Technology

GPS Moving beyond handsets: Study

On 03.20.10, In Mobile Marketing, By Editor

According to a research study, global shipments of GPS-enabled GSM/WCDMA handsets increased 92% in 200, to 150 million units.

It is being said that since the shipments are growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38.7%, it might reach 770 million units in 2014.

GPS technology started catching pace within the Smartphone segment not so long ago and now it is a standard feature of all new models. As per the study, high attach rates of GPS in new low-cost Smartphones will soon be entering into the market. GPS is also expected to become more common in mid-range feature phone models during 2010.

According to André Malm, Senior Analyst at Berg Insight, Chipset developers and handset vendors are already working on next-generation location technologies that will address the limitations of GPS when using handsets in urban canyons and indoors.

T-Mobile USA & SurfKitchen sign deal to boost content sales

On 02.09.10, In Mobile, By Editor

www.WirelessFederation.com/news: SurfKitchen’s web technology will be used by T-Mobile USA to provide subscribers with streamlined access to T-Mobile content including ringtones, games, wallpapers and other digital goodies. Nokia’s 7510 handset is involved in the deal which will run SurfKitchen’s software on top of Nokia’s Series 40 operating system.

According to SurfKitchen CEO Michel Quazza, the company’s technology boosts carriers’ content sales by making it easier for subscribers to access, pay for and download digital items and customers like Telstra and Orange have enjoyed a double or tripling of content sales thanks to the company’s service.

SurfKitchen’s specific financial arrangement with T-Mobile was declined to be discussed but it was made clear that the company is profitable, has annual revenues in the “low double-digit” millions, and is growing.

Tagged with: Mobile Content • Nokia • North America • Operating System • Orange • SurfKitchen • T-Mobile • Technology • Telstra • USA

Samsung launches Bada mobile platform

On 11.12.09, In Mobile, By Editor

Samsung hopes to extend its app store offering to a wider range of handsets, including less sophisticated feature phones and entry level smartphones.

The Korean technology giant said Bada — which means “ocean” — was a new addition to the company’s mobile ecosystem and would give users a “fun and diverse mobile experience”.

Samsung said it chose the name to “convey the limitless variety of potential applications” that can be created using the new platform, and to demonstrate the company’s commitment to “a variety of open platforms in the mobile industry”.

It also offers mobile operators an easy-to-integrate platform that can be used to provide “unique and differentiated services to their customers”, said Samsung.

“By opening Samsung’s mobile platforms we will be able to provide rich mobile experiences on an increasing number of accessible smartphones,” said Dr Hosoo Lee, an executive vice president at Samsung. “Bada will be Samsung’s landmark, iconic new platform that brings an unprecedented opportunity for operators, developers and Samsung mobile phone users around the world.”

Samsung’s current smartphone range runs the open-source Symbian operating system and the Google-backed Android platform. Carolina Milanesi, a research director at Gartner, said Samsung’s decision to develop and use its own platform for entry-level smartphones was its attempt to “differentiate its products from the competition.”

But Geoff Blaber, an analyst with CCS Insight, questioned Samsung’s thinking: “The big question is, does the mobile phone world need yet another operating system?,” he said.

Samsung hopes to give users a ”fun and diverse mobile experience” on a wider range of handsets, including less sophisticated feature phones and entry level smartphones via its newly created mobile platform dubbed “Bada”. Bada means Ocean in Korean.

Samsung said it chose the name to “convey the limitless variety of potential applications” that can be created using the new platform, and to demonstrate the company’s commitment to “a variety of open platforms in the mobile industry”.

It also offers mobile operators an easy-to-integrate platform that can be used to provide “unique and differentiated services to their customers”, said Samsung.

“By opening Samsung’s mobile platforms we will be able to provide rich mobile experiences on an increasing number of accessible smartphones,” said Dr Hosoo Lee, executive vice president at Samsung. ”Bada will be Samsung’s landmark, iconic new platform that brings an unprecedented opportunity for operators, developers and Samsung mobile phone users around the world.”

One can’t help but ask – Does the world need another mobile operating system?

