Mobile data bill to never cross US$ 23.5 per month with Globe (Philippines)
Globe telecom, a leading mobile network provider in Philippines, has launched the new Globe Postpaid PowerSurf, enabling its subscribers to stay connected to the internet via their mobile while saving on data charges.
According to company reports, PowerSurf 99 offers users 50MB of data for US$ 2.3 allowing them to do 1,200 Google searches, tweet 1,600 times, or tag 250 Facebook photos. Further, users can also subscribe to PowerSurf 299 which has 300MB of data for US$ 7 or PowerSurf 499 which gives users 1GB of data for US$ 11.7.
In the event that a user exceeds the usage of their PowerSurf Plan’s MB allocation, they will never be charged more than US$ 23.5 a month, thus offering users unrestricted access to mobile data without worrying about bill shock.
Hence, users can log on and off as much as they want so as to update Facebook, post a tweet, receive push e-mail, search Google or even watch Youtube videos, as they will never be charged ahead of US$ 23.5 for the month, irrespective of the plan opted for.
Joanna Africa, Head for Portfolio Management, Globe has said that bill shock has always been a concern for most of their postpaid subscribers who surf the internet using their mobile phones. Their new worry-free plans, headlined by the US$ 23.5 bill cap, show that Globe truly values superior customer experience by proactively addressing bill shock and helping subscribers cope with their data usage. Further, with the bill cap on PowerSurf in place, they give their postpaid subscribers peace of mind when they surf on their handsets – may it be an iPhone, Android or BlackBerry. For as long as they are registered to any of the PowerSurf plans, they can enjoy mobile browsing without racking up an expensive bill.
Cell C offers low-cost HSPA+ phone (South Africa)
South Africa’s Cell C has introduced its own branded handset for using its HSPA+ network in the 900MHz band.
The Cell C F250 features a MP3 player, Java applications and games, a 2 megapixel camera and a video recorder, 15 MB on-board memory and an integrated web browser with pre-loaded shortcuts to Facebook and YouTube.
Furthermore, the customers will receive 200MB of data, 50 on-net minutes and 100 SMS when they activate the Cell C Welcome pack Sim Card. The F250 mobile phone is available at all the operator’s retail outlets for US$72.24.
MTN Nigeria, Samsung enter data bundle partnership
MTN Nigeria has signed a strategic data bundle deal with Samsung Mobile. As per the agreement, a number of Samsung phones will be loaded with exclusive MTN bundle that offers special free downloads, voice/video calls and a free MTN SIM card.
According to Samsung Handheld Director Fady Khatib, the phones involved in the bundle offer were equipped with Google Android operating system and Google mobile services, including Gtalk, Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps and application store. The phones are also equipped with Samsung Integrated messaging solution, which supports multiple emails, IM and personal information management solutions.
He added that each phone comes with a 12-month warranty and after sales support. The trio of Samsung Galaxy 5, Samsung Galaxy S and Samsung Galaxy Tab are the three devices that will be loaded with the MTN data bundle.
He stated that the new Samsung Galaxy 5 was 3G compatible phone and it was pre-loaded with social networking applications such as Facebook and Twitter, among others. It also comes with an exclusive MTN Bundle of 750MB of free data downloads and is valid for three months. The retail price for this bundle offer is US$205.66.
Vodafone, MTS launch new Opera Mini (Russia)
MTS in partnership with Vodafone and Opera Software has announced the launch of a new customized version of Opera Mini for MTS subscribers.
According to MTS, using MTS Internet with Opera Mini, MTS customers will be able to add up to 30 of their preferred pages to a Speed Dial screen and quickly load them with a quick tap function. This unique capability surpasses the standard version of the Opera Mini that allows customizing up to nine websites. In the coming months, the new browser will also enable the use of a wide range of widgets for YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Omlet directly on the phone.
According to MTS Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Mikhail Gerchuk, they are pleased that their partnership with Vodafone brings them the opportunity to offer unique services to their subscribers. The Opera Mini browser is very popular in Russia with more than four million MTS customers a month using it to surf the Internet. The launch of the new browser moves their partnership with Opera to the next level. With the customized Opera Mini’s added capability, they can turn a budget handset model with limited functions into a very capable Internet browsing device. They are confident that their subscribers will get a richer and more convenient mobile Internet experience with the MTS Internet with Opera Mini.
