Beeline continues expanding its roaming geography
Beeline single mobile operator informs about further expansion of international roaming network. Now voice roaming is available in Telecom Seychelles (Seychelles), Elisa (Finland), Wana (Marocco), Wind (Italy).
The company signed GPRS roaming agreements with Cellplus (Mauritius), Latelz (Cambodia), Vodafone (Hungary), Cable&Wireless (Guernsey), Orange (Madagascar), U-Mobile (Malaysia), Alands (Finland), Manx Telecom (Mann island). CAMEL roaming is available in Bakcell (Azerbaijan) and Africell (Gambia).
“In 2010 we were first in Uzbekistan in number of roaming partners around the world,” Anton Golikov, Technical Director of Unitel LLC commented the event. “Beeline has been a roaming operator number one for a long time, and we are proud to prove this image in our country.”
Today Unitel subscribers enjoy international voice roaming in 380 networks of operators from 159 states, GPRS roaming by 182 operators from 95 states. Beeline also leads in 3G roaming (123 operators in 80 states) and CAMEL-roaming (110 operators in 69 states).
To be noted, CAMEL roaming is a unique service when Unitel subscribers can use Beeline connection at any positive balance, i.e. without paying $50 guarantee fee, until the balance is equal to $0.
At that, fee is charged in real time mode. CAMEL roaming doesn’t need any activation, the service is automatic. The service is available for all subscribers individuals using prepaid tariff plans, at any positive balance.
Turkcell Introduces “Dual Carrier” Technology to Turkey and Doubles Mobile Internet Speed
Turkcell, the leading communications and technology company in Turkey, is delighted to announce that it will introduce “Dual Carrier” technology to Turkey and so become one of only ten companies in the world to use this latest technology.
Turkcell’s 3G network will be made compatible with Dual Carrier technology and will support mobile internet speeds of up to 42 Mbps. DC-HSDPA technology, which enables to use 2 frequency at the same time, will double the speed at which Turkcell subscribers are able to use mobile Internet via compatible modems and smart phones.
Commenting, Turkcell’s Chief Network Operations Officer, Ilter Terzioglu, said: “Turkcell will continue to invest in the latest technology and allow our customers to enjoy a very high speed, high quality mobile internet experience. Mobile internet becomes even more meaningful with ‘instant access’ and Dual Carrier technology is a new advance in 3G/HSDPA technology, which significantly increases the maximum speed available to customers. We will complete the update of our network as soon as possible. We will soon double mobile internet speed, allowing our subscribers to use Turkcell 3G VINN at 43.2 Mbps. We are aiming to achieve higher mobile internet revenues in accordance with the increasing smart phones as well as the higher data usage at faster speeds.”
About Turkcell
Turkcell is the leading communications and technology company in Turkey with 33.9 million postpaid and prepaid customers and a market share of approximately 55% as of September 30, 2010 (Source: Our estimations, operator’s and the Telecommunication Authority’s announcements). Turkcell provides high quality data and voice services to approximately 80% of the Turkish population through its 3G technology supported network and to 99.07% of the Turkish population through its 2G technology supported network. Turkcell reported TRY2.3 billion ($1.5 billion) net revenue for the period ended September 30, 2010 and its total assets reached TRY14.5 billion ($10.0 billion) as of September 30, 2010. Turkcell has become one of the first operators among the global operators to have implemented HSDPA+ and to reach to 42.2 Mbps speed with HSPA multi carrier solution. Turkcell is a leading regional player and has interests in international mobile operations in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Northern Cyprus and Ukraine which, together with its Turkish operations, had approximately 60.4 million subscribers as of September 30, 2010. Turkcell has been listed on the NYSE and the ISE since July 2000 and is the only NYSE listed company in Turkey and is among the top 15% of companies listed on NYSE by its size as of October 2010. 51.00% of Turkcell’s share capital is held by Turkcell Holding, 0.05% by ƒâ€¡ukurova Holding, 13.07% by Sonera Holding, 2.32% by M.V. Group and 0.01% by others while the remaining 33.55% is free float. Read more at http://www.turkcell.com.tr/en
Azercell to launch 3G in commercial operation in early 2011 (Azerbaijan)
The Azerbaijani mobile operator company Azercell Telecom’s President Ali Agan revealed that the company will launch 3G networks in commercial operation in early 2011.
The company has already completed the technical preparations for the introduction of the 3G networks in commercial operation, which will be available after obtaining the license of the Communications and IT Ministry.
Regarding the roaming service, Agan explained that the company, like other mobile operators in Azerbaijan, is planning in the near future to provide more affordable prices for this type of service, in connection with what the talks are underway with mobile operators in other countries.
Turkcell Becomes the First Operator in the World to Integrate its Location-Based Mobile Application with Windows Live Messenger
Turkcell, the leading communications and Technology Company in Turkey, is delighted to announce that Turkcell has become the first operator in the world to integrate its location-based mobile application with Windows Live Messenger. The application is “GEZENZI”, one of the world’s first location-based Web 2.0 micro-blogging platforms.
Microsoft released the final version of Windows Live Essentials 2011 with the slogan “The World is turning around you” on 5 October 2010. Windows Live Essentials 2011 includes tools for photo editing and management, making movies, instant messaging, e-mail, blogging, managing your child’s time online, and more. “GEZENZI”, which is integrated within Microsoft Windows Live Messenger through Messenger Connect Platform, roughly translates as “share traces of your life” and is a permission-based service enabling members to use a Gezenzi map to exchange information about places they encounter in their daily lives and travels.
