream of 250 million subs, considering the recent spurt in subscriber additions and expected de-regulation in Long Distance, rural and new technology areas. Most of the operators having achieved break-even, and coupled with increase in FDI limit, will facilitate the investment required for this explosive growth. The year '06 will wintness an un-precented growth never seen in any other sector so far ". |
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| Date:
30/12/2005
Aircel Ltd. sold to Malaysia's Maxis for $1.08 billion C. Sivasankaran promoted Aircel Ltd. is sold to Malaysia's Maxis Communications for $1.08 billion. Aircel has 2.2 million subscribers and has licences to provide services in 12 telecom circles in India. Maxis would hold 74% of Aircel Ltd., the maximum allowed under foreign-ownership rules. Its joint-venture partner is Chennai based Apollo Hospitals Enterprises Ltd., controlled by the Reddy family. |
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| Date:
29/12/2005
Idea’s “LIFELONG” offer for prepaid and postpaid customers In keeping with the promise of providing world-class innovative products and services, Idea Cellular Ltd, India’s leading operator has added another first by announcing LIFELONG OFFER for its prepaid and postpaid customers for just Rs 995. Under the Lifelong offer, postpaid customers will not have to pay any monthly rental for life, this can be availed by just paying a one time amount of Rs. 995/- and prepaid customers can avail lifelong validity on a recharge of Rs 995 and get Rs. 25/- talk-time. IDEA has also announced 99paise calling anywhere in India for postpaid customers. more... |
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| Date:
24/12/2005
Hutch
pre-paid users can now talk forever!
Further
leveraging on the success of 'Chota Recharge' which was launched 3 months
ago, Hutch today announced the launch of another excellent value proposition
for its prepaid subscribers. With the new 'Chalta Rahe' recharge, Hutch
prepaid users across the country can now go mobile for life by making a
one-time payment of Rs 999. In addition, they will also get full talk time
for all subsequent recharges (net of applicable service tax). The 'Chalta
Rahe' Prepaid recharge is expected to dramatically increase the affordability
of a prepaid mobile connection. This offering is available to existing
and new subscribers. Those opting for 'Chalta Rahe' recharge will pay Rs
1.99/minute for all local calls and Rs 2.99/minute for all STD calls. In
addition, this recharge comes with Rs 25 of in-built talk time. This recharge,
however, cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. more...
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| Date:
23/12/2005
Motorola has launched the first made-in-India handset Motorola has launched the first made-in-India handset - the C115. Built on the C11x series platform, the C115 is a mass market phone based on the sub US$ 40 handset category for emerging markets. The global tender for manufacturing the sub US$40 and US$30 phone was awarded to Motorola by the GSMA earlier this year. At the launch event Communication and IT minister Dayanidhi Maran presented the first five made in India C115 handsets to a varied but representative audience of ‘common man’ - an auto driver, a pan shop owner, a wrestler, nurse and a primary school teacher. The C115 is a compact and stylish mass market phone, with outstanding performance and ergonomic keypad. Its traditional eddy design merges quality with comfort at a very affordable price. The C115 comes with a blue screen and Hindi messaging capability. |
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| Date:
9/12/2005
Samsung
to set up a Handset Manufacturing Facility at Manesar in Gurgaon
Samsung
today announced its plans to set up a Handset Manufacturing Facility at
Manesar in Gurgaon, Haryana. This is Samsung's fourth overseas handset
manufacturing facility in the world after China, Brazil and Mexico. To
be set up with an investment of US$ 15 Million, this Facility will have
an initial Plant Capacity of 1 Million units per annum, which will be stepped
up to 20 Million units per annum by the Year 2010. "We plan to make this
Mobile Facility as the Manufacturing Hub for South West Asia," stated Mr.
H C Ryu, Director -Telecom, Samsung India, at a Press Conference held in
the Capital today. more...
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| Date:
9/12/2005
Samsung launches 3 new, advanced handsets in Indian market Samsung
further strengthened its mobile offering in the country, by launching 3
new, advanced Handsets in the market, thereby plugging various price points
in the market. The X 700, being launched today, is a 1.3 Megapixel, Triband,
Bar type phone with advanced features like GPRS Class 10, Bluetooth /USB
Connectivity, Stereo FM Radio, Video Recording and Messaging, External
Memory(Trans Flash) and Mobile Printing. It is priced at Rs.14, 699/-.
