CMPak selects Alcatel-Lucent for GSM/EDGE network expansion in Pakistan
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Alcatel-Lucent announced today that it has signed a contract worth USD 52.87 million with China Mobile Pakistan Limited (CMPak), a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Mobile, to expand its existing GSM/EDGE network. The expansion, which is now underway, will allow CMPak to provide enhanced commercial services in northern Pakistan by the end of the first quarter of 2009.
Alcatel-Lucent will enable CMPak to increase its network capacity and coverage, bringing enhanced mobile services to a greater number of people in the region and improving the end-user experience. Alcatel-Lucent will have the full responsibility for building the network, providing design, deployment and integration services. The company will also provide project management and maintenance services to help CMPak lower its network operational costs.
“This contract reinforces the existing strategic partnership between CMpak, China Mobile and Alcatel-Lucent,” said Qian Li, CEO of CMPak, “Alcatel-Lucent will help us implement our business plans and ensure we can rely on industry-proven mobile technologies in Pakistan for now and the future.”
Alcatel-Lucent, through its flagship company in China Alcatel-Lucent Shanghai Bell will supply CMPak with its industry-leading multi-standard GSM/EDGE radio access solution including its latest Base Station Controller platform and TWIN transceivers, along with microwave transport solutions for enhancing interconnection among base stations and providing mobile traffic backhauling capabilities. Alcatel-Lucent will also provide a comprehensive suite of network integration services such as network optimization, system support and general project management, to enable CMPak to introduce new technologies and services in the future.
“We are honored to be chosen by China Mobile and CMPak to help expand its business outside of China,” said Olivia Qiu, President of Alcatel-Lucent Shanghai Bell. “The contract highlights the strong relationship between the companies, and we look forward to leveraging our global services capabilities to help CMPak meet its business goals.”
Alcatel-Lucent is a leading player in the GSM/EDGE global market with more than 185 customers in over 90 countries. Alcatel-Lucent is also a world leader in the design, deployment, management and integration of networks.
About CMPak
China Mobile Pakistan (CMPak) is a 100% subsidiary of China Mobile. The pioneering overseas set up of China Mobile came through acquisition of a license from Millicom to operate a GSM network in Pakistan. So far CMPak has invested more than USD 700 million in the telecom sector in Pakistan and an additional USD 800 million will be invested till the end of year 2008. With ambitious plans to cater to the fast growing Pakistani market and to meet the ever demanding Pakistani customer, it will be offering unprecedented coverage, voice and data services as well as a wide range of tariff options to choose from. CMPak’s edge comes from the experience and expertise of running the world’s largest telecom service and the commitment they make to setting quality and customer relations standards. CMPak is geared to offer neatly packaged VAS products that will benefit the individuals, corporates as well as small businesses. Led by a team of professionals from the field of cellular communication, CMPak is determined to make its mark in the Pakistani market and to change the way people communicate.
Unitech shortlists 4 vendors to buy network equipment (India)
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Unitech Wireless has reportedly shortlisted four companies as it prepares to purchase network equipment valued at between USD400 million and USD500 million. The shortlisted companies are: Swedish vendor Ericsson, France’s Alcatel-Lucent and two Chinese companies, Huawei and ZTE.
Out of the four, Unitech will consider agreements with two of them. Moreover, it is anticipated that the deal could be finalised within two weeks. The commercial services are expected to begin in June 2009. The initial launch will cover eight of the country’s calling circles; four in the south, two in Uttar Pradesh and one each in Bihar and Orissa.
AT&T offers Collect Calls to wireless subscribers (USA)
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: AT&T announced that customers can now make collect calls to mobile phones by dialing 1-800-CALL-ATT(1-800-225-5288), to access a new service called AT&T Collect to Wireless. AT&T is the first major telecommunications provider to expand its collect calling services to reach wireless customers in the U.S.
This opportunity is provided through a strategic relationship with 3Cinteractive’s Text Collect service. AT&T Collect to Wireless is part of the 1-800-CALL-ATT product suite, which provides customers access to the AT&T network for all alternatively-billed calls, including calling card, credit card and collect calls.
“We are thrilled to offer wireless subscribers the opportunity to receive collect calls,” said Susan A. Johnson, AT&T senior vice president of Customer Information Services for AT&T Operations, Inc. “We hope that this affordable service offers consumers peace of mind and the ability to connect with their loved ones, wherever they are.”
“The ability to complete calls to mobile phones has been a major challenge for the collect calling industry, and we are very excited to work with AT&T, the company that created the very concept of collect calling,” 3Cinteractive CEO John Duffy said.
AT&T Collect to Wireless will be offered to those who dial 1-800-Call-ATT(R: 28.37, 0, 0%). After choosing the AT&T Collect to Wireless prompt, the caller enters the 10 digit mobile phone number and then speaks his or her name. The two parties can then talk for up to 20 minutes for $9.99. Wireless customers will have the ability to opt out from receiving collect calls. This service is not available from coin phones at this time.
*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.
