Samsung Electronics and the defense contractor, Thales are to jointly develop and market a 4G based PMR (Public Mobile Radio) plaform for use by public safety and security organisations. Through their partnership, Thales and Samsung Electronics are creating the first offer supporting both mobile WiMAX and LTE as well as the TETRA European public security standard.
The solution offers a full compatibility with existing PMR networks. In order to provide that ability, Thales is using its TeMax system, a high speed PMR radio solution, to which Samsung's radio technology has now been added.
Thales's customers in public sector are expected to be able to improve communications by using various services such as video surveillance, multimedia data transmission while reducing the cost for network deployment and operation.
"This unique and innovative integration of 4G technologies and TETRA will make more advanced and efficient communications under guaranteed security. Also, it will be a significant step further to expand addressable markets." said Mr. Woonsub Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the Telecommunication Systems Business at Samsung. "Based on the numerous experiences in communication market, Samsung will create the best-fit solution for specific client."
Showing posts with label Information. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Information. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
IPhone 4 Drives Adoption of BSI Image Sensors in Smart Phones
Backside Illumination (BSI) sensors - the sort used in the mobile camera of Apple's iPhone 4 - are leading the charge in a newly resurgent market for image sensors in general, and other handset manufacturers are likely to follow Apple's bold move to boost image-capture possibilities in smart phones, according to market research firm iSuppli Corp.
Shipments of BSI sensors for mid- to high-end smart handsets are projected to reach 33.4 million units in 2010, up from virtually nil last year. The market will continue to post sizable increases during the next four years and rise almost tenfold to over 300 million units by 2014, consumer electronics research from iSuppli indicates.
The startling growth of BSI sensors is completely in line with the robust, double-digit expansion projected this year for the overall area image sensor market as it recovers from the economic downturn and also penetrate new applications. Area image sensor shipments in 2010 will hit 1.7 billion units, up 20 percent from 1.4 billion units in 2009, with revenue during the same period climbing to $6.9 billion, up from $5.9 billion.
In the case of Apple's iPhone 4, which arrived in June, a 5-megapixel BSI image sensor from OmniVision Technologies is credited with enhancing image quality taken with the smart phone's camera, said Pamela Tufegdzic, analyst for consumer electronics at iSuppli.
The BSI architecture in the iPhone 4 employs a 1.75-micron-pixel sensor that improves light absorption, resulting in better image quality in low-light conditions. The bigger pixel size, compared to traditional Frontside Illumination (FSI) sensors, is also ideal for high-definition video recording.
"With Apple tending to shape trends, handset OEMS are likely to follow suit and incorporate enhanced cameras with BSI image sensors," Tufegdzic noted. "BSI sensors will first see utilization in high-end mobile handsets, and then gradually make their way into the camera phones of lower-cost feature handsets as the price of BSI sensors comes down."
By 2014, approximately 75 percent of mid- to higher-end smart phones will include BSI sensors - a huge leap from the 14 percent projected for the end of this year, she noted.
CMOS or CCD?
Within the image sensor market, sensors employing Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology - such as the BSI type - are on the ascent, trumping their rival Charge Coupled Device (CCD) counterparts.
Already the mainstream image sensor technology in mobile handsets and digital SLR cameras, CMOS is making its way into lower-end, point-and-shoot cameras. Furthermore, the sensors are used in an increasing number of computers for webcam video, as well as in various automotive applications such as blind-spot detection, parking assist and infrared night vision.
In comparison, the fortunes of CCD sensors - which cost more to produce - continue to decline, iSuppli's consumer electronics research shows. By 2014, CCD sensor shipments will be off by nearly half of their levels in 2008, with the market inexorably heading in the direction of CMOS image sensors.
Shipments of BSI sensors for mid- to high-end smart handsets are projected to reach 33.4 million units in 2010, up from virtually nil last year. The market will continue to post sizable increases during the next four years and rise almost tenfold to over 300 million units by 2014, consumer electronics research from iSuppli indicates.
The startling growth of BSI sensors is completely in line with the robust, double-digit expansion projected this year for the overall area image sensor market as it recovers from the economic downturn and also penetrate new applications. Area image sensor shipments in 2010 will hit 1.7 billion units, up 20 percent from 1.4 billion units in 2009, with revenue during the same period climbing to $6.9 billion, up from $5.9 billion.
In the case of Apple's iPhone 4, which arrived in June, a 5-megapixel BSI image sensor from OmniVision Technologies is credited with enhancing image quality taken with the smart phone's camera, said Pamela Tufegdzic, analyst for consumer electronics at iSuppli.
The BSI architecture in the iPhone 4 employs a 1.75-micron-pixel sensor that improves light absorption, resulting in better image quality in low-light conditions. The bigger pixel size, compared to traditional Frontside Illumination (FSI) sensors, is also ideal for high-definition video recording.
"With Apple tending to shape trends, handset OEMS are likely to follow suit and incorporate enhanced cameras with BSI image sensors," Tufegdzic noted. "BSI sensors will first see utilization in high-end mobile handsets, and then gradually make their way into the camera phones of lower-cost feature handsets as the price of BSI sensors comes down."
By 2014, approximately 75 percent of mid- to higher-end smart phones will include BSI sensors - a huge leap from the 14 percent projected for the end of this year, she noted.
CMOS or CCD?
Within the image sensor market, sensors employing Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology - such as the BSI type - are on the ascent, trumping their rival Charge Coupled Device (CCD) counterparts.
Already the mainstream image sensor technology in mobile handsets and digital SLR cameras, CMOS is making its way into lower-end, point-and-shoot cameras. Furthermore, the sensors are used in an increasing number of computers for webcam video, as well as in various automotive applications such as blind-spot detection, parking assist and infrared night vision.
