[press information bureau] The Hyderabad Action Plan adopted today by the ITU World Telecommunication Development Conference outlined a road map to foster the global development of information and communication technology (ICT) networks and services over the next four year cycle. The roll out of next-generation networks (NGN) and increased access to broadband services, wireless technologies and the Internet were recognized as catalysts to achieve the broader development goals.
The Hyderabad Declaration states that broad access to telecommunications and ICTs is essential for the world’s collective economic, social and cultural development, and the building of a global Information Society. This access brings new opportunities for interaction amongst people, for sharing of the world’s knowledge resources and expertise, for transforming people’s lives, and for contributing to the global development agenda.
The fifth World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-10), held from 24 May until 4 June, 2010 in Hyderabad, was attended by 924 delegates, including 758 government delegates from 138 countries and 6 representatives from Palestine, 88 public and private sector representatives from 28 companies, 16 representing telecommunication-related entities from 7 countries and 56 representatives from 25 regional and international organizations.
Mr P.J. Thomas, Secretary, Department of Telecommunications, Government of India and Chairman of the Conference said on the closing of the Conference that the increasing role of ICT in the life of the common man cannot be overemphasized. Keeping in view the latest technological developments in ICT, the Hyderabad declaration adopted by WTDC-10 will play a decisive role in the development of the ICT sector across the world, especially in developing countries.
Policy-makers and regulators pledged to promote affordable access to telecommunications and ICTs aimed at fostering sustainable development worldwide, with attention given to least developed countries (LDCs) and countries with special needs. New opportunities arising from the widespread use of ICTs were also cited in improving e-government services such as healthcare and education and to step up the drive to alleviate poverty and create jobs, especially among poor and marginalized populations, including women, children, indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities.
The Hyderabad Action Plan consists of a comprehensive package that will promote the equitable and sustainable development of telecommunication and ICT networks and services worldwide. The five Programmes identified are:
1. Information and communication infrastructure and technology development
2. Cybersecurity, ICT applications and IP-based network-related issues
3. Enabling environment
4. Capacity-building and digital inclusion
5. Least developed countries, countries in special need, emergency telecommunications and adaptation to climate change
Speaking on the occasion, ITU Secretary-General, Dr. Hamadoun Touré said that mobile telephony has grown phenomenally and it is considered to be the most rapidly adopted technology in history. Yet, the digital divide remains — particularly where accessibility to broadband services and the Internet is concerned. This broadband divide must be addressed by governments and industry as a priority if the capacity of ICTs are to be fully utilized to meet the Millennium Development Goals.
The WTDC-10 Hyderabad Action Plan is the culmination of a series of regional preparatory meetings that took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (for Asia-Pacific); Kampala, Uganda (Africa); Santa Marta, Colombia (Americas); Minsk, Belarus (CIS); Andorra La Vella (Europe); and Damascus, Syria (Arab States). The preparatory meetings outlined initiatives from each region based on agreed categories among all stakeholders and region-specific priorities, such as:
· Development of broadband infrastructure
· Transition from analogue to digital broadcasting and management of spectrum
· Harmonizing policy and regulatory frameworks to foster an enabling environment
· Reduction of Internet access costs
· Human and institutional capacity building
· Strengthening cybersecurity and building confidence in the use of ICTs
· Emergency telecommunications
· ICTs as a solution to combat climate change
· ICT applications for economic and social development, such as e-Health
· Improving regional interconnectivity
· Achieving universal access
ITU’s strategic plan for telecommunication/ICT development takes into account the twenty-eight regional initiatives and focuses on the changes brought on by the advent of high-speed telecommunication networks, increased convergence in applications and services, instant access to information and knowledge and the fact that the coming years are expected to see more rapid advances in the use of mobile technologies as a platform for further innovation.
Transition to digital broadcasting
The transition from analogue to digital broadcasting is a key development in facilitating the dissemination of information and freeing up spectrum. New telecommunication and ICT services, including satellite radiocommunications will help connect rural and isolated communities and meet the needs of indigenous communities. While satellite digital sound and television broadcasting services have been introduced worldwide, terrestrial digital television and sound broadcasting is becoming a global priority. Wireless broadband networks and next-generation networks (NGN) foster the widespread use of affordable and accessible telecommunications and ICTs. The strategic plan will give high priority to assist administrators, regulators, broadcasters and other stakeholders in introducing digital broadcasting and providing assistance to developing countries on spectrum management.
