MVNO’s protest delays AIS and TOT 3G tie-ups

On 02.02.10, In Mobile, By Editor

www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Thailand’s mobile market leader Advanced Info Service (AIS) will have to wait for another four to six months before beginning the proposed data roaming service on the state enterprise’s 2100MHz 3G networks.

The decision has been taken by the board of Thai state-run telco TOT in order to give its contracted mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) some marketing leeway. AIS, operating as a small-scale 3G network using 900MHz frequency have been proposed to offer its users 3G data roaming on TOT’s 2100MHz network today for a trial period.

However, TOT has faced an outcry from the five MVNOs – Loxley, Samart I-Mobile, 365 Communication, IEC International and M Consultant Corporation, who are committed to reselling services over the TOT 3G networks which launched in Bangkok in December 2009.

According to AIS chief executive Wichian Mektrakarn, Shin Corp-owned cellco had told TOT that it would cease the voice roaming service pending consultation with the National Telecoms Commission (NTC), in addition to suspending a pricing agreement with TOT under which the latter’s customers are charged THB0.60 (USD0.018) a minute for roaming instead of THB1.10.

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Thailand’s 3G auction delayed until 2012

On 01.21.10, In Mobile, By Editor

www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Thailand will have to wait for its 3G auction, scheduled to take place in the second quarter, for another two years. According to Wichien Mektrakarn, CEO of the country’s leading cellular operator AIS, country’s 3G auction may not take place until 2012 since the ratification of NTC board is still unclear.

AIS has already rolled out 3G services using its existing 900 MHz spectrum in Chiang Mai, Chon Buri and Hua Hin and intends to further the rollout of its 3G service in partnership with the TOT.

The delay is caused due to the failure of Royal Household in appointing the four new directors to the NTC.

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InfoSpace sells mobile services business to Motricity (USA)

On 10.16.07, In Mobile, By Editor

Mobile content services provider Motricity has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the mobile services business division of InfoSpace, developer of mobile technology and infrastructure services, for around USD 135 million in cash. The deal is subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions and is expected to close within 90 days. Upon closing, Steve Elfman, currently executive vice president of the InfoSpace mobile services business unit, will become President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Motricity. The InfoSpace business being sold provides managed services infrastructure for mobile carriers. The deal will make Motricity the leading provider of mobile content infrastructure services in North America.

   

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Alltel launches ringback tones

On 01.24.07, In Mobile, By Editor

MobileWirelessNews writes…Alltel Corp. wireless customers who just can’t get enough of personalizing their wireless phones now have a new option: ringback tones.

The carrier introduced a ringback tone service, and will charge $1 per month for the offering. The fee includes one complimentary ringback tone; additional tones must be purchased. The service is offered through Motricity Inc.’s Fuel technology platform. The ringbacks are integrated with Alltel’s current content offerings from Motricity in the same storefront.

Motricity also is partnering with Alltel to provide content for the carrier’s new user interface, CellTop, which debuted last week.

Ringback tones play sounds or music clips while callers are waiting for a call to be answered.

All of the national carriers offer some type of ringback at various prices. Cingular Wireless charges a $1 monthly subscription fee and $2 for the tones, while Sprint Nextel Corp. ringbacks cost between $1.50 and $2.50 for a 90-day license. Verizon Wireless requires a $1 subscription fee plus a $2 annual fee per ringback, and T-Mobile USA Inc. charges $1.50 per month for the service, plus $2 apiece for the tones.

 

 

 

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Alltel makes ringback call

On 01.23.07, In Mobile, By Editor

Mobile-Ent writes…The US ringback market received a fresh boost as Alltel Wireless confirmed a service launch using Motricity’s Fuel technology.

The platform allows Alltel customers to buy ringback tones from via internet, SMS or WAP, and the tones are integrated with the current storefront that Motricity already provides for Alltel. Catalogue includes hip hop, rock and country and more.

 “Motricity has been an important partner in Alltel’s commitment to provide customers with a satisfying mobile experience,? said Scott Moody, director of data services for Alltel Wireless. “This year, we bring customer choice and control to the user experience by making it easy for our customers to tailor their mobile experience to reflect their personalities, preferences and lifestyles.?

   

 

 
 

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