About AT&T
AT&T Inc. is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world’s most advanced IP-based business communications services, the nation’s fastest 3G network and the best wireless coverage worldwide, and the nation’s leading high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of their three-screen integration strategy, AT&T operating companies are expanding their TV entertainment offerings. In 2008, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE magazine’s lists of the World’s Most Admired Companies and America’s Most Admired Companies. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com.
2009 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.
About 3Cinteractive
Based in Boca Raton, FL, 3Cinteractive is an industry leading mobile marketing and technology firm. 3Ci provides technology and services that make it simple for brands and enterprises to create direct conversations with consumers on their mobile device. With a sharp focus on powering these conversations, 3Ci enables its clients to activate consumers, lower customer acquisition costs and increase revenues. The company’s service portfolio includes SMS, MMS, WAP, IVR, campaign management, creative services, application development and payment processing. 3Ci is a Mobile Marketing Association Member and is listed as one of the top Application Service Providers by the Common Short Code Administration.
Edeka Mobil to offer flatrate on-net calls & SMS (Germany)
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Edeka Mobil, the German supermarket chain Edeka’s mobile service, will announce two flatrate tariffs for mobile and SMS today. The flatrates are priced at EUR 2.95 for 30 days and offers unlimited on-net calls or SMS sending. Further more, Edeka Mobile has reduced the fee for its starter package, Startbox Single, from EUR 12.95 to EUR 9.95, offering EUR 10 call credit.
Romanian Commercial Bank launches m-banking service
The Romanian Commercial Bank (BCR) has partnered with Good.bee, member of Erste Group, to launch mobile banking services on the local market. The partners expect to operate around 700 retail units and win 100,000 m-banking subscribers by year-end, reports local publication Wall-Street citing Sorin Bulai, Good.bee Romania managing director. Bulai expects some 1.3 million m-banking transactions in 2009. The mobile money transfers will be processed via BCR’s IT platform. Customers who subscribe to the Start Pack have access to their current BCR accounts, Visa Electron debit card, and will be able to make money transfers, view account balances, or top-up their Cosmote, Vodafone or Orange mobile phone account directly from their mobile phone.
The Start Pack is available for RON 26, while money transfers between good.bee accounts or to BCR accounts are charged RON 1.15 per transfer. Money transfers to non-BCR/good.bee customers cost RON 1.8. Customers who access their account balances will be charged RON 0.45, while mobile top-ups are free of charge. Customers can subscribe to the m-banking service at Vodafone and Orange retail stores across the country. Good.bee plans to expand the Mobile Transactions service to other European markets, focusing on countries where Erste group is present.
For more information, please vist www.vodafone.ro/
Orange kenya home to 0.7Mn subscribers since launch
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: According to the CEO of Orange Kenya, Dominique Saint-Jean, the incumbent has won 700,000 mobile subscribers since the launch of its mobile services last September, but the company needs to work on boosting its ARPU further.
Saint-Jean said mobile subscriber numbers were in line with the operator’s target of 1.5 million by the end of 2009, but said most users were taking Orange as a second or third mobile line and ARPU was low. The operator is already wooing its subscribers by offering low tariffs.
CEO further said that the ARPU of around KES 200, or EUR 2, is “worrying [Orange] a bit” and the operator needs to “innovate to boost this”.
Boost Mobile adds worldwide texting option to Monthly Unlimited Plan (USA)
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Furthering its commitment to offer simple and affordable service pricing options to prepaid customers, Boost Mobile today launched International Connect, a $10 per month add-on for Monthly Unlimited customers which includes unlimited international text messaging and Walkie-Talkie in and between the U.S., Canada, Baja California (Mexico) and to select areas of South America from the U.S., Canada and Baja California (Mexico) for one flat charge.
“The International Connect $10 enhancement to the $50 Monthly Unlimited plan is a great value for the growing number of Latinos who want quality wireless service without a contract,” said Mirna Aceituno, manager of Hispanic marketing for Boost Mobile. “Boost Mobile is making it easier to stay connected to family and friends in Latin America for a price that won’t put a strain on your wallet.”
SERVICE
Boost Mobile now offers an array of service plans allowing customers to pay by the month, day or minute. Flexible service options such as the Boost Mobile Monthly Unlimited plan for $50 per month includes anytime calling, text messaging, wireless Web and Boost Walkie-Talkie with a nationwide home calling area with coverage in more than 15,800 cities for a flat rate of $50 per month.
In addition to the Monthly Unlimited plan, Boost service billing options include an anytime rate of 10 cents per minute and the $1/Day Chat Plan that features unlimited text messaging, unlimited nights and weekend calling and unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling to approximately 40 million customers on the Boost Mobile, Sprint, and Nextel network. Chat Plan nights are Monday through Friday from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. and weekends are from 9 p.m. on Fridays to 7 a.m. on Mondays. As with all Boost Mobile service plans, there are no credit checks, hidden charges or contracts.
Boost Pay As You Go service is ideal for a wide range of consumers, including those who prefer to pay in advance and are uncomfortable with monthly service obligations; budget-minded customers who use prepaid service to control spending. Boost Mobile phones and service can be purchased at participating wireless dealers and major retail locations or at www.boostmobile.com.
