Verizon and AT&T ponder over shared-data pricing plans (USA)
Mobile data now accounts for a very significant aspect of a consumer’s life. While demand for wireless data services has been on the rise, users are also on the lookout for the most economical option, adding pressure on mobile operators.
In an attempt to meet consumer demand and reduce churn, mobile operators Verizon Wireless and AT&T are preparing to roll out shared-data pricing plans this year, according to a report by BN. As per the report, the revolutionary new service would enable customers to split one internet data plan between their phones, iPads and other wireless devices, providing an economical option for families, small businesses or people with a lot of Web-connected gadgets.
As per the report, while such a move could prove to be highly successful for operators, any would lower the amount of money that subscribers pay, while increasing network traffic and the cost of maintaining networks. Thus both operators are hesitant in being the first one to offer the service.
However, mobile operators Sprint and T-Mobile are yet to announce any plans for the same. They claim that such a move may make it tougher for families to keep a track of how the data is being used, and may lead to bill shock.
Deutsche Telekom may discuss T-Mobile deal with MetroPCS (USA)
Telecom operator Deutsche Telekom AG is said to be in discussions with MetroPCS Communications for a possible merger of its T-Mobile USA, in an attempt to find a solution for the customer-losing business, according to a report by BN.
As per the report, Deutsche Telekom is considering a stock-swap transaction that would give the German company control over the combined entity, which would be publicly listed. Following the cancellation of the $39 billion merger between T-Mobile and AT&T, Deutsche Telekom has been on the lookout for other options to protect its business.
MetroPCS rose as much as $1.89 to $8.45 and was up 24 percent as of 12:28 p.m.
AT&T moves towards wireless-centric home security and automation services (USA)
AT&T today announced plans for a new portfolio of all-digital, IP-based home security monitoring and automation services. Called AT&T Digital LifeTM, , the services will give users unparalleled control and security of their homes using any web-enabled device, PCs, tablets and smartphones, regardless of wireless carrier. The trials for the same are expected to begin trials in Atlanta and Dallas this summer.
As per the company, checking on the welfare of loved ones, protecting one’s home from intruders, fire or water damage, unlocking a door for the repairman or changing the temperature setting on the thermostat, can be as easy as if one were right at home.
Managed by a newly created Digital Life group, the remote monitoring and automation portfolio will feature web-based access to automation, energy and water controls, as well as professionally monitored security services.
Larry Hettick, Research Director, Consumer Services, for Current Analysis, said that the AT&T Digital Life service has the potential to take home monitoring and home security solutions to another level. The service promises to be as robust as anything in the marketplace today backed by the trusted AT&T brand. These consumer-friendly capabilities will help grow this industry.
The AT&T Digital Life will feature a robust lineup of connected devices like cameras, window/door sensors, smoke and carbon monoxide sensors, door locks and moisture detection among others. The devices will be wirelessly enabled to connect to the IP-based AT&T Digital Life platform inside the home.
Kevin Petersen, senior vice president, Digital Life, AT&T Mobility, said that AT&T Digital Life will change the way people live, work and play — and meets a clear need in the market. The service is smart, simple and customer centric– freeing homeowners to do the things they want to do without compromising on the things they need to do to care for family and home.
He added that they are planning a unique suite of services, from start to finish, that will give homeowners control of their property and their possessions through an easy to navigate user interface. Their focus is on providing their customers with a comprehensive home security and automation solution that offers the best possible customer experience, and uses the most advanced mobile internet technology on the market to make their lives easier and keep their families and property safer.
According to reports, industry analysts claim that such a move is largely inspired by the declining competition in the mobile industry. Stagnant revenues are causing mobile operators to diversify their business portfolio and enter segments where there is still scope for revenue growth.
T-Mobile to receive breakup fee airwaves from AT&T (USA)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) cleared the way for T-Mobile USA to receive about $1 billion in wireless airwaves it is owed as part of the breakup fee for AT&T Inc.’s failed $39 billion takeover bid, according to a report by DJN.
As per the report, T-Mobile has slated the airwaves, or spectrum, for its build out over the next several years of a high-speed mobile broadband network to keep pace with its larger rivals. The spectrum will bolster T-Mobile’s network in 12 large U.S. markets.
AT&T promised the spectrum and about $3 billion in cash for walking away from the deal in December after meeting resistance from regulators, competitors and attorneys general concerned over the impact to competition. T-Mobile is playing catchup with AT&T and Verizon Wireless in building out the faster network, known as 4G LTE.
Nokia Windows phone receives support from carriers (USA)
With the increasing dominance of iPhones and Android powered smartphones in the handset arena, wireless carriers AT&T and Verizon Wireless have been looking at phones from Nokia and Microsoft as alternatives, according to a report by BN.