Tagged with: Android • Android Platform • App Store • CTO • Ecosystem • Google • handset • Handsets • Korea • Mobile Industry • Mobile Operating System • mobile operator • Mobile Operators • Mobile Phone • Mobile Platform • Operating System • operator • phone • Phones • Research • Samsung • Samsung Mobile • smartphone • Symbian • Technology

TATA india to offer SIM cards on its CDMA network

On 10.07.09, In Mobile, By Editor

Oberthur Technologies the world’s second largest provider of Smart Card based solutions today announced the commercialization of its OMHTM (Open Market Handsets) SIM cards for CDMA (Code Development Multiple Access) networks. OMH SIM cards contain subscriber, network and service configuration data that allow subscribers the freedom to easily change and upgrade their handset, but maintain their network configuration.

Oberthur Technologies collaborated with Tata Teleservices Limited, one of India’s fastest growing private telecom service providers, and Qualcomm Incorporated, a leader in developing and delivering innovative digital wireless communications products and services based on CDMA and other advanced technologies, to introduce OMHTM SIM cards into the India market.

Olivier Leroux, Head of the Mobile Product Line for the Card Systems Division at Oberthur Technologies said, “Oberthur Technologies is the first to commercially launch OMHTM SIM cards. We are pleased to partner with industry leaders such as Tata Teleservices and Qualcomm who are enhancing the subscriber experience for Indian consumers.”

The OMHTM SIM card, referred to as a removable user identity module (R-UIM), is a state of the art smartcard that stores operator and subscriber specific configuration parameters, separate from the handset memory. By having this configuration parameters located on the OMHTM SIM card rather than the device, subscribers can more easily switch or upgrade their handsets. These cards allow CDMA network operators to increase the selection of devices and services while lowering distribution and inventory costs.

“These are exciting times in the Indian telecom space where innovation, research and development are the key to success and remain competitive in the business. In our constant effort to redefine the telecom space keeping customers at the central point, Tata Teleservices decided to partner with Qualcomm and Oberthur Technologies to further develop the Open Market Handset initiative and offer more choice to customers”, said Lloyd Mathias, Chief Marketing Officer, Tata Teleservices Limited.

“Qualcomm is pleased to work with Oberthur Technologies for its leadership as one of the first companies to develop OMH SIM cards,” said Nakul Duggal, Senior Director and OMH Project Lead, Qualcomm Corporate Engineering Services. “The OMH initiative is focused on increasing device variety by offering new channels and distribution options within the CDMA ecosystem to provide greater subscriber flexibility.”

About Oberthur Technologies

With sales of 882 million Euros in 2008, Oberthur Technologies is a world leader in the field of secure technologies. Innovation and high quality services ensure Oberthur Technologies’ strong positioning in its main target markets:

– Card Systems: The world’s second largest provider of security and identification based on smart card technology and associated services for mobile, payment, transport, digital TV and convergence markets. – Identity: Leading international supplier for the manufacture and personalization of secure identity documents such as passport, identity card, driving license or health care card – traditional and electronic – and associated services for both governmental and corporate markets. – Security printing: World’s third largest private security printer specialized in high security for the production of banknotes, checks and other fiduciary documents in more than fifty countries. – Cash protection: World leader in the emerging market of intelligent systems to secure cash-in-transit and ATM.

Close to its customers, Oberthur Technologies benefits from an industrial and commercial presence across all five continents.

Oberthur Technologies S.A. is a limited liability company (societe anonyme) registered in France with its registered office at 50 quai Michelet 92 532 Levallois Perret, France. Oberthur Technologies S.A.’s corporate registration number is 340 709 534 R.C.S. Paris.

Website: http://www.oberthur.com

About Tata Teleservices Limited

Tata Teleservices Limited is one of India’s leading private telecom service providers, having a pan-India presence across all of India’s 22 telecom Circles. The company offers integrated telecom solutions to its customers under the Tata Indicom, Tata DOCOMO, Photon and Walky brands, and uses both the CDMA and GSM technology platform(s) for its wireless networks. Tata Teleservices Limited, along with Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Limited, operates in more than 325,000 towns and villages across the country. In November 2008, Tata Teleservices entered into an agreement with Japanese telecom major NTT DOCOMO, and this transaction marks a key step in the strategic evolution of Tata Teleservices Limited. Tata DOCOMO has so far launched GSM services in eight telecom Circles, and the remaining part of the country is also expected to be covered shortly. In December 2008, Tata Teleservices announced a unique reverse equity swap strategic agreement between its fully-owned telecom tower subsidiary-Wireless TT Info-Services Limited-and Quippo Telecom Infrastructure Limited, thereby becoming the largest independent entity in this space. Tata Teleservices’ bouquet of telephony services includes mobile services, wireless desktop phones, public booth telephony and Wireline services.

