Mobile music revenues to reach $5.5 billion by 2015

A new report has unveiled that music consumed on mobile handsets will generate $5.5 billion annually in 2015, a rise of $3.1 billion from 2010. ­The report has found that mobile music is becoming an increasingly important part of the digital music sector, which is propping up a failing industry hit by over a decade of widespread online piracy.

Since the popularization of P2P file sharing at the end of the last century, the music industry’s sales have gone into free fall, as consumers rejected the physical distribution of music in favor of easier, but illegal means of acquiring it. The industry response was initially slow, but legal digital distribution services, such as Apple’s iTunes are now blossoming, and mobile handsets are increasingly becoming the key platform for them.

Initially, PC downloading and side loading to MP3 players was the only way to go but the development of mobile devices has now reached the point where they match the technical specs of dedicated MP3 players. Add in connectivity, just one click to buy and download along with all the other smartphone features and no competition between the two are the reasons why sales of Apple’s iPhone are going to outstrip its iPod in the not too distant future.

However, the report warns that piracy still remains a significant threat – both online and on the mobile. Researcher also found that P2P file sharing is slowly migrating to the mobile, with BitTorrent applications now available on Android Market, for example. With the launch of 4G networks about to increase, the report recommends that the graduate response – enacted by legislation in many countries – be strongly enforced and expanded to mobile networks.

Du to launch DC-HSPA+ network at Gitex Technology Week 2010

The UAE, one of the most prosperous countries in the world and a hub for buoyant businesses, joined the league of the select few nations in the world to first launch high speed mobile broadband speeds of up to 42.2 Mbps, the fastest in the UAE.

This is following Du’s upgrade of its network to next-generation DC-HSPA+ technology. The company will be showcasing the latest 42Mbps mobile broadband internet key amongst the first few devices globally which will allow customers to benefit from this unprecedented speed – this will be a key attraction at the Gitex Technology Week 2010.

According to Farid Faraidooni, Chief Commercial Officer, Du, the company is proud to have contributed to the reputation of the UAE with this global achievement in mobile networks, as well as employing the most cutting-edge technology for the benefit of the customers. Now, Du customers are among the select few worldwide – and the first in the region – to enjoy fastest mobile broadband speeds of up to 42.2 Mbps, which will greatly improve the quality of applications on-the-go, including games, TV, music and video media. Du will strive to continue with the strategy of offering market firsts which will reflect on the UAE telecom market and the region and, most importantly, the company remains committed to providing the customers with the best possible telecom experience.

According to the latest report by Global mobile Suppliers Association (GSA) on the DC HSPA+ deployment with the speed of 42.2 Mbps, the UAE is the sixth nation globally to launch such a mobile broadband speed.

It is worth highlighting that Du covered 98% of the UAE’s populated areas by this network.

Du is showcasing the new data internet key at its stand at this year’s Gitex, which is set to be launched by the company soon. This internet key works exactly the same as the previous models; however the new sleeker-looking device is designed to facilitate the passage of much faster mobile broadband speeds.

Du’s ultra high-speed mobile broadband network will enable customers to have a superior mobile broadband experience including the fastest internet browsing, downloading music or watching mobile TV among many other applications. In addition, this ultra high-speed network roll-out will reinforce Du’s current position as one of the leading operators in the region, providing the best value-for-money and advanced fixed and mobile broadband services to both individual and business users.

Du will continue to deploy the most advanced technologies to facilitate its network expansion, which is a critical element of ongoing efforts to strengthen and consolidate its position as the UAE’s most innovative telecommunications provider.

Hutchison 3G Austria modernizes its network for HSPA+ and LTE

Hutchison 3G Austria is modernizing its radio access network to be ready for HSPA+ and the next generation of mobile broadband, or LTE. At the same time this step will allow the operator to halve the energy consumption of its base stations. Nokia Siemens Networks will undertake this upgrade starting in autumn 2009.

The demand for increased mobile broadband capacity and throughput in Austria is reflected in the increasing usage of data cards and mobile services like Mobile TV, video download or video sharing,” said Berthold Thoma, CEO of Hutchison 3G Austria. Mobile broadband is also one of the most pragmatic solutions to bridging the digital gap between cities and rural areas. For rural areas, mobile broadband coverage is simply less expensive and faster to deploy than fiber to the home” solutions. We hope that with our nationwide coverage we will contribute significantly to this end.” (more…)

Meridian Mobile launches Fly Mobile Phones

Meridian Mobile, which is part of the UK based Meridian Group and pioneered the FMCG distribution in many parts of Europe, now launches its flagship brand for GSM phones “Fly” in India. Fly was launched about two years ago in East and Central Europe and has since emerged as a strong player in that market. It has in a short span also carved a credible market in these countries and is now ready for a launch in UK, Spain, Germany and South Asia. Meridian Telecom is now poised to become one of the fastest growing companies in mobile telephony today.