Gezenzi users will now be able to leave their foot prints, socialize and invite their Windows Live friends to Gezenzi simply by matching their Windows Live IDs with their Gezenzi accounts.
Turkcell’s Chief Product and Services Management Officer, Cenk Bayrakdar, said: “So far, we have differentiated ourselves with cutting edge applications like mobile payment, mobile signature, mobile education, telemetry applications, e-government applications and various products and services that ease the lives of our subscribers. We are continually generating new platforms to meet the needs of our subscribers, enhancing the ways in which they can socialize. Our cooperation with Microsoft means that “Gezenzi.com”, Turkey’s first location-based social sharing platform website, has become one of the first services using “Messenger Connect” in the world. Once again, we are proud that Turkcell is leading the way in innovative thinking and initiatives.”
ABOUT TURKCELL
Turkcell is the leading communications and technology company in Turkey with 33.9 million postpaid and prepaid customers and a market share of approximately 55% as of June 30, 2010 (Source: Operators’ announcements). Turkcell provides high quality data and voice services to approximately 80% of the Turkish population through its 3G technology supported network and to 99.05% of the Turkish population through its 2G technology supported network. Turkcell reported TRY2.2 billion ($1.5 billion) net revenue for the period ended June 30, 2010 and its total assets reached TRY14.0 billion ($8.9 billion) as of June 30, 2010. Turkcell has become one of the first operators among the global operators to have implemented HSDPA+ and to reach to 42.2 Mbps speed with HSPA multi carrier solution. Turkcell is a leading regional player and has interests in international mobile operations in Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Northern Cyprus and Ukraine which, together with its Turkish operations, had approximately 62.0 million subscribers as of June 30, 2010. Turkcell has been listed on the NYSE and the ISE since July 2000 and is the only NYSE-listed company in Turkey and is among the top 15% of companies listed on NYSE by its size as of April 2010. 51.00% of Turkcell’s share capital is held by Turkcell Holding, 0.05% by ƒâ€¡ukurova Holding, 13.07% by Sonera Holding, 2.32% by M.V. Group and 0.01% by others while the remaining 33.55% is free float.
Nakhchivan’s 3G network to be boosted by Azerbaijan govt
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: 21,000 mobile subscribers will be provided with 3G network coverage by May due to deployment of third-generation base stations in the autonomous republic of Nakhchivan. The revelation came from Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Communication and Information Technologies (MCIT).
Broadband internet, mobile TV and video calling services will be promoted with the expansion of 3G infrastructure to towns and villages in the area.
The only 3G license in Azerbaijan was issued to Azerfon by MCIT to provide 3G services. Azerfon launched its 3G network in Baku, Sumgait, Ganja, Shirvan, Nakhchivan, Mingachevir, Tovuz and Shamkir, as well as in the Absheron Peninsula, shortly after receiving its concession in December 2009.
MNP aimed by Azerbaijan later this year
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: The mobile subscribers of Azerbaijan can enjoy the facility of Mobile Number Portability later this year as the plans of Ministry of Communications and Information Technology have been submitted to the Cabinet for approval.
There is one issue outstanding and the mobile operators and stationary communication operators have to reach agreement after which the service will be implemented by the government.
Azercell, which was the first candidate to apply for a 3G license may get it this year. However, it was earlier reported that other mobile operator, Azerfon, had already been granted a 3G license.
Azerfon plans to launch its 3G services in Azerbaijan by year- end
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Azeri mobile operator Azerfon will launch its 3G services by the end of 2009.
According to the general director of the company, Guido Helbich, the tests of the W-CDMA/HSPA network will be completed within 2 weeks after which the service will be made commercially available in the autonomous republic of Nakhchivan, Baku and Absheron. There are plans to extend the service in other regions too.
USD20 million has been invested so far by the telco in its 3 G network. Azerfon was awarded a 3 G license by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technologies, for AZN11, 000 (USD13,600), early this month.
Azerbaijan joins Iran and Russia to improve connectivity in Caspian region
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: The largest stakeholder in Iran based Telecommunication Infrastructure Company, Iranmobin entered into a 50/50 equity joint venture with Russian C-Ring Telecom. C -Ring Telecom is a subsidiary of Russian long-distance operator Synterra while TIC is a unit of fixed line monopoly Telecommunication Company of Iran.
In order to rollout a new fibre-optic ring around the Caspian Sea to handle Europe-Asia voice, Azerbaijan’s AzTelekom forged an agreement with the new venture. The agreement also aims at improving internet service delivery in the Caspian region.
The agreement was signed at trade and economic cooperation summit held in Tehran by Russian and Iranian state and company officials. TIC also signed an agreement with Rostelecom, another Russian carrier, to share international transmission links.
Azerfon receives first 3G license in Azerbaijan Republic
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Azerfon became the first telecom operator of Azerbaijan Republic to receive 3G license. The service will be launched soon on the 2.1 Ghz frequency and will be available not only in Baku or Absheron peninsula but across the country. 11,000 manat (US$13,681) will be charged to all those operators granted with the license.
According to the Mobile World database, the country has three GSM operators and one CDMA operator. 8.1 million subscribers representing 78 percent of the population were recorded by the end of Q3 2009
Azercell warns subscribers about possible credit difficulties (Azerbaijan)
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Azercell, mobile operator of Azerbaijan, has warned subscribers about potential difficulties placing credit on their phones in the evening on Sept. 2 and 4. The cause is said to be the work towards upgrading the network.
