By Editor on February 15, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Samsung has announced the NFC enabled Samsung Wave 578 phone, based on its own ‘bada’ operating system. The Samsung Wave 578 will be available in May of 2011 in France and will be gradually rolled out to European countries, CIS, South East Asia, India, Middle East, and China.
According to JK Shin, President and Head of Samsung’s Mobile Communications Business, with the Samsung Wave 578 handset, they will provide the latest innovation in mobile industry running on ‘bada’ platform. The enhanced connectivity, design and social experiences enabled by this handset, represent Samsung’s commitment to democratizing the smart phone market and providing users around the world with access to rich experiences and content.
The handset is HSPA capable – supporting peak downloads of up to 3.6Mbps, and comes with a 3.2″ wide screen. The camera is a 3.2 megapixel model and supports video recording. The phone dimensions are 107.9 x 54.9 x 12.5mm and it weighs 99.8 grams.
Expected retail prices were not disclosed.
Filed under Mobile ·
Tagged with bada operating system, China, CIS, France, HSPA, India, JK Shin, Middle East, Mobile, NFC, President and Head, Samsung, Samsung Wave 578, South East Asia
By Editor on February 14, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Boingo Wireless, a Wi-Fi roaming service provider, has launched a new all-you-can-eat Internet access plan for laptops that is tailored to customers connecting primarily in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
“Boingo Europe Plus” service gives laptop users unlimited access at more than 90,000 hotspots in Europe, Middle East and Africa for US$37.83 per month. Usage outside the designated region is billed at US$0.13 to US$0.20 per minute and includes almost 170,000 additional hotspots across Asia Pacific and the Americas.
According to Dawn Callahan, Vice President of consumer marketing, Boingo Wireless, the new Boingo Europe Plus plan is part of their ongoing initiative to provide more flexibility to customers whose Internet access needs are concentrated in specific geographic regions. This provides an affordable option with expansive Wi-Fi coverage in EMEA, while also providing a pay-as-you-go option for usage outside your home region when you need it.
Smartphone customers have the option to get online via “Boingo Mobile,” an unlimited plan that includes access to Boingo’s entire global network of more than 260,000 hotspots.
Filed under Mobile ·
Tagged with Africa, all-you-can-eat, America, Asia Pacific, Boingo Europe Plus, Boingo Mobile, Boingo Wireless, Dawn Callahan, EMEA, Europe, Internet access plan, Middle East, Mobile, USA, Vice President of consumer marketing, Wi-Fi roaming service provider
By Editor on February 9, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Latest analysis report reveals that the need to access basic financial services by users in developing countries will drive the short term growth of active mobile money users globally to exceed 200 million by 2013. Currently, well under 100 million people use these services.
New report also cautions that while there are several high profile examples of extremely successful mobile money services, each new launch needs an established, strong and extensive local distribution network to ensure access to the service.
The reports also unveils the total number of mobile money services, with more launches in the first eleven months of 2010 than in the whole of 2009. However, there are still many developing countries without these services.
Further findings include:
- The market has been boosted recently by person-to-person money apps in developed countries to enable people to easily make social transfers such as split the cost of meals, or pay the babysitter
- Nearly 40% of active users in 2015 will be in the Africa & Middle East region
By Editor on February 7, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Saudi Telecom Co, the Middle East’s largest listed telecom operator has stated that it is expecting steady revenue growth from its international operations this year as it continues to add subscribers in countries like Indonesia, India and Kuwait and would consider the right acquisition opportunity should it arise.
The company, which sourced around 33% of total revenues in 2010 from its foreign units, expects its current rate of revenue expansion offshore to stabilize in 2011.
According to Ghassan Hasbani, Saudi Telecom’s chief executive of international operations, growth will continue to be steady until an acquisition comes.
Saudi Telecom, or STC, is increasingly looking beyond the kingdom for earnings growth. It has targeted regions such as Africa and Asia as competition in its domestic market from the likes of Etihad Etisalat, or Mobily, and Zain Saudi heats up.
According to STC’s website it now has a presence in Kuwait, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey and South Africa.
Hasbani added that these markets grow no less than 10%. Some markets are doubling revenues year on year.
Filed under Mobile ·
Tagged with Africa, ASIA, chief executive of international operations, Etihad Etisalat, Ghassan Hasbani, India, Indonesia, international operations, Kuwait, Malaysia, Middle East, Mobile, Mobily, Revenue Growth, Saudi Telecom Co, South Africa, Turkey, Zain Saudi
By Editor on February 7, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Globitel, the telecom solutions provider, has announced its participation in the Mobile World Congress 2011 to be held on the 14th to the 17th of February in Barcelona, Spain.
