SingTel plans acquisition in China and US (Singapore)
Leading telecom operator in Singapore, SingTel has hinted towards acquiring businesses in China or US, to make up or slow growth in its domestic market.
As per a statement made by the company, SingTel may raise its stakes in associates in Asia and Africa and make other strategic investments. The company reported a 30 percent jump in fourth-quarter profit. Net income climbed to $1 billion in the three months ended March 31.
Chief Executive Officer Chua Sock Koong, said that when they look at acquiring the technology know how in the start up space, they could be looking at quite a few different places. She added that it could be startups in Silicon Valley, California or in countries such as India and China.
The company added that group revenue at the Singapore and Australia operations are forecast to grow at low single-digit rates this year while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization may be stable. Further, dividends from associates in Asia and Africa are expected to grow.
Telstra launches network intelligence for business segment (Australia)
Businesses and large organisations will now have comprehensive visibility of applications using their data networks with the launch of Australia’s first in-network intelligent reporting service.
The Telstra Application Assured Networking service will provide organisations with a clear view and more control over the increasing number of financial, relationship management, IP telephony, video conferencing and other business applications on their network.
The new service will initially allow an organisation to produce reports on how networks are being used by applications which can be viewed via an easy-to-use secure online portal on the Telstra Business and Enterprise website. Coupled with this is a consultancy service desk to provide expert advice with regards to application and network performance.
Building products organisation Peer Industries is the first Telstra customer to use the Application Assured Networking service.
Philip Jones, Telstra Executive Director, Data, IP and Network Applications and Services said the new service gives control back to IT executives. The launch of Application Assured Networking is a first for Australia and represents the leadership of Telstra in this area through our ongoing investment in their networks such as the intelligence built into their core IP network.
As global business IP traffic is predicted to grow three-fold, more and more organisations are looking to ensure business-critical applications can perform at their peak while not compromising their network.
The new Application Assured Networking service provides their customers with detailed application performance reporting and gives IT executives the knowledge they require to manage the delivery of traffic across their network, particularly as applications move to the cloud. With Application Assured Networking built into their network, they can offer a feature-rich application service based on an OPEX model.
Jones added that in essence, Application Assured Networking enables an organisation to get more performance and value from their network which in turn helps with business productivity. A planned future release of Application Assured Networking will enable customers to control the bandwidth for specific applications in real time.
Apple to offer refund for iPad to Australian consumers (USA, Australia)
Apple has offered to refund Australian consumers who purchased the iPad 3 as it is not compatible with the nations 4G network. As per reports, the consumers alleged that the US giant had provided misleading information by promoting 4G capabilities in the new iPad.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) issued a statement claiming that Apple had represented to Australian consumers that the product ‘iPad with WiFi + 4G’ can, with a sim card, connect to a 4G mobile data network in Australia, when this is not the case.
A report by the guardian reveals that Apple admitted that the new iPad does not work on the country’s network. Telstra does offer 4G services to users in Australia, however the new iPad connects to 4G on the 700MHz and 2100Mhz frequencies, neither of which is used by Telstra.
As per the report, Apple has said that it will issue a statement and send emails to consumers offering them a refund if the iPad was bought under the misconception of compatibility with the nation’s 4G network.
Huawei not permitted to submit tender for Australia’s national broadband network (China, Australia)
Chinese firm Huawei will not be permitted to participate in the tender to supply equipment to Australia’s national broadband network, as reported by AFR. The report reveals increasing cyber attacks originating from China as the prime reason for the move.
However, Huawei has hinted at the involvement of the Chinese Government in the event that the ban is not removed. According to reports, a spokeswoman has said that as a strategic and significant government investment, they have a responsibility to do their utmost to protect the national broadband network’s integrity and that of the information carried on it. Further, this is consistent with the government’s practice for ensuring the security and resilience of Australia’s critical infrastructure more broadly.
As per the report, Australia isn’t the only country worried handing over a contract to Huawei. Other markets such as the United States have also raised objections to providing sensitive information to the vendor.
BT to offer cloud services to Australia’s financial exchange (UK, Australia)
Telecom operator BT has said that it will offer cloud services to Australia’s Financial and Energy Exchange Group Ltd so as to provide a new and flexible way for global market participants to access its exchange.
By joining the BT Radianz Cloud community – the world’s largest secure networked financial community – FEX will be able to offer easier access to the rapidly developing Asian energy and commodity markets, linking local growth with global demand.