In comparison, the fortunes of CCD sensors - which cost more to produce - continue to decline, iSuppli's consumer electronics research shows. By 2014, CCD sensor shipments will be off by nearly half of their levels in 2008, with the market inexorably heading in the direction of CMOS image sensors.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Internet Live Radio Stations
Free internet live radio stations from various categories of radio online and news worldwide. The internet radio will be broadcasting and streaming live to your computer.
More station radio visit at www.internetliveradio.co.cc
More station radio visit at www.internetliveradio.co.cc
Huawei Reported to Have Won Indian 3G Network Contract
China's Huawei is reported to have won a managed services 3G network supply contract from India's Tata Teleservices (TTSL). According to media reports, citing a statement from Huawei, Tata Teleservices has selected the Chinese vendor to roll out network in five circles.
Tata Teleservices has 3G licenses covering nine circles.
The media reports did not offer an indication as to the value of the contract or the timeline for the rollout.
The contract for the other four circles had already been given to Nokia Siemens Networks - also for managed services and network deployment.
Tata Teleservices has 3G licenses covering nine circles.
The media reports did not offer an indication as to the value of the contract or the timeline for the rollout.
The contract for the other four circles had already been given to Nokia Siemens Networks - also for managed services and network deployment.
Brazil, Russia, India, China, and Indonesia to Have 1.2 Billion Internet Users by 2015
In 2009, the BRICI countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China, and Indonesia - had some 610 million Internet users, and this number is growing at a blistering pace: it will nearly double by 2015, hitting around 1.2 billion users, according to a new report by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
"The Internet is already having a fundamental impact on consumption patterns, and the patterns we're seeing are significantly different from those in the United States and Japan," says report coauthor David Michael, who heads BCG's Global Advantage practice. "Companies relying solely on traditional means for reaching consumers in the emerging markets need to understand the impact that the shift to digital media is going to have."
Because the BRICI countries constitute many of the world's most populous nations, it may come as little surprise that their digital-consumer ranks will swell so quickly. However, the truly remarkable development is how quickly online activity is shifting into the mainstream of these societies. Although there are only 440 million PCs in the BRICI countries at present, this number should more than double by 2015 - and Internet cafés and mobile devices will also act as important means of digital access.
The habits exhibited in the BRICI countries differ markedly from those in the developed markets - for instance, instant messaging is vastly more popular, as are online music and games. There are remarkable variations among the BRICI countries as well. Social networking is more popular in Indonesia and Brazil than in any of the other BRICI countries - or even in the developed markets. And while an extremely high percentage of Indian digital consumers use e-mail, Chinese Internet users have gravitated toward instant messaging.
Among the most prominent trends is that BRICI digital consumers are far more likely to be meeting their digital needs through mobile phones than through personal computers. With PC penetration still quite low, mobile phones are cheaper and more convenient tools for both communicating and seeking out entertainment - already, the BRICI countries have around 1.8 billion mobile-phone SIM card subscriptions, more than four times the combined total of those in the United States and Japan. In fact, as sophisticated handsets become available in the BRICI markets, millions of BRICI digital consumers are leapfrogging over PC usage and going online via their mobile phones, a trend that has significant implications for their Internet-usage habits.
In addition, BRICI Internet users are unusually young - more than 60 percent of digital consumers are under the age of 35 - which means that although the online habits of BRICI consumers are still being formed, these behavior patterns will have broad implications for future online activity. As they earn ever-higher incomes and develop more complex online needs, digital companies will see colossal opportunities to monetize services and products - provided that they can keep up with the pace of change in the BRICI digital markets.
Beyond examining broad trends in the BRICI countries, the report also breaks down digital usage patterns and their stages of market development on a country-by-country basis. In general, although there are market similarities across user segments, the digital markets in Brazil and Russia are more advanced than those in India and Indonesia. Meanwhile, China is far beyond its fellow BRICI markets - Internet and mobile phone use are deeply embedded in the lives of hundreds of millions of Chinese people. One reason that it is important to understand the Chinese digital market is that it offers a pointed reminder of how rapid and unexpected the pace of change in other BRICI markets may be in terms of Internet penetration rates, the number of hours spent online per day, and e-commerce adoption. Understanding the course of development in these markets will provide valuable insight into their long-term growth potential.
But the danger in marveling at the pace of BRICI digital adoption is that it is easy to overlook the fact that the BRICI digital revolution is already well under way. The crucial backdrop to the development of the BRICI digital markets is the diversity and size of the companies that serve these digital needs, such as China's Tencent or Alibaba.com.
"The commercial opportunities in these digital markets are rapidly evolving," says report coauthor Yvonne Zhou, a principal in BCG's Beijing office, "and the presence of strong local competitors in many of these markets means that the 'incumbent' digital-market leaders in the United States and Europe should not take success in the BRICI countries for granted.".
"The Internet is already having a fundamental impact on consumption patterns, and the patterns we're seeing are significantly different from those in the United States and Japan," says report coauthor David Michael, who heads BCG's Global Advantage practice. "Companies relying solely on traditional means for reaching consumers in the emerging markets need to understand the impact that the shift to digital media is going to have."
Because the BRICI countries constitute many of the world's most populous nations, it may come as little surprise that their digital-consumer ranks will swell so quickly. However, the truly remarkable development is how quickly online activity is shifting into the mainstream of these societies. Although there are only 440 million PCs in the BRICI countries at present, this number should more than double by 2015 - and Internet cafés and mobile devices will also act as important means of digital access.
The habits exhibited in the BRICI countries differ markedly from those in the developed markets - for instance, instant messaging is vastly more popular, as are online music and games. There are remarkable variations among the BRICI countries as well. Social networking is more popular in Indonesia and Brazil than in any of the other BRICI countries - or even in the developed markets. And while an extremely high percentage of Indian digital consumers use e-mail, Chinese Internet users have gravitated toward instant messaging.
