Apple passes Exxon as the most valuable firm (USA)

On 01.27.12, In Mobile, By Editor

AppleUS giant Apple Inc has reportedly emerged as the most valuable US company surpassing Exxon once again. According to reports, the market capitalization of Apple was at $ 418.5 on Wednesday, while Exxon had a mobile capitalization of $ 413 billion. However, Exxon regained its position at the end of the day.

 Apple recently reported its first quarter financial results, where in the company posted record quarterly revenue of $46.33 billion and record quarterly net profit of $13.06 billion, against a revenue of $26.74 billion and net quarterly profit of $6 billion, for the same quarter in the past year.

As per the company report, Tim Cook, CEO, Apple has said that they are thrilled with their outstanding results and record-breaking sales of iPhones, iPads and Macs. He added that Apple’s momentum is incredibly strong, and they have some amazing new products in the pipeline.

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Nokia welcomes Marko Ahtisaari to the Nokia leadership team (Finland)

On 01.27.12, In Mobile, By Editor

NokiaLeading mobile phone maker, Nokia, has appointed Marko Ahtisaari as Executive Vice President, Design, and a member of the Nokia Leadership Team, effective February 1, 2012. He will be reporting directly to President and CEO Stephen Elop.

According to a report by the company, Ahtisaari will continue to lead the Nokia design team, responsible for the industrial design and user experience design of all Nokia products.

Stephen Elop, president and CEO, Nokia has said that one of the key differentiators of Nokia is the elegant and head-turning design of their products. He added that as they have charted their new course, Marko Ahtisaari has ensured that they elevate the importance of distinctive design, which is evident in the industry’s response to their award-winning Lumia and Asha products.

Also, by appointing Marko to the Nokia Leadership Team, they believe his influence will ensure that design leadership becomes part of everything they make and also everything they do.

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Airtel indicates rise in tariffs if additional spectrum is charged (India)

On 01.27.12, In Mobile, By Editor

AirtelIndia’s leading telecom operator Bharti Airtel, has hinted at an increase in the call rates in the event that the government decides to charge the operators for the additional spectrum allocated to them.

According to reports, Sunil Mittal, Chairman, Bharti Airtel, has said that if the government decides in their wisdom that this industry needs to be taxed heavily in the form of high spectrum charges, whether it’s one time or recurring, that has to result in higher tariff regime.

As per sources, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has proposed a significant hike in the 2G spectrum price along with a charge for any additional spectrum to be allocated beyond the 6.2 MHz limit. Mittal said that if the government finally decides that they want higher charges both upfront and ongoing, the result of that should be higher tariffs.

He added that India already boasts of having the lowest telecom rates which have been affecting their profit margins, as cost of operations remains high. He said if there is going to be more load, that is going to put pressure on margins, which would mean the industry will have to force their hands to raise the tariffs to get the margins back.

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Indian finance ministry proposes spectrum as collateral for loan (India)

On 01.27.12, In Mobile, By Editor

The Indian finance ministry has proposed a new policy according to which mobile operators can use their spectrum holdings as collateral for a loan, as reported by ET. The move comes as an attempt to smoothen the functioning of the banking sector as well as help the telecom industry meet its credit requirements.

According to the report, the new policy will enable banks to seize an operator’s airwaves in the event of default or termination of mobile licences. Airwaves are leased to mobile operators by the government for a period of 20 years.

The banking industry has been reluctant to provide loans to mobile operators owing to depleting earnings and slow growth. Further, with the debt faced by the telecom sector mounting up to US$ 56 billion, the finance minister is hopeful that the new regulation will infuse the wireless industry with funds required by operators to increase their business.

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Televisa’s plea to acquire stake in Iusacell faces rejection (Mexico)

On 01.27.12, In Mobile, By Editor

IusacellTelevisaMexican multimedia conglomerate Televisa’s attempt to acquire a 50 percent stake in mobile operator Iusacell has reportedly been rejected by the Mexican regulatory authority. The deal has been under review for nine months and estimated to be worth US$ 1.6 billion.

According to reports, the decline by the regulatory authority CFC, could have negative consequences for both companies. Sources claim that this move was important for Televisa as it provided the media company an entry into the wireless market. Further, the money would provide Iusacell with the much required financial support to maintain its position in the industry as well as increase its business.

As per sources, the companies can appeal to the agency to review its decision.

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Motorola files lawsuit against Apple over patent infringement (USA)

On 01.27.12, In Mobile, By Editor

Motorola MobilityAppleIn another patent infringement battle in the telecom industry, US based communications corporation Motorola Mobility, has filed a legal case against iPhone manufacturer Apple Inc, for violating its technology patents.

According to reports, Motorola has claimed that Apple has violated six of its patents as seen in the launch of its recent device range, including the much hyped iPhone 4S. As per sources, the patents are related to wireless antennas, software management, data filtering and messaging.

Reports reveal Motorola has claimed that Apple’s infringing activities have caused and will continue to cause Motorola Mobility irreparable harm, for which it has no adequate remedy at law, unless Apple’s infringing activities are enjoined by this Court.