The SGH -N 710, being launched today, is an ultra light weight, stylish,
compact, Bar Phone. Weighing a mere 76 gms, this Dual band, B/W phone is
priced at Rs.3199/-. In the Folder category, Samsung introduced its stylish,
tri band, SGH -X660 in the Indian market. This handset has advanced features
like Video Recording and Messaging capability, Photo Caller Id, 8 Mb Dynamic
Memory, MP3 Ring tones, Speaker Phone and VGA/CMOS camera .It is priced
at Rs.8599/-. more...
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| Date:
7/12/2005
23.2 lakh GSM cellular subscribers added in the month of November 2005 According to latest figures released by COAI, 23.2 lakh GSM subscribers were added in the month of November 2005 which is a record monthly addition. It was 10% higher than the previous month. With this the total GSM subscriber base has risen to 5.5 cr. Of late the growth rate is more the eastern states. Bharti, BSNL, Hutch and IDEA are the leading GSM service providers with market share of 27.87%, 24.02%, 19.31% and 11.23% respectively. |
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| Date:
1/12/2005
Samsung Electronics Develops Image Enhancement Technology for Mobile Applications Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., a leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today announced a new technology to enhance the image quality of mid and small sized LCD panels. Jointly developed by Samsung Electronics and Samsung's Advanced Institute of Technology, this new mobile image enhancement (MIE) technology resolves the dark, unclear images on mid and small sized LCDs for mobile phones and handheld devices. With MIE technology, viewers can expect brighter and clearer onscreen images. more... |
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| Date:
1/12/2005
BenQ Aims to be Amongst the Top players in Lifestyle Digital Devices BenQ, one of the world's leading companies in the network digital devices at the first APAC Meet in beautiful landscapes of Agra has laid out strategies across all their product lines to consolidate their position in the APAC market. Spearheaded by the President of APAC, Adrian Chang the meeting was attended by 40 international delegates from different countries in the Asia Pacific Region. The meet spanned across for two days where they were intensive discussions to scale the product line BenQ in the APAC region. more... |
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Date:
30/11/2005
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| Date:
30/11/2005
O2 Surges to Pole Position in Worldwide Windows Mobile According to the latest IDC numbers, O2 has captured a third of the worldwide Windows Mobile converged mobile device market. It shipped out more than double the number of devices in the first half of 2005 than it did in the second half of 2004. This catapults O2 from fourth to first position, making it the No. 1 vendor of Worldwide Microsoft OS-based Converged Mobile Devices in the first half of 2005 (source: IDC, September 2005). The company now holds a significant lead over HP and T-Mobile, ranked second and third respectively. more... |
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| Date:
28/11/2005
IDEA Cellular chooses Nokia ICD solution to become India's 1st operator to charge differentially for data 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. 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. more... |
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| Date:
25/11/2005
Nokia introduces Videotones Nokia today announced the launch of its Videotones application for mobile users in India. Videotone is an innovative handset based application which allows users of Nokia Series 60 handsets to experience rich multimedia music and video on the move. Videotones can be downloaded through GPRS by sending an SMS vt to 5555. This would enable users to view their favourite music video every time the phone rings. Over the last few years, audio ringtones have evolved from mono to MIDI to masters (polyphonic) and now Videotones or Video Ringtones seem to be the latest trend. Being a pioneer in bringing new content and services to the mobile users, Nokia is the first handset manufacturer to provide this service in India. more... |
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| Date:
25/11/2005
Samsung Introduces New Motion Recognition Phone Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (Korea) introduces the SPH-S4000, a new motion-recognition phone with health monitoring and leisure functions. The S4000 has an innovative motion sensing capability, which allows user to have full control of MP3 playback simply by moving the phone from side to side. The motion sensing capability also adds a new dimension to mobile games and introduces a variety of new entertainment features. The beat-box, music box and motion effects functions are easily controlled by a simple movement by users' hand motion. The S4000 in addition has
a built-in pedometer that counts the number of steps taken by the user
throughout the day. In addition, the S4000's sophisticated sensors can
monitor temperature, while an onboard compass is always ready for those
users that enjoy traveling, hiking or outdoor activities. more...