Among the most prominent trends is that BRICI digital consumers are far more likely to be meeting their digital needs through mobile phones than through personal computers. With PC penetration still quite low, mobile phones are cheaper and more convenient tools for both communicating and seeking out entertainment - already, the BRICI countries have around 1.8 billion mobile-phone SIM card subscriptions, more than four times the combined total of those in the United States and Japan. In fact, as sophisticated handsets become available in the BRICI markets, millions of BRICI digital consumers are leapfrogging over PC usage and going online via their mobile phones, a trend that has significant implications for their Internet-usage habits.
In addition, BRICI Internet users are unusually young - more than 60 percent of digital consumers are under the age of 35 - which means that although the online habits of BRICI consumers are still being formed, these behavior patterns will have broad implications for future online activity. As they earn ever-higher incomes and develop more complex online needs, digital companies will see colossal opportunities to monetize services and products - provided that they can keep up with the pace of change in the BRICI digital markets.
Beyond examining broad trends in the BRICI countries, the report also breaks down digital usage patterns and their stages of market development on a country-by-country basis. In general, although there are market similarities across user segments, the digital markets in Brazil and Russia are more advanced than those in India and Indonesia. Meanwhile, China is far beyond its fellow BRICI markets - Internet and mobile phone use are deeply embedded in the lives of hundreds of millions of Chinese people. One reason that it is important to understand the Chinese digital market is that it offers a pointed reminder of how rapid and unexpected the pace of change in other BRICI markets may be in terms of Internet penetration rates, the number of hours spent online per day, and e-commerce adoption. Understanding the course of development in these markets will provide valuable insight into their long-term growth potential.
But the danger in marveling at the pace of BRICI digital adoption is that it is easy to overlook the fact that the BRICI digital revolution is already well under way. The crucial backdrop to the development of the BRICI digital markets is the diversity and size of the companies that serve these digital needs, such as China's Tencent or Alibaba.com.
"The commercial opportunities in these digital markets are rapidly evolving," says report coauthor Yvonne Zhou, a principal in BCG's Beijing office, "and the presence of strong local competitors in many of these markets means that the 'incumbent' digital-market leaders in the United States and Europe should not take success in the BRICI countries for granted.".
Samsung Wireless USB Chipset Supports Data Transmission Between CE Devices
Samsung Electronics has introduced its latest wireless universal serial bus (USB) solution, developed using Ultra Wide Band (UWB) technology. Offered in a two-chip set, Samsung's newest S3C2680/ S5M8311 WUSB solution enables content to be wirelessly transmitted from a mobile host device to a tethered device for viewing.
Initial applications are cameras, camcorders, TVs and PCs with prospects for adoption in other applications including mobile phones.
"The ability to handle wireless high-speed data transmission while consuming less power is a key requirement for many consumer electronic devices," said Yiwan Wong, vice president, System LSI marketing, Samsung Electronics. "Due to power/performance issues, previous generations of WUSB products were unable to meet the consumers' expectations. Samsung's new WUSB chipset delivers up to 480Mbps data transmission rate, at an average power consumption of less than 300mW. This level of power efficiency greatly increases the attractiveness of WUSB connectivity in consumer electronic and mobile applications."
Manufactured using its 65nm low power logic process technology, Samsung's new WUSB chipset is a combination of a system-on-chip (SoC) baseband processor and an RF transceiver. The new solution can be applied in an SD card form factor, in USB dongles, or embedded in consumer and mobile applications. It allows wireless transmission at an actual information throughput rate of over 200Mbps with power efficiency ten times greater than that of the 802.11g WiFi standard.
With an embedded NAND flash memory controller built in, Samsung's new WUSB chipset is the only product in the market that can support WUSB-enabled SD cards. This type of WSUB-enabled SD card allows pictures and video captured with a digital camera or camcorder to be transmitted wirelessly from the device to a host computer, a TV or a PC monitor for viewing without any wire connections to download the contents from the SD card.
Samsung's chipset is now sampling to select customers. The chipset is slated for mass production in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Initial applications are cameras, camcorders, TVs and PCs with prospects for adoption in other applications including mobile phones.
"The ability to handle wireless high-speed data transmission while consuming less power is a key requirement for many consumer electronic devices," said Yiwan Wong, vice president, System LSI marketing, Samsung Electronics. "Due to power/performance issues, previous generations of WUSB products were unable to meet the consumers' expectations. Samsung's new WUSB chipset delivers up to 480Mbps data transmission rate, at an average power consumption of less than 300mW. This level of power efficiency greatly increases the attractiveness of WUSB connectivity in consumer electronic and mobile applications."
Manufactured using its 65nm low power logic process technology, Samsung's new WUSB chipset is a combination of a system-on-chip (SoC) baseband processor and an RF transceiver. The new solution can be applied in an SD card form factor, in USB dongles, or embedded in consumer and mobile applications. It allows wireless transmission at an actual information throughput rate of over 200Mbps with power efficiency ten times greater than that of the 802.11g WiFi standard.
With an embedded NAND flash memory controller built in, Samsung's new WUSB chipset is the only product in the market that can support WUSB-enabled SD cards. This type of WSUB-enabled SD card allows pictures and video captured with a digital camera or camcorder to be transmitted wirelessly from the device to a host computer, a TV or a PC monitor for viewing without any wire connections to download the contents from the SD card.
Samsung's chipset is now sampling to select customers. The chipset is slated for mass production in the fourth quarter of 2010.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Digicel to Start Mobile Money Services in Pacific Markets
Digicel Fiji has outlined details of its forthcoming mobile money service, which offers its subscribers a range of mobile financial capabilities including the ability to transfer money to friends and family nationwide, top up your phone and pay Digicel post-paid bills.
Fiji is the first of Digicel's six Pacific markets to make this service available and Digicel plans to roll-out "Digicel Mobile Money" across all Digicel Pacific markets.
The service, offered in partnership with Post Fiji and Westpac in the coming weeks, will see Digicel phones become electronic wallets offering customers a convenient and secure way to transfer money to any mobile phone in Fiji, pay Digicel post-paid bills, top-up and deposit or withdraw cash from their electronic wallets.