The Mobile World Congress 2011, bringing 50,000 senior mobile leaders from 200 countries, will feature a thought leadership conference, an awards program highlighting the most innovative mobile solutions, and an exhibition with more than 1,300 companies displaying their cutting-edge products and technologies that will define the mobile future.
As a pioneer of telecom solutions, Globitel’s participation in the Mobile World Congress 2011 is a continuation of its strategic plans, where the Company will be displaying its technologies and products in a fully-branded booth for the 5th Year. Representing Globitel at the Mobile World Congress 2011 is Mr. Sharif Nabulsi, Globitel’s CEO, Mr. Samer Halawa, President of Globitel, Mr. Fadi Qutaishat, Vice president – Sales and Marketing of Globitel, and other key team members.
Commenting on this participation was Mr. Fadi Qutaishat, Vice president – Sales and Marketing of Globitel, “Our participation in the Mobile World Congress 2011 comes as part of our strategic plans to grow and expand in the market. The Mobile World Congress 2011 is the world’s best venue for industry networking, business opportunities and potential ventures. We are delighted to take part in the Congress where we will be displaying our innovative products and technologies to a worldwide audience.”
It is worth mentioning that Globitel, headquartered in Amman, Jordan, was founded in the 90′s and is one of the few companies offering a wide range of telecom solutions. Offering an array of products covering the needs of both telecom operators and call centers in more than 35 countries, Globitel has a global footprint with local presence in Saudi Arabia and a strong network of partners covering Middle East, Africa & Eastern Europe among other hub countries throughout the world.
Filed under Mobile ·
Tagged with Africa, Barcelona, CEO, Eastern Europe, Globitel, Jordan, Middle East, Mobile, Mobile World Congress, Mr. Fadi Qutaishat, Mr. Samer Halawa, President, Saudi Arabia, Spain, telecom solutions provider, Vice president - Sales and Marketing
By Editor on February 4, 2011 · Leave a Comment
One in ten mobile phones sold in the Middle East and Africa are now dual SIM. In Asia 16% of all mobile phones sold have dual SIM card facilities which represent an increase from 13% at the beginning of 2010.
However, it is when you look at the extreme trends in specific countries that it becomes clear that this is not a blanket phenomenon. In Nigeria, over 30% of handsets are dual SIM and in Indonesia, Vietnam, Ghana and India the market has grown from one in ten last year to one in four by Q4 2010.
According to GfK Global Telco Marketing Director, Aaron Rattue, they are already seeing triple SIM card devices being launched and this multi SIM behavior looks set to grow as a phenomenon, especially amongst the newer and more emerging markets. The multiple SIM facilitates the consumer-lead desire to utilize different tariffs throughout the week, depending on time and usage.
Filed under Mobile ·
Tagged with Aaron Rattue, Africa, Dual SIM, GfK Global Telco Marketing Director, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Middle East, Mobile, Niger, Nigeria, USA, Vietnam
By Editor on February 4, 2011 · Leave a Comment
A survey has revealed that a significant number of Internet users across the Middle East and North Africa are accessing the Internet using their mobile devices and using mobile applications. The survey of over 12,700 internet users across the Middle East and North Africa found that half of all Internet users in the UAE used mobiles to access the Internet, with over 71% of mobile internet users in the region ranking email as their biggest mobile internet activity.
People are increasingly using mobiles as Internet access devices in the Middle East and are starting to access social networks as well as news, sport and other information services using their mobiles. The primary application for mobiles is still email, but over 85% of users have downloaded mobile applications for their devices and the spread of services being accessed is very wide. Social networking, in particular, is a strong and growing trend, with 40% of women who use the mobile Internet doing so to access social networks.
The survey showed some interesting differences in the way men and women in the region use their mobiles. Women were more active on social networking sites using their mobiles (40% of women do, compared to 33% of men) and were more interested in photo & video sharing and information on hobbies, while men were more interested in news and weather information. Women were also more likely to use online games than men.
With a new generation of smart mobile devices coming to the market, more people are expanding the ways in which they access Internet based applications and services. The growing popularity of mobile applications that access internet services will create significant new market opportunities for not only hardware vendors, but also for Internet publishers, service providers and marketing organizations across the region.
