Wireless Federation

EU to deliver verdict for Google-Motorola deal on Feb13 (Europe, USA)

On 01.23.12, In Mobile, By Editor

The European Union is reviewing Google Inc’s proposed plans to purchase Motorola Mobility and will announce its final decision on 13 February 2012. As reported earlier, the EU regulators had halted their review earlier claiming they required additional information.

According to reports, the takeover will give Google access to over 17,000 patents of Motorola Mobility enabling the firm to better compete with its rivals such as Apple Inc. As per sources, the EU Commission has said that Google has provided them with the required documents supporting the deal.

Industry analysts have a positive outlook on the deal with many expecting the formalities to be completed by the first half of the year.

Malicious software invades the Apple app store (USA)

On 11.09.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Recent reports reveal that security expert and hacker Charlie Miller has created a malicious software to reveal the vulnerabilities in Apple Inc.’s app store. According to reports, the code which had been deigned to look similar to a stock price tracker was able to steal data, and was a serious threat to the app store.

As per sources, the company included the program to its iTunes app store a couple of months back. Mr. Miller recently revealed that the code included malware which was able to remotely download pictures and contacts. He reportedly said that a recent upgrade in Apple’s operating system allowed the InstaStock app to add non-approved code to the installed apps.

Industry analysts have reportedly listed this as the most significant threat to Apple’s app store, and have hinted that while Apple’s security is still better than most of its rivals, this may not be the last malicious software for the tech giant.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: App Store • Apple • InstaStock • iTunes • Mali

NTC slashes interconnection charges for text messages (Phillipines)

On 11.01.11, In Mobile, By Editor

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has cut down the interconnection charges for short messaging service (SMS) among telecom operators, in an attempt to provide users with more affordable rates for sending text messages. According to reports, the regulatory authority has ordered that the interconnection charge for SMS between two separate telecommunications networks should not exceed $0.003 (15 centavos) per SMS through its Memorandum Circular No. 02-10-2011. Consequently, the new rates will come down by $0.005 (20 centavos) from $0.008 (35 centavos).

As per sources, Gamaliel Cordoba, NTC Commissioner has said that the enactment of the new SMS interconnection rates was in line was in line with the provisions of the Public Telecommunications Policy Act of the Philippines, which seeks the establishment of fair and reasonable interconnection among public operators and other telecommunications service providers at reasonable and fair cost. He further said that the reduced SMS interconnection rate would translate to lower retail price of text messaging services and make the popular telecommunication services more accessible and affordable to a greater number of people throughout the country. Currently, telecom operators charge a rate of $0.002 (10 centavos) per text message within their network, however the rates for messages sent across different operators increase with the additional cost of the network receiving the text message along with the interconnection charge of $0.008 (35 centavos) per message.

Further, under the same circular, network operators were also ordered to ensure that they have the adequate facilities required to guarantee that 99 percent of the text messages reach their destination within 30 seconds of being sent. In order to achieve this, it is proposed that all networks involved in the interconnection should provide the required links or circuits to effectively handle their SMS traffic.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Gamaliel Cordoba • interconnect charges • Mali • NTC • Philippines • Phillipines • SMS • Text

Steve Jobs: Few unknown facts about the legendary genius

On 11.01.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Steve Jobs –known to all as a charismatic pioneer, an inventor and a businessman. However, few knew the person behind Apple’s most innovative products. In his biography, titled ‘Steve Jobs’, author Walter Isaacson tells the world some unknown facts about the legendary genius.

Jobs was particular about the little details in life, not just while designing the iPhones and the iPads, but also for his personal health. He refused to use deodorant claiming that his vegan diet would naturally clear up any body odour that may arise. It was this stubborn attitude that eventually hurt him as he refused to undergo any operation to treat his then curable tumour, saying that he did not want his body affected by surgery. Further, at the time when doctors suggested he have more protein in his diet, he would fast or eat a minimum quantity of fruits.

A romantic at heart, Jobs was not the best at showing his affection. Isaacson talks about an instance when Jobs was dating folk singer Joan Baez and kept telling her about a Ralph Lauren dress she would look great in. However, the evening that he actually took her to the store for the dress, he landed up buying a few shirts for himself and suggested that she buy the dress herself.

Jobs attention to detail was well known, however, some believed he was obsessive compulsive. He was known to drive employees crazy if a few frames were removed from an ad or over the thickness of line in a calculator widget. He had as many as 100 black turtlenecks in his wardrobe from the same designer, and sported the same look at all public events. Isaacson reveals that when Steve Jobs was undergoing liver transplant, he demanded that the doctors bring him five different models of the oxygen mask to test.