The deal reflects the desire to increase Australia’s presence as a financial centre in the Asian region, following the introduction of new government regulations in March 2010. The rules are designed to make financial markets more innovative and efficient, supporting the development of Australia as a leading financial centre and providing a platform to attract new venues such as FEX.
Thomas Price, CEO of FEX, said that their service providers need to be able to offer them capabilities that are compliant, efficient, secure and fast. BT leads the way in providing financial services cloud connectivity. They help extend their global reach and gain greater access to the community that they need to attract new clients and grow the business.
Tom Regent, president, global banking & financial markets, BT, said that the global nature of the exchange sector and the need to work quickly, securely and compliantly across multiple time zones means that there is a growing value in exchanges – and their customers – connecting in a single community. BT´s depth and breadth in the exchange community mean that over 70 per cent of equity trades are conducted on exchanges connected to the BT Radianz Cloud .
Vodafone receives warning from ACMA to improve customer service (Australia)
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has issued a warning to telecommunications giant Vodafone, for going against regulations designed for protection of consumer interests. According to reports, the regulatory authority has threatened to fine the operator a fee of US$ 252,852 after it found that Vodafone Pty Ltd as well as Vodafone Network Pty Ltd had breached the regulations in the Consumer Protections Code.
As per sources, Chris Chapman, Chairman, ACMA has said that these directions are intended to make sure Vodafone remains focused on improving outcomes for its consumers by increasing the regulatory consequences of any further breach. Reports reveal that Nigel Dews, CEO, Vodafone Australia, has responded to the warning saying that they have supported the ACMA throughout their thorough and lengthy assessment, and, while they respect the ACMA’s view of past events, they haven’t waited for their report to tell them what they need to do.
Apple wins patent battle against HTC (USA, Taiwan)
Apple Inc has emerged victorious in its patent lawsuit against handset manufacturer HTC, as the International Trade Commission has reportedly ruled that HTC has infringed on one patent held by the iPhone maker. As per reports, any of HTC’s phones using the technology which has been infringed will be banned from sales in the USA from 19 April, 2012.
According to reports, industry analysts believe that the ruling is not expected to have a major impact on the company’s sales as the ruling gives them enough time to come up with another feature to compensate for the infringed feature.
As per sources, HTC has said that the feature in question is a common user-interface function which enables smartphone users to access information such as contact numbers and e-mail addresses from apps and other sources, and use them by simply tapping on the text.
The victory will be well received by Apple, after losing out to Korean giant Samsung, on a similar patent infringement case in Australia last month.
Telstra receives telecom licences in Japan and Singapore (Australia, Asia)
Australian telecom operator Telstra has reportedly been given operating licences in Singapore and Japan, enabling the operator to expand its footprint in the Asian continent. As per company reports, Telstra plans to open and operate voice and data networks that will allow the company to build the local backbone required for new cable submarine capacity to Singapore.
Further, the company has reportedly claimed that the license enables them to offer voice and data services as well as systems and facilities locally. As per sources, the operator had previously received three telecom licences in India for providing customers with international telecommunication services.
Samsung wins appeal against Apple in Australia (South Korea, USA)
Samsung Electronics emerged victorious against rival Apple Inc., as the federal court reversed its decision to ban the sale of Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs in Australia. According to reports, the court had granted Apple an injunction against Samsung in October, preventing any sale of the Galaxy 10.1 tab in Australia, over a patent infringement dispute.
Apple had alleged that Samsung’s Tab had infringed on its patents regarding touch screen technology and design imitation. Following this, Samsung had counter-sued the iPhone maker claiming patent infringement on wireless transmission in multiple devices.
As per sources, analysts believe that the decision has come at a right time, enabling Samsung to take advantage of the festive season; however, it is still not certain as to how soon Samsung can resume sales. Further, it has been reported that Apple will have to approach the High Court should it choose to extend the injunction.
Vodafone to provide 3G services to Sony’s PlayStation Vita (Europe, Australia, New Zealand)
Vodafone PLC, a London based global telecommunications company, has reportedly signed a deal with Sony to provide 3G services for its PlayStation Vita in various regions of Europe along with Australia and New Zealand. According to reports, the 3G enabled Vita devices will include a Vodafone SIM, and will be made available in all Sony stores. Further, it has been reported that while Vodafone is not the sole provider of 3G services, it will be given preference over the others.
As per sources, Sony has said that the data plans will be flexible so as to meet the needs of all its users and also partnering with Vodafone will enable PS Vita users in the selected countries to always be connected with their PlayStation life, friends and games, wherever they are. Reports suggest that the Vita devices are expected to be launched in February 2012.