47% of Internet users surveyed said they intended to buy a tablet device in the coming quarter, while more of those already using the mobile Internet, 57%, having the same plan. 22% of all Internet users surveyed planned to buy an Apple iPad.
One of the key factors that has been inhibiting uptake of mobile Internet in the MENA region is cost. While 26% of people who choose not to use mobile Internet cite cost as the primary factor, only 5% say that not knowing how to access the Internet is stopping them. With smart phones using high amounts of data, it’s hardly a surprise that something like 41% of users in the GCC have unlimited data packages.
By Editor on February 4, 2011 · Leave a Comment
CommuniGate Systems, the leader in super-efficient, massively scalable Unified Communications technology, announces its partnership with GO Telecom, the First Cloud Telecom Operator in the Middle East, in delivering the revolutionary telecommunications service GO Terhal†to the Saudi telecom market. Powered by CommuniGate Systems’ Pronto! and CommuniGate Pro technology, GO Terhal delivers the region’s first digital voice capability.
GO Telecom’s innovative service combined with the performance and reliability of CommuniGate Pro deliver virtually all types of communication capability from a single, super-scalable solution.
GO Terhal subscribers can access their files, and make free and low cost phone calls in super-clear HD Voice from any web-enabled computer, thanks to CommuniGate Systems’ browser based unified communications application, Pronto!.
Available for both business and consumer subscribers, the technology enables GO Terhal subscribers to stay connected anywhere, from any device via one number.
Boasting High Definition (HD) Voice VoIP and Video, mobile VoIP (mVoIP), social network integration (including Twitter, Facebook), hosted IP PBX, HD conference calling, instant messaging (IM) & presence, email, address books, calendaring, collaboration, mobile synchronization, personal filestorage and more, Terhal Web and CommuniGate Pro offer the most cost-effective, most complete unified communications platform.
CommuniGate Systems’ technology and expertise have been crucial in delivering this innovation in telecommunications to the market,†said Zaid Al-Shabanat, Chief Executive Officer, GO Telecom, With their support and the hard work of young Saudi Cadres, we have been able to provide cutting edge HD Voice services and create the first cloud communications solution in the region tailored to meet the needs of the Saudi market.â€
Responding, Carlo Petrolo, CommuniGate Systems’ Director of Middle East and Africa said, GO Telecom gave us an exciting challenge with GO Terhal. Partnering with them to bring their vision to life has been rewarding, and we believe Go Terhal will revolutionize communications for Saudi citizens all over the world.â€
About CommuniGate Systems
CommuniGate Systems develops carrier-grade unified communications software for fixed-line, cable and mobile operators to deliver value-added voice and multimedia services over their IP-based networks. The Company’s software solutions enable service providers to deliver hosted, SaaS, or cloud-based communications, including Voice over IP (VoIP), Mobile Voice over IP (mVoIP), Unified Communications and converged mobile and fixed-line services cost-effectively at massive scale.
The Company’s software comprises of the industry acclaimed CommuniGate Proâ„¢, and the application suites Pronto!â„¢, MobileOfficeâ„¢, UC Centrexâ„¢, VoicePlusâ„¢ and MessagePlusâ„¢.
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www.communigate.com/mwc
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About GO Telecom
GO Telecom aims to become Saudi Arabia’s service provider of choice by introducing world leading technologies, GO†is committed to serving the community and the environment by revolutionizing the telecommunication standards in Saudi Arabia and providing world class services to our customers.
GO Telecom is the First Cloud Telecom Operator in the region and the second fixed-line operator to acquire a license from the Communications and Information Technology Commission (Saudi Arabia) (CITC) to provide fixed services in Saudi Arabia, GO†provides Broadband Internet services over WiMAX, fixed line VoIP services, and Intergraded Communication solution to consumer and business sectors. For more information visit: www.go.com.sa
Filed under Mobile ·
Tagged with address books, calendaring, collaboration, CommuniGate Systems, Egypt, email, Facebook, First Cloud Telecom Operator, Germany, Go telecom, GO Terhal, HD conference calling, High Definition (HD), instant messaging (IM) & presence, IP PBX, Middle East, Mobile, Mobile Synchronization, mobile VoIP (mVoIP), personal filestorage, Pronto!, Saudi Arabia, social network integration, twitter, Unified Communications technology, USA, Voice VoIP and Video
By Editor on January 29, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Egypt, following days of anti- government protests, withdrew the Internet after Egyptian authorities shut connections to the outside world.