Jobs had his own philosophy about managing employees. He believed that yelling and badmouthing the employees, often seven days a week and sometimes even late into the night, helped extract the best performance from the staff. While some employees believed he could have achieved the desired results by being a bit nicer, others claimed that this inspired them to do some of the best work of their careers. The book also mentions several instanced of Jobs tearing up. He would often start crying if he didn’t get his way with the product design or corporate organization. He would also tear up when he was happy and when he encountered what he considered to be the purity of spirit.

An inventor, Jobs was always looking to create and design newer things. Even when he was unwell, he would work on designing a sea-vessel, which is said to be very minimalist but at the same time very tastefully done. Given up for adoption to the Jobs family by his birth parents, Steve Jobs never responded to his birth father’s (Abdulfattah Jandali) request for a proper meeting.

Even with some of these facts being known to the world, Steve Jobs still continues to remain a mystery. His inventions revolutionized the way a user would operate a computer or a mobile phone. A legend and a genius, Steve Jobs is not a name that will be forgotten for a long time.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Apple • iPad • iPhone • Mali • Oman • Steve Jobs • Walter Isaacson

Apple’s iPhone OS loophole fix at the cost of JailBreaking (US)

On 07.18.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Apple is aiming at fixing the vulnerability in the iPhone iOS platform that is rooted to a serious impediment in how PDF files are rendered by way of releasing an update. However, the fix comes at the cost of the popular jailbreaking apps that make use of that same loophole.

The vulnerability has been exposed for a long time now. It is known to allow malicious PDF files to make the phone the subject of their attack, eventually to take control of it once you open the PDF file.

Interestingly, the jailbreaking apps used to unlock the handset from Apple control so as to install own apps into the handset, also take advantage of the same loophole. In addition, the same vulnerability has also been used for other harmless applications. However, security consultants have expressed serious concerns about it lest hackers should develop highly corrupt viruses and Trojans.

Eventually, Apple had conceded to announce the bug fix the previous week.

Of course, it is not all gloom and doom for iPhone owners who want to update the iOS but also keep their jailbreaking apps intact. They have been advised to download the bug fix related to the PDF viewer from the App Store, Cydia instead of downloading the just released Apple OS upgrade.

The launch of the iPhone 5 is expected to arrive with this loophole fixed which spells uncertainty about the ability to jailbreak the phone as far as the next generation of iPhone users is concerned.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Mali • Mobile • U.S.

Telesom deploys 3G network (Somaliland)

On 07.15.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Telescom is a telecom operator based in Somaliland. It has announced the launch of its third-generation network in the autonomous region, according to sources. High speed mobile broadband and videocalling are the highlights of the 3G network unveiled.

According to Telesom managing director Mohamd Salah Abdi, their 3G network service in Somaliland will facilitate video and audio streaming, video chat and high speed internet service for customers. In addition, it will offer advanced mobile broadband services to not only Telesom consumers but also to the business community in Somaliland.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Mali • operator • Somaliland

Global subscriber base touches 150 million for the MTN Group (South Africa)

On 06.23.11, In Mobile, By Editor

An announcement by the MTN Group states that its global subscriber base has surpassed the landmark of 150 million. An addition of 8.4 million customers during the initial four months of this year has largely been instrumental in pushing the numbers higher up. Apparently, the company’s presence in 21 countries helped.

On the other hand, the strengthening of the rand against the USD in addition to increased competition have been the major factors in posting only a marginal improvement as far as the Group revenue is concerned. Political unrest in Cote d` Ivoire has been instrumental in negatively impacted the group’s operational performance in the region; and to a less significant degree in Yemen and Syria.

In retrospect, if there had been no fluctuations in the exchange rate, revenue and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization could have been considerably higher. However, voice revenue has been the primary driver of the total revenue as non voice revenue contribution maintains a steady improvement.

In view of the slower than planned implementation in Nigeria, South Africa and Ghana, MTN’s capital expenditure was inferior than expected till the end of April. However, a commitment by the company in terms of a considerable amount of the capital expenditure previously anticipated has been reported. These pending projects are touted to gain momentum in the second half of the year putting the full year capital expenditure to a great extent in line with the original guidance.

MTN South Africa is being credited for continuing with a sound financial performance in a relatively mature market. So far, it is being continually noted the operation’s EBITDA margin showing a positive upwardly trend; lower selling and distribution costs and somewhat the controlled network operating costs are reported to be main factors.

MTN Nigeria saw a slight decline in revenue growth as increase in usage was neutralized in part by the decreased tariffs, initially rolled out in the form of a revised tariff plan in February 2011. On the positive side, EBITDA margins were characterized by robust figures at the same level as those reported in 31 December 2010 in spite of the multitude of competitive and operational challenges.

