Airtel launches new plans for Corporates, SMEs and Postpaid Users (Nigeria)
Airtel Nigeria, a leading global telecommunications company, has launched new packages for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), corporates, postpaid and BlackBerry users. The new packages offer users attractive tariffs with increased data volumes providing subscribers more affordable access to data enabled services.
According to reports, Rajiv Sehgal, Vice-President and Head Enterprise and Postpaid Business, said that the package was conceived to address the needs of its customers in various segments namely: Corporate Organisations, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME), individual postpaid customers and BlackBerry users.
He further added that there were three distinctive categories for corporate organizations, namely Corporate Plus; Corporate Pro and Corporate Premium, with each of them consisting of their own unique voice, SMS and data tariffs. Also, free talk minutes, SMS and data of up to 1GB is available. Further, customers under a Close User Group (CUG) of 100 staff and above can make Airtel to Airtel calls for 17k/sec (USD 0.001) and 25k/sec (USD 0.0015) to other networks.
For the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), there are two plans – SME Plus and SME Pro. Both plans include discounted tariffs in voice (including international calls) for 17k/sec (USD 0.001) and 30k/sec (USD 0.0018), SMS and data. In addition, there is free airtime, complimentary data and up 30 free SMS’s. In order to completely utilize this plan, the SME is required to have 10 to 99 lines under the Close User Group (CUG).
The retail or individual category consists of four plans; the Advance plan (annual), Intermediate plan (monthly), Basic and Family plans. These offer free calls, SMS and data as well as up to 150 free CUG minutes. Under these plans users can make discounted call at the rate of 15k/sec (USD 0.001) for Airtel to Airtel and 25k/sec (USD 0.0015) to other networks.
Sources claim that Airtel’s Chief Operating Officer, Deepak Srivastava, said that Airtel is committed to partnering and supporting initiatives that will help boost the Nigerian economy and also empower and enrich Nigerians. He stated that they also recognise that the corporate world is just as important for growth and development, therefore, the need to empower the cooperate sector with telecoms offerings that will make their life and business more enjoyable and profitable became necessary.
Bharti Airtel signs deal with Nokia to expand 3G services in Africa
Bharti Airtel, a leading telecom operator has signed a contract reportedly worth $ 700 million with Nokia Siemens Networks to expand its 2G network and deploy and manage 3G services in Africa.
As per the agreement, Nokia Siemens Networks will manage all network operations as well as provide energy-efficient base stations for Airtel in seven African countries including Madagascar, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Congo Brazzaville. In an attempt to increase its subscriber base, Airtel has been expanding its presence in Africa’s rural regions.
According to reports, Manoj Kohli Airtel’s CEO (International) and Joint Managing Director said that this partnership will further enable them to rapidly expand their network coverage and provide high-speed wireless internet connectivity to their customers. Further, Nokia Siemens Networks, Chief Executive Officer, Rajeev Suri said that they look forward to working closely with Airtel to expand its network rapidly and deliver the right innovative products and services to help meet user demands.
Zain Saudi shares dip as sale of its stake fails (Saudi Arabia)
Kingdom Holding Co. and Bahrain based Batelco had planned to acquire a quarter of Zain Saudi for $950 million, but have now dropped the idea saying that terms of the deal were not met. Following the failure of this deal, Zain Saudi seeks to go ahead with a multibillion dollar capital restructuring.
The firm has accumulated losses of about $2.3 billion and has to cut its capital in order to comply with Saudi Arabia bourse rules. As per reports, Zain Saudi Chairman, Prince Hussam Bin Saud has said that they expect to achieve high growth levels and turn into profit as soon as the period for capital restructuring is completed, which is expect to speed up after the failure of the deal to sell Zain Kuwait’s share.
As per reports, industry analysts say Zain Saudi’s $6.1 billion license fee has left it short of cash and struggling to compete in Saudi’s Arabia’s saturated mobile market. The shares dropped by 4.8 percent reporting the largest intraday loss since August 6, and traded down 3.2 percent at $ 1.61 in Riyadh.
Telstra launches 4G network (Australia)
Telstra, a leading telecom operator in Australia, will launch the nation’s first superfast 4G LTE mobile network in capital city CBDs and more than 30 regional and metropolitan centres.
As per reports, Telstra CEO David Thodey said Australians could now access one of the world’s most advanced mobile networks delivering some of the fastest mobile download and upload speeds available anywhere. He said that today marks a new high-speed chapter in Australian mobile telecommunications. Telstra’s 4G network delivers mobile speeds scarcely imagined a decade ago, making it easier for people to connect with the things they need and love when on the move.
He added that the superfast speeds mean consumers can download songs faster, get TV shows in minutes and do more things simultaneously. This is just the beginning. Telstra 4G will allow mobile devices to perform even more advanced tasks and open the door to a host of innovative high-speed services that have yet to be conceived.
Telstra claims that by using the Telstra USB 4G mobile broadband modem, which goes on sale today, customers in 4G coverage areas, can enjoy typical download speeds ranging from 2Mbps to 40Mbps – up to ten times faster than 3G speeds currently claimed by other Australian telecommunications companies. Customers can also experience typical upload speeds of 1Mbps to 10Mbps – three times faster than previous generations of mobile broadband in Australia.
Further, Mr. Thodey claims that Telstra is working with some of the world’s leading manufacturers to bring 4G-powered smartphones and tablets to customers in the first half of 2012. Telstra also announced that it would launch 4G services in more than 50 additional locations by year’s end.