For details, visit http://www.tatateleservices.com, http://www.tatadocomo.com or http://www.tataindicom.com.

About Qualcomm

Qualcomm is a registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Tagged with: CDMA • CDMA Network • Chief Marketing Officer • Convergence • DiGi • digital wireless communications • Government • GSM • GSM Service • Handsets • India • india market • indian consumers • indian telecom • Indus • Intel • Japan • Maharashtra • Mobile Product • Mobile Service • Mobile services • NTT DoCoMo • oberthur • Oberthur Technologies • operators • OTE • Phones • Qualcomm • Quippo Telecom • Quippo Telecom Infrastructure • Research • Service Providers • SIM • SIM Card • Tata • Tata Indicom • Tata Tele • Tata Teleservices • Technology • Telecom Circles • TIM • VAS • wireless communication • Wireless network

MTN & IMI announce partnership

On 10.02.09, In Mobile, By Editor

Millions of mobile and online content users across Africa and the Middle East will reap the benefits of a landmark tie-up between MTN and IMImobile – an India-based software and managed services provider linked to 350 content providers worldwide.

The two companies have teamed up in a bold move to address the growing demand for content in emerging markets. This strategic partnership will entail providing MTN’s 21 markets access to a repository of current and globally popular content through enhanced delivery platforms. Content categories will include music (with local and international flavour), sports, games, entertainment, news and much more.

It will also enable MTN to launch new income-generating voice and data services across its global footprint, with revenues from mobile content and services estimated at around US$150.2 billion in 2011, up from US$89,3 billion in 2006, worldwide. (more…)

Tagged with: Africa • Airtel • ARPU • ASIA • Botswana • Congo • Cote d'Ivoire • Cyprus • Essar • Ghana • India • Latin America • Middle East • Mobile Advertising • Mobile Content • MTN • Niger • Nigeria • Rwanda • South Africa • Syria • Technology • Uganda • Virgin Mobile • Vodafone • Zambia

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

On 10.02.09, In Mobile, By Editor

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…)

Tagged with: 02 • 3 • 3G • Austria • austrian population • BASE • broadband coverage • DiGi • digital gap • DVB-H • energy consumption • Europe • Facebook • Finland • handset • Hong Kong • HSDPA • HSPA • Hutch • Hutchison • Hutchison 3 • Hutchison 3G • Hutchison 3G Austria • Hutchison Whampoa • Managed Services • mbps high speed • MMS • Mobile broadband • Mobile Service • mobile television • Mobile TV • music • NEC • network management system • Nokia • Nokia Siemens Networks • OTE • phone • Phones • radio access network • Siemens • simple software • Skype • SMS • speed packet • Technology • telecom • term evolution • UMTS • USA • video sharing • windows

Telefonica reveals plans to test LTE in UK, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic, Brazil and Argentina.

On 10.02.09, In Mobile, By admin

O2 has revealed plans to test long-term evolution (LTE) of 3G technology in the UK within the next few months.

Telefónica announced this week that it will do trials of the Long Term Evolution of 3G networks (LTE) within the next few months across UK, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic, Brazil and Argentina.

Telefonica’s O2 in the UK will be the first operator in the UK to carry out LTE trials. T-Mobile, Vodafone and Orange are all expected to follow O2’s lead in the future.

Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Huawei, NEC, Nokia Siemens Networks and ZTE are supporting Telefonica’s initial technology trials, though it is still open to working with other suppliers.

LTE will allow Telefónica to offer its customers peak mobile broadband speeds of up to 340Mbps ‘in ideal conditions’ and will also deliver more flexible use of its spectrum as well as boost network capacity.

O2 has revealed plans to test long-term evolution (LTE) of 3G technology in the UK within the next few months.

Telefónica announced this week that it will do trials of the Long Term Evolution of 3G networks (LTE) within the next few months across UK, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic, Brazil and Argentina.

