TATA india to offer SIM cards on its CDMA network
Oberthur Technologies the world’s second largest provider of Smart Card based solutions today announced the commercialization of its OMHTM (Open Market Handsets) SIM cards for CDMA (Code Development Multiple Access) networks. OMH SIM cards contain subscriber, network and service configuration data that allow subscribers the freedom to easily change and upgrade their handset, but maintain their network configuration.
Oberthur Technologies collaborated with Tata Teleservices Limited, one of India’s fastest growing private telecom service providers, and Qualcomm Incorporated, a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA and other advanced technologies, to introduce OMHTM SIM cards into the India market.
Olivier Leroux, Head of the Mobile Product Line for the Card Systems Division at Oberthur Technologies said, “Oberthur Technologies is the first to commercially launch OMHTM SIM cards. We are pleased to partner with industry leaders such as Tata Teleservices and Qualcomm who are enhancing the subscriber experience for Indian consumers.”
The OMHTM SIM card, referred to as a removable user identity module (R-UIM), is a state of the art smartcard that stores operator and subscriber specific configuration parameters, separate from the handset memory. By having this configuration parameters located on the OMHTM SIM card rather than the device, subscribers can more easily switch or upgrade their handsets. These cards allow CDMA network operators to increase the selection of devices and services while lowering distribution and inventory costs.
“These are exciting times in the Indian telecom space where innovation, research and development are the key to success and remain competitive in the business. In our constant effort to redefine the telecom space keeping customers at the central point, Tata Teleservices decided to partner with Qualcomm and Oberthur Technologies to further develop the Open Market Handset initiative and offer more choice to customers”, said Lloyd Mathias, Chief Marketing Officer, Tata Teleservices Limited.
“Qualcomm is pleased to work with Oberthur Technologies for its leadership as one of the first companies to develop OMH SIM cards,” said Nakul Duggal, Senior Director and OMH Project Lead, Qualcomm Corporate Engineering Services. “The OMH initiative is focused on increasing device variety by offering new channels and distribution options within the CDMA ecosystem to provide greater subscriber flexibility.”
About Oberthur Technologies
With sales of 882 million Euros in 2008, Oberthur Technologies is a world leader in the field of secure technologies. Innovation and high quality services ensure Oberthur Technologies’ strong positioning in its main target markets:
– Card Systems: The world’s second largest provider of security and identification based on smart card technology and associated services for mobile, payment, transport, digital TV and convergence markets. – Identity: Leading international supplier for the manufacture and personalization of secure identity documents such as passport, identity card, driving license or health care card – traditional and electronic – and associated services for both governmental and corporate markets. – Security printing: World’s third largest private security printer specialized in high security for the production of banknotes, checks and other fiduciary documents in more than fifty countries. – Cash protection: World leader in the emerging market of intelligent systems to secure cash-in-transit and ATM.
Close to its customers, Oberthur Technologies benefits from an industrial and commercial presence across all five continents.
Oberthur Technologies S.A. is a limited liability company (societe anonyme) registered in France with its registered office at 50 quai Michelet 92 532 Levallois Perret, France. Oberthur Technologies S.A.’s corporate registration number is 340 709 534 R.C.S. Paris.
Website: http://www.oberthur.com
About Tata Teleservices Limited
Tata Teleservices Limited is one of India’s leading private telecom service providers, having a pan-India presence across all of India’s 22 telecom Circles. The company offers integrated telecom solutions to its customers under the Tata Indicom, Tata DOCOMO, Photon and Walky brands, and uses both the CDMA and GSM technology platform(s) for its wireless networks. Tata Teleservices Limited, along with Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Limited, operates in more than 325,000 towns and villages across the country. In November 2008, Tata Teleservices entered into an agreement with Japanese telecom major NTT DOCOMO, and this transaction marks a key step in the strategic evolution of Tata Teleservices Limited. Tata DOCOMO has so far launched GSM services in eight telecom Circles, and the remaining part of the country is also expected to be covered shortly. In December 2008, Tata Teleservices announced a unique reverse equity swap strategic agreement between its fully-owned telecom tower subsidiary-Wireless TT Info-Services Limited-and Quippo Telecom Infrastructure Limited, thereby becoming the largest independent entity in this space. Tata Teleservices’ bouquet of telephony services includes mobile services, wireless desktop phones, public booth telephony and Wireline services.