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| Date:
16/11/2005
Samsung launches SGH - D600 in the Indian market
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| Date:
12/11/2005
IDEA launches SUPERPOWER! - Best of Talk Time, Best of Validity, Best of Tariffs... Idea Cellular announced the launch of India's first pre paid innovation devoid of boundaries. It is the first time a service provider will offer the customer a product with the freedom to control the validity of his voucher as well as control his talktime. Keeping in mind the limitations of the current prepaid offerings vis-à-vis calling rates, talk time and validity periods, in the marketplace, Idea Cellular has launched SUPERPOWER which offers the customer a "no-compromise" product with full talktime, Zero upfront processing fee and maximum validity on all vouchers. With a nominal daily deduction, Idea's SUPERPOWER is a win-win for all prepaid customers. more... |
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| Date:
10/11/2005
Hutchison Essar to refresh Hutch brand Hutchison Essar announced today that it will soon refresh the Hutch brand. It will be introducing an updated logo, a new image style/ graphics and colour palette which will give the brand a new look and feel. In a short span of time, Hutch has become well established in the country and was awarded the Most Creative Advertiser at the Abby's in 2003 as well as 2004. Hutchison Essar currently operates in 13 circles with over 10.16 million customers. more... |
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| Date:
9/11/2005
2.1 million GSM subscriber additions in October '05 COAI reported a record 2.1 million subscriber additions last month. With this the GSM Cellular Subscribers base has grown to 52.98 million by the end of October 2005. Highest growth rate was observed in Assam - (9%), Rajasthan, J&K, Himachal - (8%), UP(E) - (7%) and Bihar - (6%). |
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| Date:
9/11/2005
Govt. issued notification on hike in telecom FDI Government issued notification hiking FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in fixed-line and cellular service companies to 74% from 49% for which union cabinet had given its nod last month. According to the notification, "The total composite foreign holding, including, but not limited to investments by FIIs, NRIs, FCCBs, ADRs, GDRs, convertible preference shares and proportionate foreign investment in Indian promoters/investment companies, including holding entities, will be referred as FDI and will not exceed 74%," . The 74% FDI can be made directly or indirectly in the operating company or through a holding company. The remaining 26% to be owned by resident Indian citizens or an Indian company. The foreign component in the total holding in Indian public sector banks and FIs would be treated as Indian holding. All those companies going for FDI would have to disclose the status every six months. The notification also states
that the majority of Directors, Chairman, MD, CEO, CTO and CFO would have
to be resident Indian citizens. DoT would be empowered to notify key positions
to be held by such persons.
|
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| Date:
31/10/2005
!DEA launches 3 year Validity Voucher IDEA Cellular, a leading cellular operator of India, has once again established its commanding position of leadership by unveiling another first, !Power Validity voucher with three years of validity for its customers. Surpassing any similar effort till date in India's booming telecom market, IDEA is offering ! Power Validity voucher with - 3 years validity with Rs. 150/- talk-time for Rs. 2999/- and free incoming calls for a period of 3 years, which is very unique in telecom industry today; ! Power Validity voucher with 2 years validity with Rs.100/- talk-time for Rs.2199/- and free incoming calls for a period of 2 years. more... |
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| Date:
28/10/2005
Vodafone enters Indian market World's largest telecom service provider Vodafone Plc has picked up 10% stake in BTVL (Bharti TeleVentures Limited) for $1.5 billion. It is a British company that directly acquired Warburg Pincus's equity in BTVL of 5.65% and a beneficial 4.4% stake in BTVL. Vodafone will get two seats on the board of BTVL Mr.
Vikram Mehmi's comment on Bharti's Announcement on Vodafone was "This is
an extremely positive step for the industry. The investments by Vodafone
in BTVL is a major milestone in the history of telecom as it brings to
the forefront the potential of Indian telecom market in the eyes of International
investors".
|
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| Date:
28/10/2005
Pantech Launches PA-711 CDMA Mobile Handset exclusively for Tata Indicom's Revolutionary 'Non-Stop Mobile' service
|
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| Date:
28/10/2005
Spice Telecom kicks off New Strategic Initiatives Spice Telecom announced that Mr. Prakash Nanani has taken over as the Chief Executive Officer for Punjab & Karnataka circles. Mr. Nanani unveiled the new Spice logo, common to Spice group companies operating in the ICE (Information, Communication & Entertainment) sector. He also announced the launch of a first-of-its kind 'Life time validity' offer on Mahabuck for Spice pre-paid subscribers. 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. Spice Telecom is also in the process of consolidating and investing in various disciplines, like network and technology up gradation, increase in infrastructure and resources and also enhancement of the brand image." He also confirmed the news of the exit of Hong Kong based Distacom from the B.K.Modi promoted Spice Telecom. Mr. Navin Kaul, former COO, Punjab circle, has taken over as the COO, Karnataka circle. |
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| Date:
27/10/2005