Customers will be able to deposit and withdraw money through their Mobile Money accounts at selected Post Fiji outlets and Digicel stores nationwide, and at Westpac branches in the coming weeks. The number of outlets is set to reach 100 in the coming weeks, covering every corner of Fiji through Digicel, Post Fiji and Westpac's national network.
The project, in development for over ten months, is regulated by the Reserve Bank of Fiji and supported by the United Nations Development Programme's Pacific Financial Inclusion Fund (PFIP) and the GSM Association (GSMA) with a view to promoting financial inclusion within Fiji and the Pacific Islands. Digicel Mobile Money aims to assist in addressing the needs of the 70% of Fijians who do not have access to basic financial services.
Stephen Breen, Digicel Pacific Mobile Money Director, said; ""Digicel Mobile Money will transform the way our customers receive, handle, transfer money and pay bills. Digicel's partnership with Post Fiji and Westpac means we can provide simple, accessible financial transactions to the thousands of Fijians throughout the country who do not have access to basic financial services. We are very grateful to the Reserve Bank of Fiji, the United Nations Development Programme and the GSMA for their support and assistance in the development of this project and we can, together, look forward to the positive impact of Digicel Mobile Money on communities in Fiji."
Tillman Bruett, Technical Advisor of the United Nations Development Programme's PFIP said; "This project is a very important step in bringing access to safe and affordable financial services to the estimated 70% of Pacific islanders that are unbanked. The majority of low income households in the Pacific need an affordable and safe means to store and move money. We are supporting a number of initiatives in the region and are happy to be working with Digicel in Fiji and elsewhere to meet this need."
PFIP has received funding support through the Australian Aid Program to assist Digicel with the introduction of the Mobile-Wallet technology in Fiji, which is considered a key innovation for broadening access to financial services for the most remote and rural communities in the country.
Article published on 15th July 2010
Fiji is the first of Digicel's six Pacific markets to make this service available and Digicel plans to roll-out "Digicel Mobile Money" across all Digicel Pacific markets.
The service, offered in partnership with Post Fiji and Westpac in the coming weeks, will see Digicel phones become electronic wallets offering customers a convenient and secure way to transfer money to any mobile phone in Fiji, pay Digicel post-paid bills, top-up and deposit or withdraw cash from their electronic wallets.
Customers will be able to deposit and withdraw money through their Mobile Money accounts at selected Post Fiji outlets and Digicel stores nationwide, and at Westpac branches in the coming weeks. The number of outlets is set to reach 100 in the coming weeks, covering every corner of Fiji through Digicel, Post Fiji and Westpac's national network.
The project, in development for over ten months, is regulated by the Reserve Bank of Fiji and supported by the United Nations Development Programme's Pacific Financial Inclusion Fund (PFIP) and the GSM Association (GSMA) with a view to promoting financial inclusion within Fiji and the Pacific Islands. Digicel Mobile Money aims to assist in addressing the needs of the 70% of Fijians who do not have access to basic financial services.
Stephen Breen, Digicel Pacific Mobile Money Director, said; ""Digicel Mobile Money will transform the way our customers receive, handle, transfer money and pay bills. Digicel's partnership with Post Fiji and Westpac means we can provide simple, accessible financial transactions to the thousands of Fijians throughout the country who do not have access to basic financial services. We are very grateful to the Reserve Bank of Fiji, the United Nations Development Programme and the GSMA for their support and assistance in the development of this project and we can, together, look forward to the positive impact of Digicel Mobile Money on communities in Fiji."
Tillman Bruett, Technical Advisor of the United Nations Development Programme's PFIP said; "This project is a very important step in bringing access to safe and affordable financial services to the estimated 70% of Pacific islanders that are unbanked. The majority of low income households in the Pacific need an affordable and safe means to store and move money. We are supporting a number of initiatives in the region and are happy to be working with Digicel in Fiji and elsewhere to meet this need."
PFIP has received funding support through the Australian Aid Program to assist Digicel with the introduction of the Mobile-Wallet technology in Fiji, which is considered a key innovation for broadening access to financial services for the most remote and rural communities in the country.
Article published on 15th July 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
Sagem Wireless and ST-Ericsson to Partner on LTE
Sagem Wireless and ST-Ericsson have announced plans to partner on the development of multimode LTE/HSPA+ reference designs, devices and modules. Sagem Wireless and ST-Ericsson are collaborating on a multimode platform, which can connect to LTE, HSPA+, 3G and GSM networks, to develop a mobile broadband modem to be launched before the end of 2010.
Supporting downlink speeds of up to 100 Mbps via LTE and 21 Mbps via HSPA+, Sagem Wireless' dongle modems will enable Internet Gateways to offer ultra high speed wireless access.
"We have developed our multimode platform to enable people to connect to the best available mobile network wherever they are, whether that be with LTE, HSPA+, 3G or GSM, switching between different access technologies effortlessly and seamlessly," said Pascal Langlois, Senior Vice President, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of ST-Ericsson. "The fact that the platform is ready to make its debut in commercial devices in 2010 further underlines ST-Ericsson's strong position in the development of LTE device platforms and Sagem Wireless' system-level and RF integration expertise."
There are now 61 live commercial HSPA+ networks in 34 countries and 80 mobile operators, spanning 33 countries, are committed to deploying LTE, according to the GSM Association.
Article published on 8th July 2010
Supporting downlink speeds of up to 100 Mbps via LTE and 21 Mbps via HSPA+, Sagem Wireless' dongle modems will enable Internet Gateways to offer ultra high speed wireless access.
"We have developed our multimode platform to enable people to connect to the best available mobile network wherever they are, whether that be with LTE, HSPA+, 3G or GSM, switching between different access technologies effortlessly and seamlessly," said Pascal Langlois, Senior Vice President, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of ST-Ericsson. "The fact that the platform is ready to make its debut in commercial devices in 2010 further underlines ST-Ericsson's strong position in the development of LTE device platforms and Sagem Wireless' system-level and RF integration expertise."