For details, visit http://www.tatateleservices.com, http://www.tatadocomo.com or http://www.tataindicom.com.
About Qualcomm
Qualcomm is a registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
iPhone’s rival smartphones to cost more in the UK
The cost of contract smartphones may rise in the UK if a price war erupts between operators over the iPhone.
Orange announced on September 28 and Vodafone on September 29 that they have successfully forged an alliance with Apple to launch the iPhone on their respective networks in the UK. T-mobile and 3 may be announcing something shortly too.
In an attempt to lure customers to the data-happy iPhone, mobile operators will have to increase subsidies on the iPhone. Meanwhile, the cost of other handsets will have to rise as a result. Operators could shift subsidies from other vendors, such as RIM, HTC and Samsung, thus increasing their handset prices.
Orange will be selling the iPhone before Christmas, while Vodafone will only be able to launch it early 2010.
O2 has been bit hard by Apple’s decision to remove its exclusivity after two years. It is thought the network may now look at alternative devices, such as the Palm Pre or Motorola’s android based range of phones to boost revenues.
MetroPCS Orders LTE Infrastructure from Ericsson & Handsets from Samsung (USA)
MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS), the nation’s leading provider of unlimited, flat-rate, no signed contract wireless communications service, announces that it has selected its infrastructure and initial handset vendors for its second half 2010 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) Broadband service launch. MetroPCS has selected Ericsson, a world-leading provider of telecommunications equipment and related services to mobile and fixed network operators globally, as its infrastructure vendor for the launch of its LTE service. In addition, MetroPCS has selected Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile)1, the number one mobile phone provider in the U.S.2, to provide the Company’s initial LTE handset device.
“LTE represents the next generation of wireless technology, and we are proud to be working with two technology leaders in Ericsson and Samsung,” said Roger D. Linquist, president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board of MetroPCS. “As the Internet goes ‘mobile’ we are excited to be at the forefront of this wireless evolution with the building out of our 4G broadband data services. We anticipate to begin offering our 4G LTE services and a dual-mode LTE/CDMA smartphone in our major metropolitan markets in late 2010. When launched, our customers will benefit from our next generation, leading-edge network technology which will enable true high-speed Internet access in the palm of their hand. With the announcement of our LTE launch vendors, MetroPCS will move directly to 4G.”
MetroPCS has successfully encouraged customers to cut the cord on their landline phones and enjoy wireless mobility with their unlimited, flat-rate, no signed contract plans. With its LTE broadband initiative, MetroPCS will provide the ability to cut the cord on the Internet, and subscribers will enjoy a richer HTML browsing experience coupled with multimedia applications that allow a traditional wireline Internet experience directly on their handset.
“Ericsson is honored to be chosen by MetroPCS as their LTE/EPC infrastructure supplier for its LTE service launch,” said Angel Ruiz, president and CEO of Ericsson North America. “We look forward to using our leadership in LTE technology to help MetroPCS usher in a new era of communications and transform the mobile-broadband user experience for their customers.”
“Samsung Mobile is excited to announce a handset that will be compatible on MetroPCS’ high-speed LTE network,” said Paul Golden, chief marketing officer for Samsung Telecommunications America. “This mobile device will take the user experience to the next level by offering users a full broadband Internet experience on a LTE infrastructure.”
MetroPCS offers a diverse selection of service plans, which allow customers to talk 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week, for a wireless experience that best fits their lifestyles. With MetroPCS, customers pay by the month, not by the minute, and services do not require a signed contract, deposit or credit check. For more information on MetroPCS, please go to www.metropcs.com.
About MetroPCS Communications, Inc.
Dallas-based MetroPCS Communications, Inc. (NYSE: PCS) is a provider of unlimited wireless communications service for a flat-rate with no signed contract. Currently, MetroPCS is the fifth largest facilities-based carrier in the United States and has access to licenses covering a population of approximately 145 million people in the largest metropolitan areas in the United States, including New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Jacksonville, Detroit, Boston, Miami, Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa and Sacramento. As of June 30, 2009, MetroPCS had approximately 6.3 million subscribers. For more information please visit www.metropcs.com.