Trading goes mobile with iWin on Nokia Phones Nokia and Financial Technologies India Ltd. today announced a strategic tie-up to make available 'i-Win(tm), India's first integrated realtime wireless internet information and trading platform for Nokia phones running on Series 60 and 80 software platforms. The multi-exchange, multi-segment application developed by Financial Technologies allows investors to view quotes and transact realtime from their broking accounts securely while on the move. more... |
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| Date:
26/10/2005
Nokia launches a range of affordable handsets to drive mobility in India
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| Date:
25/10/2005
IDEA's Diwali Dhamaka contest - *Dial 456 and win 22K Gold coin* To make this festive season a memorable one, India's leading cellular operator Idea Cellular Ltd, is offering a unique opportunity to its customers to win a 22K Gold coin through Diwali Dhamaka contest on Say Idea till November 20, 2005. Diwali Dhamaka contest on Say Idea is a quiz-based game, where customer needs to dial 456 and say, "Diwali" & score 10 points every time he/she answers the question correctly. Every day a customer who accumulates the maximum points will be entitled to win a 22k gold coin. more... |
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| Date:
22/10/2005
Union Cabinet clears 74% FDI in telecom sector Union Cabinet has approved hike in FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) limit in telecom service companies to 74% from 49%. FDI would include FIIs, NRI, Overseas Commercial Borrowing, FCCB, ADRs, GDRs, convertible preferential shares, proportionate foreign investment in Indian promoters and investment companies including their holding companies. The total holding of Indian public sector banks and Indian public sector financial institutions will be treated as 'Indian' holding. Telecom companies will get a period of four months from the date of the notification to comply with the 74% FDI cap. Telecom licencees will be required to disclose the status of foreign holding on a half-yearly basis. The 74% foreign investment can be made directly or indirectly in an operating company or through a holding company. The remaining 26% will be owned by resident Indian citizens or an Indian company. The government has put tough conditions while liberalising FDI limit to take care of the "national security" concerns. The policy envisages that the majority of Directors, Chairman, MD, CEO, CTO and CFO should be resident Indian citizens. The licensor shall also be empowered to notify any key position to be held by resident Indian citizens. Hutch and Bharti would be
the major beneficiaries of this increase in FDI limit.
|
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| Date:
21/10/2005
Nokia launches N70
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| Date:
21/10/2005
NOKIA Reiterates its vision of 'Life goes mobile' Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications demonstrated its vision of 'Life Goes Mobile' by showcasing how mobility is changing the way people work, play and stay connected at the second Mobile Expo in New Delhi. Nokia is the largest exhibitor (Hall No 12 A) at the second Mobile Expo 2005 which has been organized by CII and ICA between 21 - 24 October 2005 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. more... |
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Date:
21/10/2005
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| Date:
14/10/2005
Samsung announced its E-series of camera mobile phones in the Indian market
|
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| Date:
14/10/2005
LG launches M4410 GSM handset in India
|
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| Date:
11/10/2005
Flip or Cam with LG CDMA AD 6335 with Tata Indicom
|
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| Date:
10/10/2005
Watch your favourite Star programmes on your Hutch mobile! Hutchison Essar and Star India, India's number one network, today launched 'mobisodes' - one-minute video clips specifically designed to be watched on mobile phones. Star India have specially created mobisodes of Star One's highest rated comedy show---'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge' (TGILC), which will be available to Hutch subscribers across the country. more... |
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| Date:
7/10/2005
GSM subscribers cross 50 million mark According to latest COAI release, GSM cellular subscribers crossed 50 million mark with addition of around 2 million subscribers in September 2005. Category C circles continued to witness the highest rate of growth at 8.1% . Within the Category C circles, Bihar recorded highest additions (1,24,368 additions, 9.7% growth) followed by Jammu & Kashmir (56,557 additions, 12.8% growth). However
Delhi and Mumbai continued to dominate in terms of volume and market share.
Delhi continues to be the leading cellular market with 4.71 million subscribers
accounting for 9.3% market share, closely followed by Mumbai with 4.51
million subscribers accounting for 8.9% of the total market. On an overall
basis Metro subscribers grew by 2.8%.
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| Date:
5/10/2005
Nokia launches Nseries 'See New' Competition in India Nokia, the global leader in mobile communications, today announced that it has selected acclaimed Indian photographer, Mr. Raghu Rai, as its imaging ambassador for the Asia Pacific region in the Nokia Nseries 'See New' Competition. The competition is a Nokia Nseries global initiative aimed at increasing awareness for mobile photography. Along with Raghu Rai, Nokia has selected four high profile photographers including Juergen Teller from Germany, Jian Cheng Dong from China, American photographer Philip-Lorca DiCorcia and UK-based Nick Waplington, to spearhead this international photography competition across the globe. This program will be open to anyone above the age of 18 with a megapixel camera phone across the Asia Pacific. The winner will be selected based on the spontaneous creativity and sharpness of images captured by the participants and will get to spend a day with one of the photographers assisting on a commercial photoshoot. more... |
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