As per the report, both carriers praised Microsoft’s Windows Phone operating system, which powers the new Nokia Lumia phone, when they reported quarterly results this month. AT&T began offering the Lumia 900 for $99.99 on April 8, and Verizon is preparing to add a new Nokia model to its lineup soon.
The operators are hoping that these handsets act as an alternative for users as devices such as iPhone can be more costly to subsidize. The companies also face the risk that an Apple-Google duopoly will erode carriers’ ability to distinguish themselves and will further squeeze their profit margins.
AT&T Chief Financial Officer John Stephens told BN in an interview that they want the Lumia to succeed — they love to have competition in the handset market. It’s always better to have more choices for the customers.
Orange Business Services increases video services in cloud (France)
Orange Business Services to expand its portfolio of video services with Telepresence Pass, a new cloud offering soft, flexible and economical for companies. Telepresence is a Pass offering video services simple to implement, and perennial with multiple benefits.
Telepresence Pass provides businesses a simple way to capitalize on the benefits of videoconferencing systems “immersive” in-house and externally with partners, customers and suppliers. Pass Telepresence is an underwritten offering opex mode, which allows companies to significantly reduce their material and human investment.
Vivek Badrinath, Executive Director of Orange Business Services, said that their ambition is to provide businesses across the video, without limitation. He added that the key is to offer companies a wide range of video services so they can choose the solution that best meets their business needs.
Telepresence Pass adds to the complete and comprehensive portfolio of video services in Orange Business Services. It relies on a network supporting efficient, high on the experience of Orange Business Services in the field of videoconferencing and on a global strategy oriented businesses, allowing them to make the most of their investments in videoconferencing.
A network ready for Telepresence with guarantees unmatched capacity, service quality and coverage , the network quality is the success of the video conferencing experience. Experience Immersive Telepresence is open in 21 additional countries and continued progress of the network Orange Business Services offers a service availability of 99.95 percent.
Nicolas Roy, Director of Network Solutions Business Unit, Orange Business Services, said that of all the applications, the video is the most demanding bandwidth and quality of real-time service. Further, the group continues to invest about $ 990 million per year in its international backbone network and related IT infrastructure so that our customers can benefit from a level of coverage, bandwidth and optimal quality and an experience Exceptional video.
Interoperability: operators, terminals and access type interoperability conditions the ability of firms to collaborate with their entire ecosystem, with any type of equipment and through all the interconnected networks. Orange had already established agreements with Telepresence Interoperability four major operators (AT&T, BT, Telefonica and Tata) and announces it has signed a new contract with Verizon Enterprise Solutions. Orange also confirms its determination and leadership in taking the chair of the consortium OVCC (Open Visual Collaboration Consortium), to promote the development of uses of videoconference with increasing interoperability.
Flexibility of service management and customer support Orange Business Services offers a full range of offers video services, offering ease of use and management for users and for IT managers. Every IT department can indeed choose a management flexible and responsive to their expectations – the full support internally to the delivery of turnkey solutions and fully managed by Orange Business Services. Users have a reservation service video conferencing simple and ongoing support 24/7.
iPhone 5 may be released in October 2012 (USA)
Soon After the release of Apple’s iPhone 4S, rumours for the iPhone 5 began doing the rounds. According to recent reports, the American company is looking to release the revolutionary new iPhone in October.
The iPhone 5 is expected to have a 4? screen powered by a dual-core A5 / A6 processor and an 8 MP camera. The company had earlier hinted at an August release, however recent news suggests that chipmaker Qualcomm, who will be supplying the chips for the iPhone 5, is facing difficulties in meeting the quality standards setup by Apple.
These radio chips inserted in the Iphone offer better internet connectivity. Further, with mobile oeprators AT&T and Verizon launching their LTE networks, the iPhone 5 will offer users a better chanceat accessing the mobile data.
NY attorney general files tax fraud lawsuit against Sprint (USA)
Wireless carrier Sprint has been slapped with a legal case for tax fraud by the New York attorney general’s office. According to reports, the case alleges that the operator had deliberately been paying lesser sales tax for the past seven years.
Reports reveal that New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, has said that Sprint’s goal was to give itself a price advantage over its rivals. Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and MetroPCS all collect the taxes Sprint is accused of shirking. He added that Sprint did not correct its sales tax practices when it was informed of its illegality, and it has not corrected them even today. As per reports, if found liable, Sprint could be asked to pay around $300 million with additional penalties.
However, Sprint has responded to the case claiming that the case is without merit. The operator added that it has collected and paid over to New York every penny of sales taxes.