About Boost Mobile
Boost Mobile, the prepaid division of Sprint Nextel, redefines value for wireless consumers with its ‘Monthly Unlimited’ service, offering unlimited anytime calling, text messaging, wireless web and exclusive Boost(R: 28.37, 0, 0%) Walkie-Talkie service with a national calling area for $50 a month. Boost Mobile ‘Monthly Unlimited’ offers flat-rate, nationwide service in 15,800 cities throughout the United States on the Nextel National Network — all with no additional telecom taxes, activation, roaming, traveling or long distance fees. Boost Mobile offers a selection of quality handsets from Motorola, ranging from entry-level to high end, as well as worry-free calling plans that enable customers to pay by the minute, day or month. Boost-branded wireless phones are available nationwide at nearly 20,000 major retail stores including Best Buy, Radio Shack, Target, Wal-Mart; Sprint retail stores and independent wireless dealer locations; with Re-Boost(R: 28.37, 0, 0%) available at approximately 100,000 locations throughout the U.S. Purchase and experience Boost Mobile on the Web at MySpace, Facebook, Twitter and www.boostmobile.com.
Yoigo launches ZTE low-cost mobile handsets in Spain
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Yoigo, the Spanish incumbent, has announced the availability of ZTE 188 and ZTE F233 low-cost mobile handset in the Spanish mobile market. Both handsets carry the 3G technology and features like camera, MP3 player and MPEG4 video support.
The ZTE F188 model features a USB interface, Bluetooth, built-in browser and support for SMS, MMS, e-mail, 60 MB included memory and a microSD card slot. On the other hand, ZTE F233 clamshell phone has support for USB 2.0, Bluetooth, and multimedia capabilities. It has 45 MB internal memory expandable through a microSD card.
Cricket MyPerks delivers free content and money-saving discounts directly to customers on the go (USA)
Cricket Communications, Inc, a leading provider of unlimited wireless services and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leap Wireless International, Inc. (NASDAQ:LEAP), announced the launch of Cricket MyPerks, a free, opt-in service that provides informational and entertaining content, along with valued offers, directly to the home screen of customers’ mobile devices.
Cricket MyPerks makes it easy for customers to find popular content and realize great savings using their mobile phone. Users receive free content, ranging from weather and gas prices, to trivia and celebrity gossip, along with occasional offers from recognized national and local brands including big-box retailers, restaurants, sporting events, concert venues, automotive services, and more. Brands that have recently or are currently providing content offers include Jack in the Box, 1-800-Flowers, ESPN, Walmart, Dairy Queen, Qdoba, Progressive Insurance and Jiffy Lube. Content and offers are tailored by location, and soon, user preferences, in order to provide customers with the most relevant programming.
At Cricket, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to add value to our customers’ wireless experience,†said Larry Atwell, director of product development for Cricket. In today’s economy, consumers need to get the most for their money. Cricket MyPerks provides fun and informative content, as well as relevant and timely money saving offers when our customers need it most – on the go.â€
Once a customer downloads the Cricket MyPerks application, content and offers are automatically delivered to the idle screen when the phone is not in use. The user can easily dismiss the banner or click-through to take action. Device functions like phone calls, text messaging, and mobile web browsing are never interrupted. Customers can also easily re-engage with content and offers that they may have missed through the Recent Offers Menu. As a result, Cricket MyPerks delivers industry-leading consumer engagement, with average double-digit click-through rates for content and advertisements delivered via the platform, and high customer satisfaction.
Cricket MyPerks can be downloaded from Cricket’s Games and Apps catalog, and is available now on select Motorola, Samsung, and UTStarcom handsets. Cricket MyPerks is powered by Mobile Posse.
For more information, visit www.cricketmyperks.com.
About Cricket
Cricket is the pioneer of simple and affordable unlimited wireless services with no long-term commitments or credit checks required serving more than four million customers in 32 states. Cricket offers wireless voice and broadband Internet services over the latest technology, high-quality, all-digital 3G CDMA2000 1X and 1xEV-DO wireless network. Cricket’s wireless voice service plans include unlimited anytime minutes, unlimited U.S. long distance, unlimited text and picture messaging, unlimited text to Mexico, unlimited Mobile Web, unlimited directory assistance, as well as a variety of calling features and feature-rich mobile applications such as popular games, ringtones and wallpapers. Cricket Broadband provides unlimited Internet access anywhere within Cricket’s coverage areas at speeds comparable to DSL. For more information on Cricket, visit www.mycricket.com. Cricket is offered by Leap Wireless International, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, Calif.
For more information on Leap, visit www.leapwireless.com.
Leap is a U.S. registered trademark and the Leap logo is a trademark of Leap. Cricket, Jump, the Cricket K†and Flex Bucket are U.S. registered trademarks of Cricket. In addition, the following are trademarks or service marks of Cricket: Cricket By Week, Cricket Choice, Cricket Connect, Cricket Nation and Cricket PAYGo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