Product development is a key strength of Meridian. Sourcing professionals from the German office of Meridian Telecom have selected models for the Indian market that are both at the cutting-edge of features, design and incorporate the best of international styling. Also, Meridian Telecom has over a period of one year carried-out extensive and rigorous testing and customization of Fly products for the Indian market.

Fly is being launched with a variety of exclusive and differentiated mobile phones. Stated Rajiv Khanna, CEO, India Operations, “It is important to have fully loaded phones as the replacement market gets stronger. This is likely to result in huge demand for feature rich and stylish phones. Meridian will offer the critical buyer with smart value choices.”

Further stated Mr. Khanna, “Our marketing strategy is to focus on store branding and forging alliances with retailers. In the 1st phase our focus is on placement. We hope to reach 5000 premium counters by the end of 1st quarter, which will together account for 70% of the over-all retail sales.”

Given the contemporary styling of Fly phones, the diva Malaika Arora has been signed-on as the brand ambassador. Malaika Arora has been selected from among other contenders to be the brand ambassador, and is very excited to be associated with Fly. She would personally kick-off the launch of Fly both in print and electronic media. Fly phones, which reflect the best of trendy & glamorous styling, would be aptly showcased by the style icon Malaika Arora.

Fly SL 500M is a chic and very thin slider phone, has 1.3 Mega-Pixel camera with expandable memory, video ring tones with MPEG 4 and IRDA, Bluetooth and every other conceivable feature such as video recorder and player, MP3 player and 64 tone polyphonic and MP3 tones. This model would be available at Rs 10,990/- ( MRP ).

Fly SL 300M is a very smart slider camera phone and comes in a very attractive black color. Fly SL 300M will lead ‘Fly’ positioning in the media blitz to follow. It has features like MP3 player, video player and recorder, 64 tone polyphonic and MP3 ring tones and expandable memory.This model would be available at Rs 8,990/- ( MRP ).

Fly MP 330 – The Stereo Phone, is the only phone in the market that can enhance equivalent volume of 40 Watts. It has features like 1.3 Mega-Pixel camera with woofer and speaker console, which is yet to be launched even in the West. It also has video recorder and player, 64 tone polyphonic and MP3 tones. This model would be available at Rs 10,490/- ( MRP ).

At only 9.2 mm width, Fly 2040 is one of the slimmest phone in the market that can easily fit into a wallet. It comes laden with features like 1.3 Mega-Pixel camera with Flash, Bluetooth enabled ( voice, data and music ), MP 3 player, continuous video recording and playback, 262K TFT display, Video Ringtones, 60 MB Internal Memory ( Nand Flash ), Micro SD Card Slot and IrDA connectivity. This model would be available at Rs 8,490/- ( MRP ).

Fly MX 300 is a slim clamshell phone, with 262K TFT main LCD display and 65K CSTN sub-LCD display. It is one of the slimmest in its category at only 14.9 mm. It has features like video ringtones, 1.3 Mega-Pixel camera with Flash, Bluetooth enabled (voice, data and music), MP 3 player, continuous video recording and playback, 60 MB Internal Memory ( Nand Flash ), Micro SD Card Slot and IrDA connectivity. This model would be available at Rs 9,990/- ( MRP ).

MARKETING PLANS
Our key success is getting more value with targeted marketing. Regular promotions reinforce our brand values. Stated Mr. Khanna, “Our product roadmap is very vibrant and will differentiate us easily.”

The marketing spend in the first year is likely to be USD $2 Million.

The trade has shown an unprecedented enthusiasm for Fly phones, which can be seen from the fact that it is the first time that any new brand of mobile phones has been presold, and it reflects the attractive product value proposition of Fly.

Fly is known internationally for its distinctive, chic styling and features that appeal to all segments of the youth. Indeed in Europe, Fly has received a fantastic fan-following from the youngsters and commands a leading position in this segment. Fly has a range of models that are smart value and packed with features and have unique styling, which gives them a differentiated edge over other key players.

Meridian enjoys a 3-5% market share in the market we operate from. We aim to get the same market in India.

SERVICE SUPPORT
States Mr. Khanna, “At Meridian, we believe that superior sales service in an intrinsic part of our business model. For our mobile phones we have a tie-up with two blue chip service partners, AFL which is an affiliate of DHL worldwide for Logistics and Accel for after sales service, which has over 50 locations in India.”

Source- http://www.agencyfaqs.com

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