There are now 61 live commercial HSPA+ networks in 34 countries and 80 mobile operators, spanning 33 countries, are committed to deploying LTE, according to the GSM Association.
Article published on 8th July 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
NTT DoCoMo Shows Interest in Making Telecom Investment in Pakistan
July 7, 2010
Japan’s DOCOMO is the equivalent of PTCL in Pakistan. Back in 90s they started facing more competition after regulations changed in Japan. They have been looking abroad to extend their business. Political issues notwithstanding, this could be a good deal for both Japan and Pakistan. As reported by The News:
Japan’s largest mobile telecom company, NTT-DOCOMO, has expressed its interest to invest in Pakistan and to enter into a joint-venture with a local mobile operator, a senior official said on Friday.
Iftikhar Babar, Economic Minister in Pakistan Embassy in Tokyo told The News after his visit to NTT-DOCOMO head office that Japan’s premier provider of leading-edge mobile voice data and multimedia service company with more than 56 million customers in Japan is one of the world’s largest mobile phone operators.
The company with a market share of 50 percent is a subsidiary of government of Japan. The capital of the company stood at 949 billion yen and operating revenues stood at four trillion yen, he said. During 2009, the company earned an income of 840 billion yen.
The company had invested $2.6 billion in India and is engaged in joint venture with Tata Teleservices Limited.
It has also invested $400 million in a Bangladeshi mobile company recently following its intention to expand its business in developing countries.
During a briefing to company executives recently, Babar gave a detailed presentation on the growth potential of Pakistan telecom industry.
The company executives were also informed about the incentives package, concessions and facilities being offered to the foreign investors, the statement said, adding that the Japanese officials expressed their interest to start a joint venture with a mobile operator in Pakistan.
Japan’s DOCOMO is the equivalent of PTCL in Pakistan. Back in 90s they started facing more competition after regulations changed in Japan. They have been looking abroad to extend their business. Political issues notwithstanding, this could be a good deal for both Japan and Pakistan. As reported by The News:
Japan’s largest mobile telecom company, NTT-DOCOMO, has expressed its interest to invest in Pakistan and to enter into a joint-venture with a local mobile operator, a senior official said on Friday.
Iftikhar Babar, Economic Minister in Pakistan Embassy in Tokyo told The News after his visit to NTT-DOCOMO head office that Japan’s premier provider of leading-edge mobile voice data and multimedia service company with more than 56 million customers in Japan is one of the world’s largest mobile phone operators.
The company with a market share of 50 percent is a subsidiary of government of Japan. The capital of the company stood at 949 billion yen and operating revenues stood at four trillion yen, he said. During 2009, the company earned an income of 840 billion yen.
The company had invested $2.6 billion in India and is engaged in joint venture with Tata Teleservices Limited.
It has also invested $400 million in a Bangladeshi mobile company recently following its intention to expand its business in developing countries.
During a briefing to company executives recently, Babar gave a detailed presentation on the growth potential of Pakistan telecom industry.
The company executives were also informed about the incentives package, concessions and facilities being offered to the foreign investors, the statement said, adding that the Japanese officials expressed their interest to start a joint venture with a mobile operator in Pakistan.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Cambodian Network Outlines Expansion Plans
Cambodian mobile network, QB has begun its planned expansion to cover Cambodia's entire population by the end of the year, according to CEO Alan Sinfield. In an interview with local newspaper, The Post, he noted that the network operator currently covers just Phnom Penh and six or seven other metropolitan areas.
"It's going to be hard to achieve [100 percent population coverage], but certainly that's our main goal," he said, though he declined to disclose the cost of the expansion or the number of towers to be added.
The plans have been backed by QB's parent company, Cambodian Advance Communications.
"Our investors view Cambodia as a developing country very positively, seeing great potential, and are keen to be a part of this," he said. He declined to reveal investors' identities.
On the web: The Post
Article published on 5th July 2010
"It's going to be hard to achieve [100 percent population coverage], but certainly that's our main goal," he said, though he declined to disclose the cost of the expansion or the number of towers to be added.
The plans have been backed by QB's parent company, Cambodian Advance Communications.
"Our investors view Cambodia as a developing country very positively, seeing great potential, and are keen to be a part of this," he said. He declined to reveal investors' identities.
On the web: The Post
Article published on 5th July 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Nigeria to Lead Africa in Telecom Growth Through 2014
Nigeria will reign as Africa's fastest-growing telecom market over the next five years, fueled by several new entrants, the launch of mobile value-added and broadband services, and most recently by the introduction of mobile number portability and mobile termination rate cuts that will drive even more market competition, according to a new report from Pyramid Research.
"Telecom industry liberalization has pushed market penetration of telecom services in Nigeria from just 1.2% in 2002 to an estimated 48.9% at the end of 2009, thanks to the entry of new operators, the expansion of CDMA operators into mobile services, the provision of low-cost services, and the expansion of coverage to underserved areas," says Badii Kechiche, Senior Analyst at Pyramid Research and author of this report. "2010 will see the introduction of mobile number portability and mobile termination rate cuts, which we expect to improve competitiveness despite the short-term impact on interconnect revenue and subscription growth," says Kechiche.
Nigeria is one of the most competitive markets in Africa, with more than double the average number of operators than any other African country, Kechiche notes. "Operators have been investing in and upgrading their networks to meet demand, since they realize that their success will be based on a differentiated service quality, attractive services, and a good value proposition," he adds.
Article published on 24th June 2010
"Telecom industry liberalization has pushed market penetration of telecom services in Nigeria from just 1.2% in 2002 to an estimated 48.9% at the end of 2009, thanks to the entry of new operators, the expansion of CDMA operators into mobile services, the provision of low-cost services, and the expansion of coverage to underserved areas," says Badii Kechiche, Senior Analyst at Pyramid Research and author of this report. "2010 will see the introduction of mobile number portability and mobile termination rate cuts, which we expect to improve competitiveness despite the short-term impact on interconnect revenue and subscription growth," says Kechiche.
