www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Samsung and SK Telecom, the South Korean mobile operator, have together launched the SCH-W860. The handset is a slim clamshell phone with brushed aluminum exterior. There are also six different LEDs and metallic keys. The handset features a 2.2-inch QVGA screen, HSDPA support, 2-megapixel camera, Bluetooth, media player, and a microSD memory card slot. Moreover, the phone comes with SOS function, video/music on demand, Subway Maps, and e-dictionary.
The handset is likely to be priced at around $100-$150 on a contract.
On 08.31.09, In Mobile, By Editor
On 08.31.09, In Mobile, By Editor
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Senegal has reportedly added 299,936 mobile phone subscribers in Q2′09 taking the total base to 6.28 million, up 5%. The mobile penetration in the country reached 51.63%, reports ARTP, the telecoms regulator. This is the lowest quarterly growth in a year, contrasting with 11.03% growth in Q1′09, 7.57% in the Q4′08, 6.12% in the Q3′08 and 14.15% in the Q2′08. At the end fo Q2′09, Sonatel Mobile (Orange Senegal) had 4.04 million subscribers (64.3%), followed by Millicom subsidiary Sentel with 2.11 million (33.6%) and Sudatel affiliate Expresso with 133,194 (2.1%). Of the total mobile subscriber base at June’09 end, 6.24 million accounted for prepaid mobile base while 42,313 were postpaid. The prepaid subscriber base grew by 5%, or 297,358 users in Q2, whereas postpaid subscribers rose by 6.49%, or
2,578 users.
On 08.31.09, In Mobile, By Editor
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: BASE, the Belgian mobile operator has reportedly announced its plans to launch 3G HSPA technology by 2009-end. The operator initially is offering data services using an Edge network, and plans to gradually roll out the next-generation technology across its national network. The operator intends to offer the 3G services with devices such as netbooks and e-readers, saying it will offer “extremely attractive” prices competitive with fixed broadband services.
On 08.31.09, In Mobile, By Editor
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: China Mobile has launched the open source mobile operating system to raise the number of mobile handsets which can operate on the China’s homegrown 3G technology (TD-SCDMA). The open source platform will bring down the barrier to develop mobile handsets operating on Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access technology, China Mobile Chairman Wang Jianzhou said in a statement. The company said it will launch a TD-SCDMA handset based on its open source mobile operating system this year.
On 08.31.09, In Mobile, By Editor
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: According to Telefonica’s COO, the tariff cut by European Union regulators will reportedly burn a multi-billion-euro hole in the telecoms sector’s investment budget. It was on 1 July, that EU implemented new series of mobile roaming tariffs.
“Those two measures alone will cut investments by 6 billion euros ($8.57 billion),” COO Julio Linares.
As far as revenues are concerned, the cuts to roaming tariffs will have a impact of 6 billion euros and European operators will lose a further 34 billion from the decrease in call termination rates, Linares said.
On 08.31.09, In Mobile, By Editor
Digicel, the fastest growing telecommunications operator in the Pacific, today announced its launch in the Republic of Nauru.
The President of Nauru, Hon. Marcus Stephen, M.P., made the first call on the new Digicel network at a press conference this afternoon. The President said, “We are thrilled to welcome Digicel to Nauru, offering Nauruans access to GSM mobile telecommunications for the first time.
“Digicel’s launch is very significant for the people of Nauru. It is a truly exciting time and we look forward to the prospect of having mobile telecommunications and mobile internet accessibility in Nauru,” continued the President.
The Government of Nauru is currently working towards the economic redevelopment of the country and a first world telecommunications infrastructure is essential to the continued growth of the nation. In celebration of Digicel’s launch in Nauru, President Marcus Stephen has declared September 1st, 2009 a ‘national holiday’ in Nauru.
Digicel Pacific CEO, Ms. Vanessa Slowey, said, “Digicel is committed to making an important contribution to the growth and development of Nauru economically and socially. Digicel Nauru will provide innovative and accessible telecommunications services that meet and exceed customer demand.
“The wait for the launch of telecommunications in Nauru is now over. Since receiving a licence in Nauru in June this year, Digicel has established a world class mobile network in Nauru bringing 24/7 free customer care, a wide range of new handsets, cutting-edge products and services and competitive calling rates making it affordable for everyone in Nauru to now be part of the mobile world.”
Nauru is full of frenzy and excitement as Digicel’s two-day launch activities get underway. All Digicel customers who purchase a phone will receive $10 worth of free credit so they can start texting and talking immediately.
