Orange partners Intel on MeeGo device support
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: To develop support for mobile data services on devices running the MeeGo software, Orange and Intel has agreed to work together wherein Orange will use Intel Atom processors. The announcement has been made by MeeGo which is a Linux platform built around Intel’s Moblin and Nokia’s Maemo systems.
According to both the companies, they will work together to increase the availability of Orange Signature Services, such as Orange TV and Orange Maps, on devices running MeeGo.
Vodafone signs cooperation deal Al-Madar (Libya)
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: With an aim to offer Vodafone-branded services in the North African country, a cooperation deal has been signed between Vodafone and Libyan state-owned mobile operator Almadar Aljadid (Al-Madar).
As per the agreement, Vodafone’s range of products, devices and services in Libya will give a special access to Al-Madar. A range of services utilizing home network capabilities will be offered by Vodafone if allowed to use the network besides enjoying extended roaming coverage throughout the region.
59 operators commit to deploy LTE- GSA
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: LTE network has been committed to be deployed in 28 countries by 59 operators. All network commitments and each deployment status have been listed in the latest update of Evolution to LTE report by Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA).
It has also been forecasted that by 2012, 37 LTE networks will be commercially launched and 22 LTE networks will have entered commercial service by end-2010. Sweden and Norway were the first to commercially launch LTE networks in December 2009.
Additional operators currently engaged in technology tests or trials of LTE are also included in the report from which additional commitments to deploy are expected to follow.
African telco MTN’s CEO to depart by March 11
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: CEO Phuthuma Nhleko of MTN Group will not review his long-term contract of employment, which ends on June 30. He will continue in his current role up to March 2011.
Certain key objectives will be focused by Nhleko in the remaining part of his service including facilitation of a seamless transition once his successor has been appointed.
According to Nhleko, it was the right time to secure the next generation of leadership for the group and for him to start thinking about the next phase of his career.
EU roaming rules effective from March 1
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Customers of the mobile operators in European Union must be allowed to cap their data use while on roaming. The so-called ‘bill shock’ rule became effective from March 1 and applies for customers using mobile internet while roaming in EU countries.
A monthly cap of EUR 50 on data roaming costs must be offered by operators and warning should be issued to the customers on reaching 80% of the limit. Customers are required to make the choice by July 1 in order to benefit from the service and on not taking any decision, the EUR 50 cap will apply automatically.
Functioning of all roaming regulations will be analyzed by the European Commission with a more extensive review in June 2011.
Vodafone 360 apps launched by WIN
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: A number of new applications for Vodafone 360 have been introduced by mobile software and services firm WIN. Following a recent drive by Vodafone to make its 360 service compatible with more devices, new software for the mobile operator’s LiMo-based applications environment and multi-platform social network aggregator has been launched.
An app that provides lottery information and a lucky number generator; Pocket Doctor, a medical guide that enables users to find information relating to injuries and illnesses; and Snow and Ski, which delivers information on ski conditions at resorts all over the world are the three new programs launched by WIN.
According to Graham Rivers, CEO of WIN, Vodafone 360 is a major initiative bringing together myriad compelling Internet services to both the mobile and PC.
Virgin Mobile USA to cease postpaid service by May 25
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: The postpaid customers of Virgin Mobile USA and Sprint have already started getting the notification of the winding down of Virgin Mobile. The company is ceasing the operations of its postpaid service by May 25 with the hope to convert some Virgin postpaid customers to full Sprint postpaid customers.
According to Virgin Mobile spokesperson Jayne Wallace, no customer will be automatically migrated to Sprint’s postpaid service, however current Virgin postpaid customers are being given $50 towards the purchase of a Sprint postpaid handset with a new two-year agreement.
In order to keep the current Virgin Mobile postpaid number, the customers are required to contact Sprint or Virgin Mobile before May 25, the change applicable only to postpaid accounts.
Vodafone launches charity foundation in Ghana
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Vodafone Ghana Foundation aimed at supporting projects that seek to address challenges facing communities in the country and to empower the people to be self-reliant has been launched by Management of Vodafone Ghana Limited.
25 existing charity groups worldwide have been added up in the foundation calling upon the corporate bodies and individuals to support volunteerism aimed at assisting the needy.
According to Mr. David Venn, Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Ghana Limited, the social responsibility that the company delivers through the Vodafone Foundation, involves charity works that had no direct financial benefits to the company.
