Dhiraagu introduces US dollar forex checker (Maldives)
Dhiraagu has launched an SMS exchange rate service. Customers can check the US dollar exchange rate by sending an SMS or using the USSD menau.
The service is priced at US$0.07 for each check of the exchange rates.
Dhiraagu introduces 1 GB mobile internet package (Maldives)
Dhiraagu has introduced a 1 GB mobile internet package. The ‘GB Pack’ is offered at US$12.44 per month and is available to both postpaid and prepaid customers.
Dhiraagu introduces usage limits, SMS alerts (Maldives)
Dhiraagu has launched usage limits and SMS alerts for data services.
Postpaid customers will receive an SMS alert when their data usage reaches 70% and 85% of their limit. The limit is set based on recent usage and payment history but customers can contact the operator to change the limit.
Customers can also check their data usage via SMS. Dhiraagu expects all postpaid users will have been furnished with a personal limit by June 2011.
C&W unit plans sales and acquisitions (Latin America)
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Cable & Wireless Communications is planning asset sales and acquisitions in order to maximize cash generation and shareholder returns.
According to Tony Rice, chief executive of C&W Communications, the company would look at selling its minority stakes in overseas telecoms companies if there was no obvious path to control.
The company, which has also adopted a new brand identity to mark its independence, is all set to look at the developing regional hubs of operations in the Caribbean and Central America as well. Since it already has operations in Panama, it is planning to take part in an auction of a mobile license in Costa Rica.
Cable and Wireless Communications has telecom assets in over 38 countries. However the highest revenue generator markets are Panama, Macau, Jamaica, the Maldives and Monaco.
Kuwait’s Wataniya net profit declines by 22.5%
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: With a year-on-year loss of 22.5%, a net profit of KWD11 million (USD37.9 million) has been posted by Kuwait-based National Mobile Telecommunications Company (Wataniya), for the fourth quarter of 2009.
However, its full year net profit was up to KWD108.3 million in 2009, from KWD82.4 million in 2008. No reasons have been revealed by the company behind its declining bottom line.
Its parent company Qatar Telecom (QTel) is also expected to release its preliminary results for the full year 2009 soon, with a full disclosure scheduled for March 7. Wataniya’s operating market includes Algeria, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia and the Maldives.
Qtel signs framework agreement with NSN
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: A global purchasing agreement has been signed between Qatar based Qtel and Nokia Siemens Networks covering its various international networks. Indonesia, Kuwait, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Algeria and Palestine have the subsidiaries of the company. The initial term of the agreement is one year and may be extended at Qtel International’s option for up to two additional years.
According to Dr. Nasser Marafih, chief executive officer of The Qtel Group, partnership for the future will ensure the highest quality of network development supporting the firms strategy for business growth and the support of Nokia Siemens Networks will provide essential resources as they continue to enhance their operations.
Standard terms and volume-based discounted pricing for network equipment will be available to companies under the agreement.
Windows Mobile Maldives to be launched
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Amidst the rumors of delay in the launch of Windows Mobile 7, Windows might offer a minor update to WinMo 6.5 under the name of Windows Mobile Maldives, a re-badged version of Windows Mobile 6.6.
This upgrade will be looking to help Microsoft maintain competitiveness with the iPhone and Android devices. Some more finger friendly panels will also be seen in the offer which will help rid the interface or a stylus.
India’s Bharti Airtel to expand its base in SAARC countries
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Leading Indian telecom operator Bharti Airtel has announced its prospects of expanding its base in various SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries with Bangladesh being the first step towards this direction.
The SAARC includes eight countries — India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives. According to Akhil Gupta, the deputy group chief executive officer of the Bharti Enterprises, the company is very much interested in Bangladesh and other SAARC countries and on the auction of 3G spectrum, he hoped that it takes place on the scheduled time of January 14, 2010.
With over 110 million subscribers of the total 520 million and a market share of around 20 percent, Airtel continues to be the market leader.
Nar Mobile enters into further GPRS roaming agreements (Azerbaijan)
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: In July, 2009 Nar Mobile has entered into GPRS roaming agreements with numerous countries worldwide.
The last roaming agreements have been entered into between Nar Mobile and mobile operators Tele 2 (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), Viva (Kuwait), Eagle Mobile (Albania), Wataniya Telecom (Maldives), Globe Telecom (Philippines).
Nar Mobile now has GPRS roaming agreements with 95 mobile operators in 60 countries worldwide.
These roaming agreements have been signed in order to fully meet the costumers’ needs of the mobile operator while being overseas.
Qtel introduces roaming offer with affordable tariffs (Qatar)
www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Qtel today launched a fantastic roaming offer for people taking a vacation this summer, with some of the most affordable rates for using your Qtel phone while abroad.
With thousands flying off for rest and relaxation this summer, Qtel has used its international reach to create a Summer Roaming Zone that provides great rates in popular destinations like the Maldives, Thailand, Austria, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands, the UK, Egypt, Tunisia, and more. (more…)