ABOUT NAURU
The Republic of Nauru is located in the Pacific just north of the Solomon Islands and 40 kilometres south of the Equator. The island is 21 kilometres square and with a population of 10,000 people, who speak Nauruan and English. Prior to Digicel’s launch in Nauru, there was no mobile phone service in the country.
ABOUT DIGICEL PACIFIC
Since its launch in the South Pacific in November 2006, Digicel has become the fastest-growing mobile operator in the Pacific, with current operations in Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Fiji.
Digicel is the largest telecommunications company in the Caribbean operating in 32 markets worldwide, as well as a new entrant to Central America. The company is renowned for competitive rates, unbeatable coverage, and superior customer care, a wide variety of products and services, and state-of-the-art handsets.
Digicel is the proud sponsor of several national rugby teams across the South Pacific including; Fiji Rugby, Digicel Fiji 7’s and the Digicel Cup, Digicel Tonga Ikale Tahi 7s and 15s, Digicel Vanuatu 7’s and 15’s. Digicel is also the proud sponsor of the Vanuatu Cricket team.
For more information, please visit http://www.digicelpacific.com
On 08.31.09, In Mobile, By Editor
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: NEC, Hitachi and Casio, the Japanese handset manufacturers are reportedly in talks to for a merger of their mobile phone operators in order top create nation’s second largest handset firm after Sharp.
According to the media reports, the three firms have confirmed the that they are in talks over merging their handset divisions by April 2010 in which NEC will hold the major ownership stake. The merger will hold nearly 20% of the Japanese handset market.
The merger talks have come when the Japanese market is facing saturation, bringing down the profitability of mobile handset manufacturer. Several companies, including Sharp, have sought to boost growth by charging into emerging markets like China.
On 08.31.09, In Mobile, By Editor
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Vodafone’s 3G network goes live in hundreds of regional areas today (Monday 31 August), increasing competition and offering choice and value to customers.
Vodafone customers in upgraded areas can now access 3G services on-the-move, such as internet and email on their mobile phone, or laptop via Vodafone Mobile Broadband*.
To celebrate the 3G upgrade, Vodafone is offering all new and existing customers (on prepaid and contract) unlimited, free access to Facebook on their mobile phone, until 31 October 2009^.
Nigel Dews, CEO at Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA), says regional customers can now enjoy 3G services at Vodafone’s great value prices.
“Vodafone is committed to investing in its network to make state-of-the-art 3G services more accessible and affordable.
“Vodafone’s great value 3G services are now available to Australians living and working in regional cities and towns, as well as business travellers and holiday-makers who need to stay connected.
“More Vodafone customers, in more places, can now get online on their mobile phone or laptop while they’re out and about, to keep up-to-date on emails, stay in-touch with friends and family via Facebook, MySpace or Twitter and blog, game or Google,” he said. Vodafone’s 3G network coverage now extends out to Kununurra in WA, Port Douglas in Queensland and Devonport in Tasmania, reaching 94 per cent of the Australian population. Vodafone’s 3G coverage previously reached 80 per cent of the Australian population.
To access Vodafone’s 3G services in both regional and metropolitan areas, customers can purchase one of 18 3G 900Mhz mobile phones available on Vodafone prepaid or contract, such as the prepaid Nokia 6220 for $229. Vodafone Prepaid Flexi Caps start at $29 (includes $300 total value)~ and give customers the freedom to spend their included Flexible Credit any way they like – on calls, txt, internet browsing, instant messaging and downloading games or music. As part of the upgrade, Vodafone’s regional 2G network will now support EDGE technology. Existing Vodafone customers with a 2G mobile phone will continue to access voice and txt services as normal and can experience an increase in data speeds. Coverage maps, information on compatible mobile phones and pricing details are available in Vodafone stores and online at www.vodafone.com.au.
On 08.31.09, In Mobile, By Editor
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Qtel, the Qatari mobile operator, reportedly said that it has interest in Portugal Telecom’s stake in Moroccan mobile operator, Mobitel. Bankers are working on financing to back bids for a potential 64.4% stake in Meditel.
Portugal Telecom owns 32.2% stake in Meditel is up for sale along with Spain’s Telefonica’s 32.2%. ‘Qatar Telecom confirms its interest in the process initiated by Portugal Telecom SGPS SA regarding the sale of their stake in Medi Telcom, Meditel,’ the firm said in a statement.
‘The intentions of the remaining shareholders in Meditel are still unclear, and, as such, Qtel will continue to monitor the situation until the facts becomes clearer,’ the statement said.