Megafon launchs next gen HSPA+ network in Tatarstan
MegaFon, Russian mobile operator, has launched commercial service under HSPA+ in the cities of Kazan and Naberezhnye Chelny. The network will allow consumers a download speed of 16 Mbps, instead of the previous 8 Mbps for the network.
According to Igor Azure, Regional Director of MegaFon, Modernization of the 3G network will increase network capacity and, hence the data rate for subscribers. The introduction of HSPA+ technology will facilitate the transition from 3G networks to 4G.
ROK launches KOX TV in Russia
The UK-based mobile technologies applications and services company, ROK Entertainment Group and KOX TV, the Russian-based mobile TV service company announced the launch of a carrier-agonistic streamed mobile TV service in Russia.
The target group of the service includes those customers of Russian operators Beeline, MTS, Megafone and Tele 2, who have a data package included in their mobile tariff. Priced at 247 Rubles per month, KOT TV comprises of 12 looped and on-demand TV channels. It also offers free of cost viewing for two weeks.
According to the ROK Chairman, Jonathan Kendrick, the company is delighted launch the first ever such service in Russia, which has been done in response to their expectation of significant demand for live and on-demand mass-market Mobile TV in that country, from the ever-growing number of people with compatible handsets and a data package included in their mobile tariff.
MegaFon to invest €3bn in Iran rollout
Russian operator opens Tehran office; plans to bid for Iranian mobile licence.
Russian mobile operator MegaFon plans to invest around €3 billion ($4.6 billion) in the rollout of a mobile network Iran, should it win an operating licence in the country.
MegaFon made the announcement at the opening of its Tehran representative office on Monday, according to various local press reports.
The telco said in February that it planned to open an Iranian office as it saw “possibilities of long-term investments in Iran’s telecommunications sector.” At the same time the company set up a wholly-owned subsidiary, MegaFon International, to handle its overseas interests.
Quoting MegaFone director general Sergey Soldatenkov, Russia’s RBC reported that the €3 billion sum would be invested through MegaFon International.
MegaFon’s ambitions in Iran are, of course, contingent in its success in the upcoming licence awards.
Iran is expected to sell off a third mobile licence later this year. Foreign players will be allowed to own up to 49% of the new licensee. Various sources have predicted that the starting price for the new licence will be $600 million-$800 million.
Iran’s second mobile player, MTN Irancell, launched services in October 2006 and by mid-March 2008 said it had signed up close to 9.4 million customers. Incumbent operator Mobile Communications Company of Iran has well over 20 million subscribers.