Nigeria is one of the most competitive markets in Africa, with more than double the average number of operators than any other African country, Kechiche notes. "Operators have been investing in and upgrading their networks to meet demand, since they realize that their success will be based on a differentiated service quality, attractive services, and a good value proposition," he adds.
Article published on 24th June 2010
Viruses Designed for IPhones Can Also Infect IPads
An antivirus vendor, PandaLabs has revealed that malware designed to infect Apple's iPhones can also compromise the iPad.
"This doesn't mean we're about to face an avalanche of infections. We have always stated that as Apple increases its market share, cyber-crooks will begin to show more interest in targeting the platform," said Luis Corrons, technical director of PandaLabs. "However, we are certainly beginning to see more proofs of concept, and so advise all Mac users to follow the manufacturer's recommendations to maximize security on their operating systems."
Despite the fact that Apple has made it impossible to install peripherals and software outside of those found in its own App Store, cyber-criminals have found a way to infect jailbroken iPad devices with malware.
All malware designed for iPhones, such as the iPhone/Eeki.A worm that PandaLabs warned about last year, will have the same ability to infect and spread to iPad devices due to the iPad and the iPhone sharing the same operating system, known as iOS. Apple released iOS 4, the new version of its operating system, this Monday.
The iPhone/Eeki.A worm infected jailbroken iPhones. Jailbreaking refers to the process by which criminals tamper with iPhones in order to install applications that are not available in the official Apple App Store. In addition to the iPad, malware designed for the iPhone can also infect the iPad touch.
Article published on 24th June 2010
"This doesn't mean we're about to face an avalanche of infections. We have always stated that as Apple increases its market share, cyber-crooks will begin to show more interest in targeting the platform," said Luis Corrons, technical director of PandaLabs. "However, we are certainly beginning to see more proofs of concept, and so advise all Mac users to follow the manufacturer's recommendations to maximize security on their operating systems."
Despite the fact that Apple has made it impossible to install peripherals and software outside of those found in its own App Store, cyber-criminals have found a way to infect jailbroken iPad devices with malware.
All malware designed for iPhones, such as the iPhone/Eeki.A worm that PandaLabs warned about last year, will have the same ability to infect and spread to iPad devices due to the iPad and the iPhone sharing the same operating system, known as iOS. Apple released iOS 4, the new version of its operating system, this Monday.
The iPhone/Eeki.A worm infected jailbroken iPhones. Jailbreaking refers to the process by which criminals tamper with iPhones in order to install applications that are not available in the official Apple App Store. In addition to the iPad, malware designed for the iPhone can also infect the iPad touch.
Article published on 24th June 2010
Telkom Kenya Gets 3G License with Government Loan
Telkom Kenya is to receive a shareholder loan from the government - which owns 49% of the company - to fund the purchase of a 3G license. The government sold a 51% stake to France Telecom in 2007, but the two parties have been in dispute since then over the US$369 million price paid.
"We are giving them a shareholder loan through which they will pay (for 3G licence) so it's actually funded by Telkom itself through a shareholder loan by the government," Esther Koimett, investment secretary at the ministry of finance, told Reuters by phone.
Although the value of the loan was not specified, it is presumed to be around the same level as the US$10 million that the 3G license will cost.
The company has also confirmed that it will launch its 3G network sometime in the fourth quarter of this year. The company has already deployed a trial network in ten locations and started live tests last December.
On the web: Reuters
Article published on 24th June 2010
"We are giving them a shareholder loan through which they will pay (for 3G licence) so it's actually funded by Telkom itself through a shareholder loan by the government," Esther Koimett, investment secretary at the ministry of finance, told Reuters by phone.
Although the value of the loan was not specified, it is presumed to be around the same level as the US$10 million that the 3G license will cost.
The company has also confirmed that it will launch its 3G network sometime in the fourth quarter of this year. The company has already deployed a trial network in ten locations and started live tests last December.
On the web: Reuters
Article published on 24th June 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Singapore and Malaysia Studying Possibility of Lowering Mobile Roaming Rates
Singapore and Malaysia have both made a commitment to explore ways to reduce the prevailing roaming rates for mobile phone users, according to a statement from Mr Lui Tuck Yew, Acting Minister For Information, Communications and The Arts, Singapore and H.E. Dr Rais Yatim, Minister of Information, Communications and Culture, Malaysia.
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are currently seeking operators' feedback on a proposal that seeks to progressively reduce the mobile roaming rates charged to Singapore and Malaysia mobile phone users, by up to 30 percent for voice calls and up to 50 percent for SMSes when they use the mobile roaming service provided by all mobile operators in Malaysia and Singapore respectively.
This proposal would be implemented through reductions of both the wholesale inter-operator charges and the retail end user charges, and will be contingent on both countries following through the agreement. Further details will be available only after both agencies have completed discussions with their respective operators.
Both the IDA and MCMC expect to provide an update on this proposal in 3Q 2010.
The telecom regulators for both countries, IDA and MCMC have been studying the rates charged by mobile operators of both countries to better understand the prevailing industry practice and charging model. As mobile roaming charges involve different price components charged by operators from both countries, any study of and regulatory requirement to reduce roaming charges will require coordination and cooperation between both regulators to ensure that users from both countries benefit from the decision.
Article published on 18th June 2010
The Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) are currently seeking operators' feedback on a proposal that seeks to progressively reduce the mobile roaming rates charged to Singapore and Malaysia mobile phone users, by up to 30 percent for voice calls and up to 50 percent for SMSes when they use the mobile roaming service provided by all mobile operators in Malaysia and Singapore respectively.
This proposal would be implemented through reductions of both the wholesale inter-operator charges and the retail end user charges, and will be contingent on both countries following through the agreement. Further details will be available only after both agencies have completed discussions with their respective operators.
Both the IDA and MCMC expect to provide an update on this proposal in 3Q 2010.