More than 70% of Russians use Opera Mini to access the Internet from mobile phones (based on StatCounter stats provider data). Opera uses compression technology that reduces traffic by up to 90% of the initial volume, enabling mobile operators to optimize investments in infrastructure and use network capacity more efficiently. The technology also allows for the download of web pages up to six times faster than a regular browser on a mobile phone, thereby significantly reducing costs for mobile Internet users.
Virgin Mobile launches LG Optimus V (USA)
Virgin Mobile has launched the feature-rich LG Optimus V mobile phone which perfectly blends together interesting features and mesmerizing attributes.
Individuals can watch their most liked movies and videos on the vibrant 3.2-inch touchscreen display. Social buffs can enhance their mobile experience with various social apps like YouTube and Google Talk. The LG Optimus V also shows off social networking apps, Microsoft Outlook Exchange e-mail, advanced messaging capabilities and Swype technology.
According to Bob Stohrer, Vice President-Marketing, Virgin Mobile USA, more than 44% of smartphones purchased in the third quarter of 2010 was Android based with the iPhone coming in second. With LG Optimus V on Android, Virgin Mobile customers who crave constant connectivity get a highly functional device with a high-resolution 3.2 touch screen paired with an affordable monthly plan and no annual contract.
According to Tim O’Brien, Vice President of LG marketing, users get the best of both worlds with LG Optimus V. Bringing an easy-to-use blend of applications and sleek design, LG Optimus V delivers the features users want with the efficient performance capabilities they deserve.
Mobile buffs can benefit from the Virgin Mobile Beyond Talk plans which start at $25 per month for 300 minutes of voice and offer unlimited messaging, IM, email, social networking and web access. The $40 plan puts forth 1,200 minutes of voice whereas the $60 plan offers unlimited voice minutes each month.
The 3G and Wi-Fi capable device comes along with a 3.2MP camera, thereby enabling photo enthusiasts to capture crisp images. The phone is packed in Virgin Mobile’s new handset packaging that touts to be more eco-friendly. Owners can entertain themselves while on-the-go with interesting apps from the Android Market.
The LG Optimus V can be purchased from Radio Shack and the official website for $149.99. It is expected to be available via other retailers throughout this month.
Android captures 22% share of Global Tablet Shipment in Q4 2010
Latest research reveals that global tablet shipments reached 10 million units in the fourth quarter of 2010. Apple maintained first position, while Android soared and captured a record 22% global share.
According to sources, Global tablet shipments grew 120% sequentially to reach 9.7 million units in Q4 2010. Apple maintained first position. Apple recorded an impressive 75% global market share during the fourth quarter, but it has slipped from a peak of 95% in Q3 2010 due to rising competition from Android.
Android tablet volumes experienced 2000% sequential growth and its global market share soared to a record 22% in Q4 2010. The Samsung Galaxy Tab was the main driver of Android’s success, as the model was launched in dozens of countries and promoted heavily by Samsung. Tablet makers like Android because of its perceived low cost and an accompanying range of compelling media services such as YouTube and Google Maps.
They also expect Android to increase share of the global tablet market during the first half of 2011. Several models from major vendors are scheduled to hit retail stores, such as the Motorola Xoom. The growing base of tablets will make Android a more attractive platform for media developers in the United States and worldwide.
France Telecom to acquire Dailymotion stakes
France Telecom SA is reportedly in discussions with DailyMotion SA to acquire as much as half of the online video provider.
According to sources, France’s largest phone company may announce the beginning of exclusive negotiations to buy a third to one half of DailyMotion on Jan. 25.
In 2009, French sovereign-wealth fund FSI, one of France Telecom’s largest investors, put US$10.2 million into DailyMotion, a rival to Google Inc.’s YouTube.
France Telecom Chief Executive Officer Stephane Richard is targeting new services to win a piece of the market dominated by Google, Apple Inc. and Facebook Inc.
As per his previous statements, he complained large online traffic generators such as YouTube make money using phone networks without contributing to their upkeep. He proposed a system of billing by data usage.
According to the company, Investing in DailyMotion would give France Telecom advertising revenue like that earned by YouTube. DailyMotion attracted 93 million monthly visitors as of October.
Sources added that France Telecom may begin a two step investment process that could lead to another investor also taking a stake in DailyMotion.