Strengthening cybersecurity
By advocating best practices in establishing regulatory and legal frameworks that promote competition, and encourage investment, policy-makers expect that such reforms will lead to widespread access to telecommunications and ICTs. However, with the growing use of ICT applications, the popularity of social networks, and the emergence of the ‘Internet of Things’, which provide innovative and useful services for users, the challenge arises of building confidence and maintaining privacy and trust in the reliability and security of telecommunications and ICTs. ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Agenda, taking into account the global and transnational nature of cyberthreats, addresses international coordination and cooperation to build confidence in the use of ICTs.
WTDC adopted measures to help developing countries tackle the challenge of cybersecurity which has become all the more pressing with the advent of broadband connectivity. Studies will be conducted on strengthening the cybersecurity of developing countries, particularly in areas related to telecommunication/ICT use and the protection of children and youth in cyberspace. ITU was asked to work towards a possible memorandum of understanding (MoU) among Member States to strengthen cybersecurity and combat cyberthreats.
Internet resources
Open and equitable access to critical Internet resources (CIRs) and issues pertaining to Internet-related public policy, including Internet governance, are key issues for ITU’s 191 Member States as the migration to IP-based networks increases. Along with facilitating a dialogue on international public policy issues related to the Internet, ITU will also assist developing countries migrate from IPv4 to IPv6 next-generation networks so that all countries can benefit from broadband infrastructure needed to support advanced e-applications for health, education, government and commerce.
Green ICTs
Telecommunications and ICTs provide some of the solutions in combating climate change, which is one of the greatest challenges facing the global community. While contributing to monitoring climate change and mitigating and adapting to its adverse effects, ‘Green ICTs’ and environment friendly technologies help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The consequences of climate change and sea-level rise are of particular concern to least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS).
Emergency telecommunications
Telecommunications and ICTs also play a critical role in disaster detection, early warning, preparedness, response and recovery. The Hyderabad Declaration calls upon Administrations to support policies and strategies that facilitate the use of telecommunications/ICTs for disaster management, in particular radiocommunications. ICTs can save lives and help reduce the impact of natural disasters that could impede sustainable development. ITU has played a critical role in restoring telecommunications in disaster-hit areas around the world and was one of the early responders in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti earlier this year.
ICTs to achieve broader development goals
WTDC-10 Hyderabad hosted a series of events to bring attention to the catalytic role that ICTs play in achieving broader development goals.
· A session on ‘e-Health’ aimed at enhancing countries’ capacity to develop or update national e-Health strategic plans.
· The transition from analogue to digital broadcasting was addressed as were trends in policy and regulatory reform.
· ITU’s World Telecommunication/ICT Development Report 2010 (www.itu.int/publ/D-IND-WTDR-2010/en) was launched on 25 May, providing a mid-term review of the progress made in creating a global information society by 2015.
· ICT Ministers and senior officials from several countries around the world participated in a round table session dedicated to ITU’s flagship initiative, ‘Connect a School, Connect a Community’ (www.conneactaschool.org) aimed at providing broadband access to schools.
· A session on the ‘ITU Academy’ (http://academy.itu.int) demonstrated a new portal that makes available ICT learning and development opportunities at the highest possible levels of quality.
Road Map Set for Global Development of Telecommunications and ICT
Hyderabad action Plan agreed at WTDC 2010
Saturday, June 05, 2010
Augmented reality - AR-based marketing will rely on functionality of mobile devices to allow use of mobile social networking
[marketwire] The advancing wave of augmented reality marketing tactics is heavily reliant upon the functionality of mobile devices in allowing users to engage in social networking activity according to Sony Ericsson.
The advent of location based social networks such as Gowalla and Foursquare have allowed marketers to pursue ambitions of targeting consumers in a much more direct way than was previously possible, primarily through mobile devices, such as smartphones. The technology available to support these developments has evolved almost in parallel, allowing networks to develop apps to support their ongoing usage and growth.