MTN Irancell sustained a commendable performance. Its local currency revenue grew on the higher side of 20 percent in comparison to the same period the previous year. Similar EBITDA margins as those of 31 December 2010 were reported. According to MTN, backed by its current spell of initiatives, it is in good stead to capitalize on value accretive opportunities and at the same time, taking care of the many risks and challenges it stands to face. MTN keeps on bracing up for a mature and evolving industry that has become more competitive by way of leveraging its scale, operational capability and intellectual capacity.

At the end, the board has favored non-pursuance of the formation of a formalized subsidiary company board for the international operations at the current stage.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Ghana • Iran • Mali • Niger • Nigeria • operator • South Africa • Syria • USA • Yemen

Cellcom Israel announces a purported class action filed against the company

On 06.07.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Cellcom Israel Ltd. (NYSE: CEL) (TASE: CEL) (hereinafter: the “Company”), announced today that a purported class action lawsuit against the Company and three other cellular operators was filed in the District Court of Tel-Aviv-Jaffa, by an Israeli citizen, in connection with the allegation that the defendants mislead customers who buy accessories for carrying cellular handsets or do not disclose to them relevant data concerning radiation hazards associated with the usage of accessories for carrying cellular handsets, allegedly contrary to the cellular handsets manufacturers’ instructions and warnings and the Israeli Ministry of Health’ recommendations.

The total amount claimed from the Company, if the lawsuit is certified as a class action, is estimated by the plaintiff to be approximately NIS 1 billion (out of a total sum of approximately NIS 2.7 billion against all defendants), substantially all for non monetary damages.

In addition, the plaintiff notes his intention to seek interim remedies to prevent further sale of such accessories by the defendants or to require them to take necessary precautionary measures, including by complying with alleged disclosure duties and by ceasing alleged misleading, if the defendants would not do so voluntarily within 15 days, given, among others, the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s press release dated May 31, 2011, classifying radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), based on an increased risk for glioma, a malignant type of brain cancer1, associated with wireless phone use.

At this preliminary stage, the Company is unable to assess the lawsuit’s chances of success.

About Cellcom Israel

Cellcom Israel Ltd., established in 1994, is the leading Israeli cellular provider; Cellcom Israel provides its approximately 3.395 million subscribers (as at March 31, 2011) with a broad range of value added services including cellular and landline telephony, roaming services for tourists in Israel and for its subscribers abroad and additional services in the areas of music, video, mobile office etc., based on Cellcom Israel’s technologically advanced infrastructure. The Company operates an HSPA 3.5 Generation network enabling advanced high speed broadband multimedia services, in addition to GSM/GPRS/EDGE and TDMA networks. Cellcom Israel offers Israel’s broadest and largest customer service infrastructure including telephone customer service centers, retail stores, and service and sale centers, distributed nationwide. Through its broad customer service network Cellcom Israel offers its customers technical support, account information, direct to the door parcel services, internet and fax services, dedicated centers for the hearing impaired, etc. As of 2006, Cellcom Israel, through its wholly owned subsidiary Cellcom Fixed Line Communications L.P., provides landline telephone communication services in Israel, in addition to data communication services. Cellcom Israel’s shares are traded both on the NewYork Stock Exchange (CEL) and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (CEL). For additional information please visit the Company’s website http://www.cellcom.co.il

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Israel • Mali • operator • USA

Alcatel-Lucent and Percept Knorigin to bring Digital Entertainment to millions in India

On 06.06.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Percept Knorigin (PK), a digital media company incubated by Percept Limited, and Alcatel Lucent has signed a collaboration agreement to expand the distribution of digital entertainment content to subscribers across India. PK will use Alcatel-Lucent’s Digital Media Store (DMS) to enhance its web and mobile entertainment service, which is offered to consumers through partnerships with telecom service providers such as BSNL, MTNL and Airtel.

With more than 1.2 billion people, India provides an enormous potential audience for PK’s entertainment content – everything from Hindi Movies to Regional language spectacles and live TV on mobile. PK’s services like Adchakra, Cinecurry, HelloTV and 51010 dial-a-video has experienced rapid growth – nearly 300 percent last year, and to meet this increased demand they needed a robust digital media platform that could meet the demanding requirements of Mobile and Web service pvirroviders.

Alcatel-Lucent’s Digital Media Store simplifies the distribution of applications and multimedia content across any network to any connected device – PC, Mobile Phone or TV. With DMS, PK now has a cost-effective and secure solution that is easy to expand, and gives service providers the flexibility to offer video, audio and games to their subscribers – over wireless or wireline networks, easily and profitably.

As importantly, DMS will enable the service providers offering PK services to establish customized and personalized storefronts and portals, supported by merchandizing tools that include the ability to cross-recommend and cross-sell content based on subscriber interests and buying behaviour. While DMS will provide both PK and service providers increased earning potential, it will also aid bottom lines by reducing content pilfering through the use of a digital-rights-management mechanisms.