The telecom regulators for both countries, IDA and MCMC have been studying the rates charged by mobile operators of both countries to better understand the prevailing industry practice and charging model. As mobile roaming charges involve different price components charged by operators from both countries, any study of and regulatory requirement to reduce roaming charges will require coordination and cooperation between both regulators to ensure that users from both countries benefit from the decision.
Article published on 18th June 2010
Telstra and Nokia Siemens Networks LTE Trial Achieves 100Mbps at 75km
Australia's Telstra and Nokia Siemens Networks have successfully achieved LTE peak speeds of 100Mbps download and 31Mbps upload over a record-breaking distance of 75 kilometres in regional Victoria.
The two companies are testing the application of LTE technology in regional areas through a combination of laboratory and long range field testing to determine the limitations that physical distance imposes on the LTE customer experience.
Michael Rocca, Chief Operations Officer, said the range testing is of critical importance for the future of this technology in regional Australia.
"Australia has the sixth largest landmass with the ninth lowest population density in the world so any technology we introduce has to travel long distances, cover large areas and still perform to the levels Telstra customers have come to enjoy.
"Telstra's Next G network does this extremely well today and we want to ensure that when we bring LTE technology to Australian consumers, our customer experience remains one of the best in the world," Mr Rocca said.
The extended range field trial was conducted between Mount Hope and Mount Burrumboot in central Victoria by engineers from Telstra and Nokia Siemens Networks. The trial used Nokia Siemens Networks' commercially-available LTE-ready Flexi Multiradio Base Station and Evolved Packet Core (EPC), with pre-commercial LTE USB dongles from third-party vendors.
Kalevi Kostiainen, head of Nokia Siemens Networks, Australia and New Zealand said, "The outstanding results of this trial were made possible through close collaboration between Telstra and Nokia Siemens Networks. The benefits of LTE in urban environments are currently being deployed globally, having already been extensively tested and the business benefits well understood. Through this unique joint trial we can now see how LTE can be extended to provide cost effective solutions for rural and remote environments."
Article published on 18th June 2010
The two companies are testing the application of LTE technology in regional areas through a combination of laboratory and long range field testing to determine the limitations that physical distance imposes on the LTE customer experience.
Michael Rocca, Chief Operations Officer, said the range testing is of critical importance for the future of this technology in regional Australia.
"Australia has the sixth largest landmass with the ninth lowest population density in the world so any technology we introduce has to travel long distances, cover large areas and still perform to the levels Telstra customers have come to enjoy.
"Telstra's Next G network does this extremely well today and we want to ensure that when we bring LTE technology to Australian consumers, our customer experience remains one of the best in the world," Mr Rocca said.
The extended range field trial was conducted between Mount Hope and Mount Burrumboot in central Victoria by engineers from Telstra and Nokia Siemens Networks. The trial used Nokia Siemens Networks' commercially-available LTE-ready Flexi Multiradio Base Station and Evolved Packet Core (EPC), with pre-commercial LTE USB dongles from third-party vendors.
Kalevi Kostiainen, head of Nokia Siemens Networks, Australia and New Zealand said, "The outstanding results of this trial were made possible through close collaboration between Telstra and Nokia Siemens Networks. The benefits of LTE in urban environments are currently being deployed globally, having already been extensively tested and the business benefits well understood. Through this unique joint trial we can now see how LTE can be extended to provide cost effective solutions for rural and remote environments."
Article published on 18th June 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Apple Launches New iPhone
Apple Launches New iPhone
Tue Jun 08, 2010 | By Absar Taqvi- News Team
One thing that the IT and smartphone boom has given to media is loads and loads of news. Everytime you switch on a website there is one vendor or the other releasing some modification in or altogether a new device.
After a long wait, the smartest smartphone maker reveals its new addition to the showcase of world’s Hi-Fi gadgets. Apple launched its new iPhone, called as iPhone 4, on Monday, 7th June 2010 at the Californian vendor’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
This version of the iPhone, for definite reasons, brings advancements in various features; the foremost of which is the FaceTime video calling. The feature for the first time allows video calling on a mobile device possible. The new iPhone is equipped with front and rear cameras enabling the users to interact on a mobile device like never before.
The phone has a better camera, more battery life, longer talk time and extended video playback. Microsoft’s Bing search engine has been incorporated in the iPhone along with Yahoo and Google. Plus, this is the thinnest smartphone ever, i.e. only 9.3 millimeters.
The iPhone 4 will go on sale from June 24th in US, France, Germany, Japan and the UK.
One underscoring fact that came out of Steve Jobs’ speech at WW Conference is the largest roll out this iPhone will see. As predicted, it will reach to over 88 countries by September.
Tue Jun 08, 2010 | By Absar Taqvi- News Team
One thing that the IT and smartphone boom has given to media is loads and loads of news. Everytime you switch on a website there is one vendor or the other releasing some modification in or altogether a new device.
After a long wait, the smartest smartphone maker reveals its new addition to the showcase of world’s Hi-Fi gadgets. Apple launched its new iPhone, called as iPhone 4, on Monday, 7th June 2010 at the Californian vendor’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC).
This version of the iPhone, for definite reasons, brings advancements in various features; the foremost of which is the FaceTime video calling. The feature for the first time allows video calling on a mobile device possible. The new iPhone is equipped with front and rear cameras enabling the users to interact on a mobile device like never before.
The phone has a better camera, more battery life, longer talk time and extended video playback. Microsoft’s Bing search engine has been incorporated in the iPhone along with Yahoo and Google. Plus, this is the thinnest smartphone ever, i.e. only 9.3 millimeters.
The iPhone 4 will go on sale from June 24th in US, France, Germany, Japan and the UK.
One underscoring fact that came out of Steve Jobs’ speech at WW Conference is the largest roll out this iPhone will see. As predicted, it will reach to over 88 countries by September.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Motorola Wins Kuwaiti Network Management Contract
Motorola has signed a three-year managed services contract with Zain Kuwait to operate and manage Zain's 3G networks, as well as handle the design, planning, support and optimization. Zain Kuwait's internal team will spearhead the optimization of the existing 2G network.
