World’s leading mobile operators announce commitment to NFC technology
Many of the world’s leading operators, including America Movil, Axiata Group Berhad, Bharti, China Unicom, Deutsche Telekom, KT Corporation, MTS, Orange, Qtel Group, SK Telecom, SOFTBANK MOBILE, Telecom Italia, Telefonica, Telekom Austria Group, Telenor and Vodafone, have voiced their commitment to implementing Near Field Communications (NFC) technology, and intend to launch commercial NFC services in select markets by 2012.
“NFC is perhaps best known for its role in enabling mobile payments, but its applications go far beyond that,” said Franco Bernabe, Chairman, GSMA and CEO, Telecom Italia. ”NFC represents an important innovation opportunity, and will facilitate a wide range of interesting services and applications for consumers, such as mobile ticketing, mobile couponing, the exchange of information and content, control access to cars, homes, hotels, offices car parks and much more.”
The market potential for NFC is significant the total payment value for NFC globally will reach more than euro 110 billion in 2015 and momentum behind the technology is growing rapidly. To address this opportunity and to provide valuable new services to mobile users worldwide, the operator community is focused on driving the standardised deployment of mobile NFC, using the SIM as the secure element to provide authentication, security and portability.
To achieve this, the GSMA will develop the necessary certification and testing standards to ensure global interoperability of NFC services. This interoperability is critical to the widespread adoption of NFC, enabling users to benefit from NFC services around the world, regardless of operator network or device type.
“As we have seen, the adoption of different approaches to NFC will only serve to fragment the market,” continued Bernabe. ”By uniting around a single standardised approach to mobile NFC and by collaborating across the entire ecosystem, our industry will continue to develop the compelling services that customers demand.”
About the GSMA
The GSMA represents the interests of the worldwide mobile communications industry. Spanning 219 countries, the GSMA unites nearly 800 of the world’s mobile operators, as well as more than 200 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset makers, software companies, equipment providers, Internet companies, and media and entertainment organisations. The GSMA is focused on innovating, incubating and creating new opportunities for its membership, all with the end goal of driving the growth of the mobile communications industry.
For more information, please visit Mobile World Live, the new online portal for the mobile communications industry, at www.mobileworldlive.com or the GSMA corporate website at www.gsmworld.com.
Tunetalk selects the XIUS-bcgi mobile services platform to launch Its MVNO services in South East Asia
XIUS-bcgi, a leader in delivering innovative telecom solutions for mobile operators and MVNOs worldwide, and Tunetalk, Malaysia’s low-cost mobile phone operator, today announced that Tunetalk has chosen the XIUS-bcgi Mobile Services Platform (MSP) to power the launch and delivery of its paradigm-changing advertising supported, mobile phone service initially in Malaysia and subsequently to other countries in the ASEAN region.
XIUS-bcgi’s Mobile Services Platform is a next-generation convergent platform for Mobile Virtual Network Enablers (MVNEs), Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and new entrants into mobile telecommunications space.
Tunetalk was co-founded by Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of the successful low cost airline, AirAsia. Key investors include TuneVentures group and Celcom (Malaysia) Berhad, a subsidiary of Axiata Group Berhad (Formally known as TM International Berhad). The company hopes to replicate the success of AirAsia in the mobile space by becoming the first pan-Asean MVNO by expanding to Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
Tunetalk plans to provide attractively priced mobile services along with several value added features to create niche segment offerings.
The company has also established strategic relationships with retail partners for selling its MVNO services and for serving as end distribution points.
Tunetalk is launching on the Celcom network in Malaysia in 2009 and plans are underway for similar launches in 2010 in other countries in the region.
XIUS-bcgi will be responsible for the supply and turnkey management of the customized core network infrastructure for enabling Tunetalk’s mobile launch through its multi-country rollout.
Announcing the deal, G.V. Kumar, CEO of XIUS-bcgi, said, “XIUS-bcgi is very excited about the opportunity to work with such a pioneering organization as Tunetalk. The agreement is a clear demonstration and validation of the value and attractiveness of our Mobile Services Platform for innovative MVNOs aiming to acquire and support a large subscriber base within aggressive timelines.”
“XIUS-bcgi is clearly a leader in core network infrastructure for next-generation carriers looking to deploy innovative services, and we look forward to working with XIUS-bcgi and leveraging on their knowledge and experience in this area,†said Jason Lo, CEO of Tunetalk.
“We evaluated several service delivery alternatives and chose the MSP based on XIUS-bcgi’s proven performance and expertise in integrating and managing complex deployments. MSP will greatly enhance our capability to rollout innovative subscriber specific services, enabling us to concentrate on our core business. With XIUS-bcgi’s technology, Tunetalk will achieve flexibility in pricing, branding and service management across multiple network deployments.”
Added Upendra Bhatt, VP and Head of the Emerging Carriers SBU at XIUS-bcgi, This is an important strategic win for XIUS-bcgi, as it extends the global reach of our Mobile Services Platform into ASEAN markets. The contract with Tunetalk is a multi-million dollar, multi-year agreement and entails delivery of carrier grade core network infrastructure on a turnkey basis to power Tunetalk launch.â€
About Tunetalk
Tune Talk Sdn. Bhd. is the latest investment of Tune Ventures Sdn. Bhd. and formed to be the next Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in Malaysia. Having secured an MVNO agreement with Celcom (Malaysia) Bhd, Tune Talk is poised to launch in 2009.
Following the footsteps of Air Asia and other Tune Ventures, Tune Talk will revolutionize the industry with unique offerings and innovative value propositions. Tune Talk will focus on the underserved mass market in it’s aim to become the first Pan-ASEAN MVNO.
About XIUS-bcgi
XIUS-bcgi (a division of Megasoft Limited, BSE Code No.: 532408) is a leader in delivering innovative revenue-generating solutions to mobile operators and MVNOs worldwide. With 500+ employees, XIUS-bcgi architects infrastructure and mobile solutions that are flexible, scalable and robust – clearing the way for mobile operators to rapidly deliver differentiated services in order to gain first mover advantage and build subscriber loyalty. XIUS-bcgi has more than 100 installations throughout the world, and its customers include leading mobile operators such as Sprint, Telefonica, Etisalat, Embarq and Hutch. For more information, please visit www.xius-bcgi.com.