Commenting on the deal, Mr. Viraj Malik, MD & CEO, Percept Knorigin said, “Content will be key to building internet penetration in India. We were looking at a scalable service which can keep pace with the great growth we experienced last year; one that can provide us with the capability to create services across mobile phones, tablets and laptops. Our deployment of Alcatel-Lucent’s Digital Media Store will provide an all-in-one solution to the challenges service providers face in terms of content, platform and business operations.”

Mr. Munish Seth, President and Managing Director, Alcatel-Lucent India noted, “Our Digital Media Store will enable Percept Knorigin to introduce very attractive services, and enable them to keep pace with changing market demands – driven by the need for an ‘it’s-all-about-me’ user experience. Building on this cooperation, Indian consumers will soon be able to move from place to place and device to device freely, getting their multimedia content whenever and wherever they want it.”

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Cuba • India • Mali • Mobile

Verizon Wireless, Blueforce to deliver M2M for National Security teams (US)

On 06.03.11, In Mobile, By Editor

Verizon Wireless and Blueforce Development Corporation today announced they will team up to deliver advanced wireless solutions for public safety, emergency medical, national security and critical infrastructure protection in the government and commercial market segments through Verizon Wireless’ Business Solutions Alliance program. Verizon Wireless and Blueforce’s combined expertise focuses on delivering information mobility and advanced situational awareness solutions for human-to-human and Machine-to-Machine (M2M) interactions using Verizon Wireless’ world-class network and services.

Blueforce Tactical (BTAC), Blueforce’s mobile wireless solution, has been utilized in many quick-reaction scenarios including force/hostage rescue; medical instances on the battlefield; unattended chemical/biological (CBRNE) sensor normalization; critical infrastructure protection; border protection and disaster response. Sensor normalization and sensor sharing between users and machine systems has included chemical, explosive, motion, seismic, accelerometer/gyroscope, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and a variety of thermal and day camera systems. Life safety sensors have included heart rate, respiration, body temperature and pulse oximetry.

By using Verizon Wireless Windows®-based smartphones, Windows tablets and Windows netbooks, Blueforce provides a software application and fusion platform for secure information sharing and enhanced presence among national security teams. Three critical areas for this initiative include:

“Last Tactical Mile” Information Mobility: Combined mobile technology solutions for the rapid formation of teams allowing situational awareness and information sharing for last tactical mile operations. Primary elements are counter-terrorism; weapons of mass destruction (WMD) detection and mitigation; combat operations; emergency medical services; logistics; surveillance/collection; homeland defense; law enforcement and quick reaction force.
Critical Infrastructure Protection: Comprehensive wireless technology solutions for the prevention, detection and mitigation of critical infrastructure disruptions due to man-made or natural events.
Contingency Operations: Wireless capabilities for the rapid establishment of emergency operations, communications and supply chain/logistics coordination where needed after a highly disruptive man-made or natural event.

With Blueforce and Verizon Wireless, the end user has an integrated Machine-to-Machine solution with location-based services (both outside and inside of structures) and person-attached or unattended sensor data that simultaneously permits secure information exchange between wireless devices and networks.

“As M2M is more widely adopted across industries, it’s changing the way our enterprise and government customers leverage wireless solutions to enhance their businesses,” said Christopher Felix, vice president – federal government markets, Verizon Wireless. ”The advances that Verizon Wireless has made with its 4G LTE technology along with the sophisticated Machine-to-Machine services we deliver help to change the way mission-critical businesses operate.”

“Whether it’s for our war fighters, homeland security personnel, law enforcement or first responders, information mobility is the critical component that enables them to quickly make better decisions,” said Michael Helfrich, founder and chief executive officer of Blueforce. ”The ability to share actionable mission information and telemetry data between these teams provides for unprecedented mission efficiency and life safety. Our relationship with Verizon Wireless allows us to work together to deliver accelerated and complementary wireless data solutions for our prospective customers who work on the front lines of national security.”

Verizon Wireless offers an extensive portfolio of Machine-to-Machine services, including telematics for enterprise and government customers. For more information, customers can visit www.verizonwireless.com/m2m or contact their Business Sales Representative at 1-800-VZW-4BIZ.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Blueforce

Blueforce Development Corporation is a software company, headquartered and incorporated in Massachusetts, which has built a patent-pending software platform that enables information sharing among people using mobile, handheld, wireless devices. The software provides shared awareness and extended presence of people, sensors, and services; and it facilitates secure information exchange between each of the endpoints. For more information about Blueforce Tactical, visit our website at http://www.blueforcedev.com.

Filed under:Mobile Tagged with: Mali • Mobile • U.S