According to reports, Internet traffic in and out of the country slumped shortly after midnight Cairo time. Mobile-phone services run by local units of Vodafone Group Plc and France Telecom SA were also halted.
According to sources, rather abruptly, in a coordinated fashion, the entire major Internet providers that have traffic in and out of Egypt basically withdrew from the Internet.
National authorities shut the connections after demonstrators took to the streets, inspired by an uprising that ousted Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali on Jan. 14. Egypt has one of the most advanced telecommunications markets in the Middle East and Africa.
Facebook Inc., owner of the world’s biggest social- networking site, is seeing only minimal traffic from Egypt. Google Inc., the largest search engine, stated people in Egypt are unable to access Google and its YouTube video service, or at best are having real difficulty doing so.
Filed under Mobile ·
Tagged with Africa, anti-government protests, Egypt, France, France Telecom SA, internet, Middle East, Mobile, Tunisia, Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, vodafone group plc
By Editor on January 29, 2011 · Leave a Comment
Novatel Wireless, Inc., a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, today announced that the Ovationâ„¢ MC545 is commercially available with Saudi Telecom Company (STC) in Saudi Arabia. STC is the first operator to launch a commercial Dual-Carrier HSPA+ (DC- HSPA+) network in the Middle East. The DC HSPA+ is currently covering eight cities in Saudi Arabia and supporting data speed of up to 42 Mbps.
“Mobile broadband services are experiencing tremendous growth in the Saudi market,” said Jameel A. Al Molhem, VP of the personal business unit, STC. “To meet the growing demand for faster mobile broadband services, STC is the first carrier to commercially introduce DC HSPA+ technology in the Middle East and we are very proud to maintain our position as the market’s wireless technology pioneer.”
Continuing Novatel Wireless’ design legacy with a focus on functionality, reliability, leading edge technology and innovative sleek style, the Ovation MC545 modem is today the world’s most compact and light-weight DC-HSPA+ USB modem in the market place.
“We’re thrilled to be assisting STC launching their DC HSPA+ network and delivering the most compact form factor to the market,” said Rob Hadley, CMO of Novatel Wireless. “The Ovation MC545 USB brings advanced data capabilities to the consumers and will allow for new mobile broadband services supporting more compelling multimedia applications, faster and with richer user experiences.”
Novatel Wireless has now launched the DC HSPA+ Ovation USB with carriers in the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. The Ovation MC545 is based on the 3GPP Release 8 standard. DC-HSPA+ supports theoretical peak downlink data rates of up to 42 Mbps and 5.7 Mbps on the uplink, allowing carriers to easily upgrade their existing infrastructure equipment to achieve significantly higher bandwidths.
The Ovation MC545 supports the 900,1900 and 2100 MHz frequency bands and is designed to provide connectivity virtually anywhere to check email, download rich multimedia content and stay connected to family, friends and coworkers. The Ovation MC545 offers unprecedented speed and advanced antenna technologies to maximize data throughput and operating range. Featuring Novatel Wireless’ auto install connection manager, memory storage of up to 32GB via MicroSDHC and backward compatibility with HSPA technologies, the Ovation MC545 provides a total solution for ultra fast mobile broadband connectivity.
About Saudi Telecom Company
STC is the leading national provider of telecommunication services in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and in the last few years, STC has gone beyond its local borders to the international markets, forming a network of businesses and investments in a number of GCC countries, Asia & Africa. The company has now foot print in Kuwait, Bahrain, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey and South Africa which has enabled STC to serve a greater number of its customers which the company seeks to increase internationally through studying and evaluation of potential investment opportunities in the future in line with its FORWARD Strategy.
About Novatel Wireless
Novatel Wireless, Inc. is a leader in the design and development of intelligent wireless solutions based on 2G, 3G and 4G technologies providing wireless connectivity. The Company delivers specialized wireless solutions to carriers, distributors, retailers, OEMs and vertical markets worldwide. Novatel Wireless’ Intelligent Mobile Hotspot products, software, USB modems, embedded modules and smart M2M modules provide innovative anywhere, anytime communications solutions for consumers and enterprises. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Novatel Wireless is listed on NASDAQ: NVTL.(NVTLG)
Filed under Mobile ·
Tagged with 2G, 3G, 4G, Africa, ASIA, Bahrain, Dual-Carrier HSPA+ (DC- HSPA+), India, Indonesia, Jameel A. Al Molhem, Kuwait, Malaysia, Middle East, Mobile, Ovation USB, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Telecom Company STC, South Africa, Turkey, USB Modem, VP of the personal business unit