Motorola Mobility is currently awaiting approval by the European Union regulators for acquisition by Google. The takeover, if approved, will provide Google with access to over 17,000 patents held by Motorola.

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O2 apologizes for revealing mobile numbers online (UK)

On 01.27.12, In Mobile, By Editor

O2Mobile service provider O2 has apologized to its customers for the technical glitch during their routine maintenance which disclosed customers’ mobile number on the website. According to company reports, O2 has said that the technical changes they implemented as part of routine maintenance had the unintended effect of making it possible in certain circumstances for website owners to see the mobile numbers of those browsing their site.

The company added that they have investigated, identified and fixed the problem, and have apologized for the concern they caused. As per sources, this act has caused great discontent amongst subscribers causing many of them to respond negatively towards the company.

According to reports, the company said they only shared this information with their trusted partners. However, due to technical changes, the information was shared with other website owners as well. Further, the company has reportedly said that they have contacted the regulatory authority Ofcom, and are also cooperating with the Information Commissioner’s Office.

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Orange to offer free Wikipedia access in Africa and the Middle East (Europe, Africa, Middle East)

On 01.27.12, In Mobile, By Editor

OrangeTelecommunications operator Orange has entered into an agreement with the Wikimedia Foundation to provide over 70 million Orange customers in Africa and the Middle East (AMEA) with mobile access to Wikipedia, without incurring data usage charges.

The move comes in an attempt to make knowledge more easily available to Orange mobile customers, in both remote and urban areas, throughout Africa and the Middle East. According to a company report, this new partnership will be gradually launched throughout 2012 across 20 African and Middle Eastern countries where Orange operates, with the first markets launching early in the year. The initiative is part of the Wikimedia Foundation’s mobile strategy that aims to reach the billions of people around the world who access the internet solely through mobile devices.

The report reveals that any customer with an Orange SIM and mobile internet enabled phone will be able to access the Wikipedia site either through their browser or an Orange widget. They can access the Wikipedia encyclopaedia services for as many times as they like at no extra charge as long as they stay within Wikipedia’s pages.

Sue Gardner, Executive Director,  Wikimedia Foundation said that Wikipedia is an important service, a public good, and so they want people to be able to access it for free, regardless of what device they’re using. Further, this partnership with Orange will enable millions of people to read Wikipedia, who previously couldn’t.

Marc Rennard, Group Executive Vice President of Orange, Africa, the Middle-East and Asia, commented, in countries where access to information is not always readily available, they are making it simple and easy for our customers to use the world’s most comprehensive online encyclopaedia. It is the first partnership of this kind in the world where they are enabling customers to access Wikipedia without incurring any data charges; and shows Orange’s ability, once again, to innovate in Africa and the Middle East, and bring more value to their customers.

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Nawras offers Samsung Galaxy Note with free data (Oman, South Korea)

On 01.27.12, In Mobile, By Editor

SamsungNawrasCommunications provider Nawras, has joined hands with Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., to offer users the latest Samsung Galaxy Note. The deal priced at US$ 779 also includes 500MB of free mobile broadband internet data to be used over the first three months as well as a free Nawras Ajel postpaid SIM card.

The Samsung Galaxy Note, launched as a hybrid between the tablet computer and a mobile phone, features the world’s first and largest 5.3” HD Super AMOLED display. Further, an advanced pen-input technology, called the S Pen, combines with Galaxy Note’s full touch screen to introduce a unique customer experience.

The device features a 1.4GHz dual-core processor that ensures the performance of Galaxy Note is incredibly fast and it provides a smooth customer interface with seamless usability. Additionally, the Galaxy Note features an advanced 8MP rear camera with LED flash and 2MP front camera.

As per a company release, Nawras customers can continue to enjoy a value-packed, monthly mobile broadband plan with 500MB of data for US$ 8. Also, in the event that a consumer uses the included data before the end of the plan, an additional 150MB of data can be added to bridge the gap until the next plan starts, for US$ 2.5.

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Samsung wins legal case against Apple in Netherlands (Europe)

On 01.27.12, In Mobile, By Editor

SamsungApple South Korean handset maker Samsun has emerged victorious once again after a Dutch court rejected rival Apple Inc’s plea from banning the distribution of the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 in the Netherlands. According to reports, the court has ruled in favour of Samsung, citing that the Galaxy Tab had some similarities to the design registered in 2004 but not to Apple’s iPad released in 2010.

As per sources, Apple had filed a legal suit against Samsung claiming patent infringement on its design, hardware and user interface among others. However, the ruling enables the Korean firm to sell its tablet computer in the Netherlands and throughout the European Union.

Reports reveal that the US giant had said that it was no coincidence that Samsung’s latest products look a lot like the iPhone and iPad, from the shape of the hardware to the user interface and even the packaging. Further, this kind of blatant copying is wrong and they need to protect Apple’s intellectual property when companies steal their ideas.

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