Telefonica’s O2 in the UK will be the first operator in the UK to carry out LTE trials. T-Mobile, Vodafone and Orange are all expected to follow O2’s lead in the future.

Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Huawei, NEC, Nokia Siemens Networks and ZTE are supporting Telefonica’s initial technology trials, though it is still open to working with other suppliers.

LTE will allow Telefónica to offer its customers peak mobile broadband speeds of up to 340Mbps ‘in ideal conditions’ and will also deliver more flexible use of its spectrum as well as boost network capacity.

Tagged with: 3G • 3G network • 3G networks • 3G technology • Alcatel • Alcatel-Lucent • Argentina • argentina telefonica • Brazil • Broadband • broadband speeds • Czech • Czech Republic • Ericsson • Germany • Huawe • Huawei • Long Term Evolution • LTE • Lucent • Mbps • Mobile broadband • NEC • Network Capacity • Nokia • Nokia Siemens • Nokia Siemens Network • Nokia Siemens Networks • O2 • Opera • Orange • OSS • Siemen • Siemens • Spain • spectrum • T-Mob • T-Mobile • Technology • technology trials • Telefonica • term evolution • UK • VoD • Vodafone • ZTE

China Unicom inks 3-yr iPhone 3G agreement with Apple, to start sale in Q4′09

On 08.29.09, In Mobile, By Editor

www.WirelessFederation.com/news: China Unicom, the Chinese mobile operator, has reportedly confirmed that it has inked an agreement with Apple to vend the iPhone 3G across China. China, according to a press release, has reportedly inked a 3-yr agreement with Apple. The operator further unveils that the handset will be on sale from Q4′09, confirming the rumours doing rounds across the media.
There’s still no word on the official iPhone 3G price for China, but it’s said that the 8GB version will be offered for about $365 with a 2-yr contract agreement.

Tagged with: Base Tariff • China • Equity Investment • Mobile users • R230BT • Restructure • Technology

Qwest to discontinue wireless services from 31 October (USA)

On 08.18.09, In Mobile, By Editor

www.WirelessFederation.com/news: Starting today, Qwest Wireless customers will begin to receive notification that they have 60 days to switch their Qwest Wireless service to another wireless provider. In 2008, Qwest announced plans to exit its wireless business and began offering Verizon Wireless service to Qwest customers.

Key Facts:
Qwest will discontinue all Qwest Wireless service on Oct. 31, 2009.
There is no early termination fee when disconnecting Qwest Wireless service.
Qwest Wireless phone numbers are portable. Customers who switch to a new service provider, prior to Oct. 31, 2009, will be able to transfer their wireless phone numbers to the new service provider.
Qwest is an authorized agent for Verizon Wireless. Qwest Wireless customers who select Verizon Wireless as their provider can take advantage of combined billing and exclusive handset offers from Verizon Wireless.
In September and October, when Qwest Wireless customers who have not changed wireless service providers make a call, they will be routed to a live Qwest service representative, who will remind customers that Qwest is discontinuing Qwest Wireless service and a new service provider needs to be selected. Once the customer service communication is complete, calls will be connected as dialed.
For more information about switching from Qwest Wireless service, visit www.qwest.com/wirelessfaq, or call 1 800-516-0669, or visit one of the many Qwest Solution Centers www.qwest.com/stores. (more…)

Tagged with: KT Freetel • Mobile Licence Tender • Mobile Telephony Traffic • MVNO • Technology • the Republic of the Congo • USA

LG & NTT DoCoMo launch L-06A & L-04A handsets in Japan

On 08.17.09, In Mobile, By Editor

www.WirelessFederation.com/news: LG Electronics has reportedly stepped into the Japanese mobile market, as it launches two full touch-screen phones, the L-06A and L-04A handset in collaboration with NTT DoCoMo, the Japanese giant.
The handsets are designed keeping in mind the Japanese consumer and come in bright colors with new user interface programs, including “live character park.” The program has six backgrounds with different themes and 20 different icons, including humans and animals.

“These two models were made to reflect the tastes and lifestyles of the younger generation in Japan. We plan to enter the Japanese market with aggressive marketing,” said Lee Gyu-hong, vice president of LG Electronics’ Japanese branch.

Tagged with: HTC Lancaster • Hutchison 3G Austria • Japan • Jiangxi MCC • Technology • WCDMA network