"Zain strives to bring the benefits of emerging mobile technologies to businesses and consumers in Kuwait. As part of our ongoing commitment to provide best-in-class services and experiences to our customers, Motorola's management and technical expertise will enable us to build a better network for Zain customers, while improving our operating margins and increasing productivity," said Khaled Al Hajeri, CEO of Zain Kuwait.
Financial details were not disclosed.
Article published on 7th June 2010
"Zain strives to bring the benefits of emerging mobile technologies to businesses and consumers in Kuwait. As part of our ongoing commitment to provide best-in-class services and experiences to our customers, Motorola's management and technical expertise will enable us to build a better network for Zain customers, while improving our operating margins and increasing productivity," said Khaled Al Hajeri, CEO of Zain Kuwait.
Financial details were not disclosed.
Article published on 7th June 2010
Etisalat Confirms Interest in Syria and Iraqi Operator Licenses
Etisalat's Chairman, Mohammad Omran has confirmed that the company is interested in bidding for licenses in Syria and Iraq when they are offered. The Syrian government has also been considering offering a 3rd mobile license for well over a year, and the Iraqi government recently announced plans for a fourth license.
Etisalat is already in talks to take a stake in the smallest Iraqi operator, Korek Telecom.
"The Iraqi government announced it would issue a fourth license and we expressed our interest," Mohammad Omran told Reuters. "The (Syria) government has announced that it would issue a new license and we also expressed our interest."
Kuwait's Zain was also recently reported to be interested in investing in the Syrian mobile market, either through an acquisition of an operator license, or a stake in an existing operator.
On the web: Reuters
Article published on 7th June 2010
Etisalat is already in talks to take a stake in the smallest Iraqi operator, Korek Telecom.
"The Iraqi government announced it would issue a fourth license and we expressed our interest," Mohammad Omran told Reuters. "The (Syria) government has announced that it would issue a new license and we also expressed our interest."
Kuwait's Zain was also recently reported to be interested in investing in the Syrian mobile market, either through an acquisition of an operator license, or a stake in an existing operator.
On the web: Reuters
Article published on 7th June 2010
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Telecom Managed Services Are Transforming Carrier Business Models
Network operators are turning to managed services and outsourcing not only to reduce their operating costs but also to transform business models to compete more effectively, a trend that will continue growing, according to a new report from Pyramid Research.
The telecom managed services sector is entering its third phase of development, characterized by a greater focus by operators on how to adapt to the changing dynamics of the industry and position themselves better for future opportunities, notes Elizabeth Bramson-Boudreau, Analyst at Large and author of the report. "Drivers of third-phase outsourcing include network sharing and the emergence of over-the-top (OTT) applications, such as social networking, that can, if allowed, bypass operators almost entirely," says Bramson-Boudreau.
Widespread adoption of telecom managed services will change the telecom landscape significantly in the coming decade, Bramson-Boudreau notes. As more carriers offload bigger portions of their network operations to trusted partners, telco business models will shift away from simple service provisioning, she explains. "The operator of the past - with full control over all network functions, monopolist-style attitudes toward customer service, and slow delivery of new services - is unlikely to exist in the future," she adds.
Article published on 12th May 2010
The telecom managed services sector is entering its third phase of development, characterized by a greater focus by operators on how to adapt to the changing dynamics of the industry and position themselves better for future opportunities, notes Elizabeth Bramson-Boudreau, Analyst at Large and author of the report. "Drivers of third-phase outsourcing include network sharing and the emergence of over-the-top (OTT) applications, such as social networking, that can, if allowed, bypass operators almost entirely," says Bramson-Boudreau.
Widespread adoption of telecom managed services will change the telecom landscape significantly in the coming decade, Bramson-Boudreau notes. As more carriers offload bigger portions of their network operations to trusted partners, telco business models will shift away from simple service provisioning, she explains. "The operator of the past - with full control over all network functions, monopolist-style attitudes toward customer service, and slow delivery of new services - is unlikely to exist in the future," she adds.
Article published on 12th May 2010
South Asia Mobile Market Shrugs off Recession, Prepares to Grow
The global economic downturn had little impact on the fast growth mobile markets of South Asia and the maritime countries of Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines). Led by India's 52% annual growth, subscriptions in the region rose 31% in 2009, noted Strategy Analytics.
Despite lower average revenue per user (ARPU), service revenues in the region increased by 11%, five times the global average. They are forecast to grow at an average of 5% per year through 2015. "There is a lot of untapped demand in the area," notes Tom Elliott, Director of EMCS. "Price cutting and per-second billing from operators like Tata and Bharti Airtel are making mobile service affordable for a lot of new customers."
Serving these new customers profitably will be a challenge for operators. "With more new customers coming from rural areas and smaller cities, ARPU will fall while building out infrastructure and distributing handsets will be more expensive," according to Rahul Gupta, India Senior Manager for EMCS. Operators will have to look for efficiencies anywhere they can, their report points out, including sharing towers and other infrastructure with competitors.
Article published on 12th May 2010
Despite lower average revenue per user (ARPU), service revenues in the region increased by 11%, five times the global average. They are forecast to grow at an average of 5% per year through 2015. "There is a lot of untapped demand in the area," notes Tom Elliott, Director of EMCS. "Price cutting and per-second billing from operators like Tata and Bharti Airtel are making mobile service affordable for a lot of new customers."
Serving these new customers profitably will be a challenge for operators. "With more new customers coming from rural areas and smaller cities, ARPU will fall while building out infrastructure and distributing handsets will be more expensive," according to Rahul Gupta, India Senior Manager for EMCS. Operators will have to look for efficiencies anywhere they can, their report points out, including sharing towers and other infrastructure with competitors.
Article published on 12th May 2010
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