Warid Telecom launches international roaming service: Roam Info (Pakistan)
Warid Telecom, a joint venture between the Abu Dhabi Group & SingTel Group, has recently launched its new international roaming service ‘Roam Info’. This short code based SMS service allows users travelling to international destinations to receive detailed tariffs of any foreign mobile operator before they leave Pakistan. Subscribers of Warid Telecom are required to send an SMS to 4747, providing them with details to help choose an operator once they have landed in the country abroad.
Further, it also offers in-flight roaming with Aero-mobile and On-Air that allows subscribers to use their mobile phones during flights and marine time roaming that facilitates sea travelers. Warid offers its users an international roaming network that connects to 249 International partners in 148 countries for 2G roaming followed by 164 partners in 102 countries for GPRS/Data roaming. Warid also offers its prepaid users a pre-activated roaming that is available in major countries across the globe.
ETB to launch wireless services in partnership with Tigo (Colombia)
Colombian based telecommunications company, ETB, has plans to launch wireless services for which it has signed a deal with Millicom International Cellular SA owned Tigo. ETB plans launch its service in Bogata in November, initially scheduled to be launched in 2012, and attempts to target the low and medium income customers.
As per reports, currently, the telecom company bundles its local and long-distance telephony along with TV and broadband services, and is likely to include its mobile option in future packages. Presently, two more mobile network operators, Uff móvil and UNE-EPM, are utilizing Tigo’s infrastructure.
SK Telecom becomes the first to launch LTE services (Korea)
SK Telecom, a competitive player in the telecoms industry, introduced Long Term Evolution (LTE) smartphone-Galaxy S II LTE and LTE-dedicated price plans for the first time in Korea. Galaxy S II LTE is a smartphone by Samsung Electronics which reportedly offers a wide range of SK Telecom’s LTE services such as high-definition multimedia service, video call service and multiplayer networking games.
The company aims to offer the complete range of 4G LTE services with the addition of the Galaxy S II, in an attempt to increase the speed with which LTE will be adopted in the market. Further, as per reports, SK Telecom plans to release seven different LTE smartphone models by the end of the year.
Jang Dong-Hyun, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of SK Telecom has reportedly said that SK Telecom has been leading innovations in the field of LTE since it commercialized Korea’s first LTE service in July 2011. Looking ahead, SK Telecom will provide differentiated, premium LTE services based on its unmatched competitiveness in call quality, device lineup and service/content, while at the same time making strenuous efforts to further expand and enhance the LTE-based mobile ecosystem.
Telekom Deutschland to launch LTE services in Eastern Germany
German based telecoms company Telekom Deutschland, plans to rollout its 800MHz Long Term Evolution (LTE) network in various areas in Eastern Germany. Telekom Deutschland, had acquired ten blocks of frequencies across different bands during the auction in May 2010 for $1.76 billion, of which the company plans to use its 1800MHz and 2.6GHz frequencies to launch LTE in towns and cities, while using its 800MHz spectrum to cover the underserved rural areas. As per reports, Telekom Deutschland, aims to cover 1,800 locations across the country with its LTE services by the end of 2011.
Sprint plans to offer LTE services by 2012 (USA)
Sprint, America’s third largest mobile carrier, plans to offer Long Term Evolution (LTE) network by 2012. As per reports, Sprint has begun work on the equipment installation and is testing the network at certain locations. In an attempt to stay competitive with its biggest rivals, Verizon Wireless and AT&T who have announced their LTE plans, Sprint reportedly plans to rollout its 4G LTE services by the first half of 2012.
Sprint has also been approached by iPhone maker Apple, to carry its latest iPhone, to be launched next week. Initially, the iPhone was available only with Verizon Wireless and AT&T connections, causing Sprint to lose a significant amount of market share. Further, the telecom operator is hopeful that its unlimited data plans will help acquire a larger subscriber base.
Etisalat launches ‘My DataPlan’, offers users 4 new internet plans (UAE)
Etisalat has introduced four new and attractively priced mobile broadband bundles for its postpaid customers through the recently launched ‘My DataPlan’ starting at US$ 7.9. Users now have the option to choose from four different packs termed ‘Basic’, ‘Plus’, ‘Extra’ and ‘Ultra’, offering data capacities starting from 100 MB upto 20 GB, the largest data allowance in UAE. Further, customers subscribing to the ‘Plus’, ‘Extra’ and ‘Ultra’ pack also receive free hours of unlimited Internet usage and download from midnight to 3am every day.
In order to enable users to keep track of their data usage, Etisalat will send its users alerts via SMS with the first alert being sent to customers as soon as they use 80 per cent of their mobile data usage. Users signing a six to twelve month contract also have the option to choose from a wide range of devices such as USB Modems, Wireless Routers and Tablets, available free or at discounted prices.
According to reports, Matthew Willsher, Chief Marketing Officer at Etisalat said that there has been an exponential growth in data usage globally and in the UAE alike. In response to this demand, Etisalat’s My DataPlan is the first in the country to offer a 20GB data pack option. Charged US$ 0.14 per MB, it also has the lowest out-of-bundle rates.
Willsher added that the packs are tailored to suit their customer’s varying needs and lifestyles. They have exclusive benefits that will provide faster speeds and uninterrupted mobility at competitive price points. For instance, customers subscribing to any My DataPlan pack on a contract basis can choose from a range of latest 3G data devices and tablets. These new super-speed 42Mbps devices are available to them for free or at over 50% discounted prices. They are certain that the new data plans will enhance customer uptake of the array of content and rich media experience on Etisalat’s broadband.