About Ericsson
Ericsson’s multimedia content is available at the broadcast room: www.ericsson.com/broadcast_room
Ericsson is the world’s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. Ericsson is the leader in 2G, 3G and 4G mobile technologies, and provides support for networks with over 1 billion subscribers and has a leading position in managed services. The company’s portfolio comprises of mobile and fixed network infrastructure, telecom services, software, broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and the media industry. The Sony Ericsson and ST-Ericsson joint ventures provide consumers with feature-rich personal mobile devices.
Ericsson is advancing its vision of “to be the prime driver in an all-communicating world” through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 75,000 employees generated revenue of SEK 209 billion (USD 32.2 billion) in 2008. Founded in 1876 with the headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on OMX NASDAQ, Stockholm and NASDAQ New York.
About Samsung Telecommunications America
Samsung Telecommunications America, LLC, a Dallas-based subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., researches, develops and markets wireless handsets and telecommunications products throughout North America. For more information, please visit www.samsungmobileusa.com.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2008 consolidated sales of US$96 billion. Employing approximately 164,600 people in 179 offices across 61 countries, the company consists of two business units: Digital Media & Communications and Device Solutions. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.
1. Samsung Mobile is proud to provide ENERGY STAR-qualified power adapters with its mobile phones and accessories. ENERGY STAR qualified products use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment. Products that have earned the ENERGY STAR meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy.
2. Based upon reported shipment data, according to Strategy Analytics Q2 2009 U.S. Market Share Handset Shipments Report.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based upon MetroPCS’ current expectations and assumptions at the time they are made. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results. Actual financial results, performance or results of operations may differ materially from those anticipated. The risks and uncertainties include those detailed from time to time in our periodic reports filed with the SEC, such as our annual report on form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2008 and in our quarterly reports on form 10-Q. Certain factors that may materially affect such forward-looking statements and our future performance include:
- the demand for LTE services;
- the performance of Ericsson and Samsung under their agreements with MetroPCS;
- the highly competitive nature of our industry;
- the rapid technological changes in our industry;
- our ability to maintain adequate customer care and manage our churn rate;
- our ability to secure the necessary spectrum and network infrastructure equipment;
- our ability to maintain and upgrade our network and business systems;
- ability to obtain permits required for LTE development; and
- governmental regulation of our business network and services and the costs of compliance and our failure to comply with such regulations.
Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. MetroPCS undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise, except as required by law.
SOURCE: MetroPCS Communications, Inc.
Edelman for MetroPCS Sarika Patel, 214-443-7555 sarika.patel@edelman.com
Motorola one of the most trusted wireless brands in U.S.
What kind of cellphone do you use? If you’re in the majority, it’s a Motorola handset. Motorola now has — by far — the largest share of the handset market in the U.S. and appears to be making a global run at Nokia to try and regain the top global spot for the first time in a decade. The jury is still out on whether Motorola can do this, but if the ultra-popular RAZR phenomenon continues — and it does almost two years after release — then Motorola will continue to make headway. It’s rare that a single product carries a company like this, but just like Apple’s iPod, Motorola’s RAZR re-defined the category.
But it does not stop there. According to Forrester Research, Motorola is one of the top trusted brands in the wireless market, which includes hardware manufacturers and wireless carriers alike, from Motorola and Samsung to Sprint Nextel and Cingular Wireless. Samsung and Sprint Nextel rank among the least-trusted brands in the U.S., while Motorola and Verizon Wireless coming in at most-trusted levels, with Cingular Wireless and T-Mobile also pulling the same score. Just slightly off was Sprint Nextel, but that slightness was enough for a “least trusted” rating.
How about wireless handset manufacturers? In what I consider more perception than actual reality, handset makers Palm scored 4.3 and a B+ overall, while Motorola — maker of the RAZR and other popular offshoot handsets, scored 4.2, for an overall grade of B. LG Electronics and Samsung fared the worst, both scoring 4.0, for overall grades of C- and D-, respectively. The “aura” around the Treo line of smartphones and the RAZR line of phones is probably due to the enormous loyalty customers have to both brands when such a subjective topic of “trust” comes along.
Samsung and LG and other makers have wireless handsets that topple the Motorola RAZR and other phones in terms of features and ease-of-use, but the sheer popularity and loyalty Motorola users have cannot be underestimated. If you create the market — like the RAZR did for slim phones and the Treo did for on-the-go productivity — then customers will always have “trust”. MOT shares seem happy these days as a result.
Source- http://www.bloggingstocks.com
Technorati : LG, Motorola, Samsung, USA, Verizon Wireless, operator