Sony Ericsson has indicated that it is the ongoing development and pickup of devices that facilitate mobile social networking advancements, providing the networks with the platforms and technological capabilities with which they can successfully conduct location based marketing activity.
A spokesperson for Sony Ericsson said: "The increase in use of social media via mobile presents a very real opportunity for brand marketers. However, the extent to which they can capitalise on this opportunity is down to the ability of the handsets being used - in terms of location and augmented reality."
Mobile Social Media Functionality Integral to Augmented Reality Marketing
The advent of location based social networks such as Gowalla and Foursquare have allowed marketers to pursue ambitions of targeting consumers in a much more direct way than was previously possible, primarily through mobile devices, such as smartphones. The technology available to support these developments has evolved almost in parallel, allowing networks to develop apps to support their ongoing usage and growth.
Sony Ericsson has indicated that it is the ongoing development and pickup of devices that facilitate mobile social networking advancements, providing the networks with the platforms and technological capabilities with which they can successfully conduct location based marketing activity.
A spokesperson for Sony Ericsson said: "The increase in use of social media via mobile presents a very real opportunity for brand marketers. However, the extent to which they can capitalise on this opportunity is down to the ability of the handsets being used - in terms of location and augmented reality."
Mobile Social Media Functionality Integral to Augmented Reality Marketing
Recesssion - telecom service providers reduced their capital expenditures 5.9% worldwide in 2009, having learned that lessons from telecoms crash
[marketwire] Market research firm Infonetics Research released the first edition of its 2010 biannual Service Provider Capex, Opex, ARPU, and Subscribers report, which features analysis on how current economic conditions are impacting telecom markets by region and equipment segment.
"As world economies climbed out of recession, telecom service providers reduced their capital expenditures 5.9% worldwide in 2009, in line with our predictions and much less than many had expected. Carrier capex didn't tank like it did in 2001 for two main reasons: service providers are operating with clean balance sheets, having learned that lesson from the great telecom crash, and the demand for broadband today is very real indeed. Now, don't declare victory yet, as we forecast worldwide carrier capex to decline again and bottom out in 2010, followed by a new investment cycle starting in 2011 driven by a wave of 2G upgrades, 3G and LTE rollouts, and fiber-based wireline broadband initiatives around the globe," predicts Stéphane Téral, principal analyst for mobile and FMC infrastructure at Infonetics Research.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
* Worldwide, service providers spent US$295 billion in 2009 on telecom and non-telecom capital expenditure projects, 5.9% less than they spent in 2008
* Carriers reduced investment in network infrastructure by 8% in 2009, with the deepest cuts in IP voice infrastructure, optical network equipment, video infrastructure, and IP routers
* Mobile infrastructure spending continues to make up the largest portion of all network infrastructure investments made by service providers, making up about 19%
* Worldwide, service providers took in US$1.65 trillion in revenue in 2009, a decrease of 4.2% from 2008
* Carrier revenue is expected to resume growth in 2010
* The world's 10 largest service providers (ranked in order by 2009 revenue in US dollars) are AT&T, NTT, Verizon, Deutsche Telekom, China Mobile, France Télécom, Vodafone, Telefónica, KDDI, and Comcast
Infonetics Research: Telecom carriers weathering storm better than many expected: capex down 5.9% in 2009
"As world economies climbed out of recession, telecom service providers reduced their capital expenditures 5.9% worldwide in 2009, in line with our predictions and much less than many had expected. Carrier capex didn't tank like it did in 2001 for two main reasons: service providers are operating with clean balance sheets, having learned that lesson from the great telecom crash, and the demand for broadband today is very real indeed. Now, don't declare victory yet, as we forecast worldwide carrier capex to decline again and bottom out in 2010, followed by a new investment cycle starting in 2011 driven by a wave of 2G upgrades, 3G and LTE rollouts, and fiber-based wireline broadband initiatives around the globe," predicts Stéphane Téral, principal analyst for mobile and FMC infrastructure at Infonetics Research.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
* Worldwide, service providers spent US$295 billion in 2009 on telecom and non-telecom capital expenditure projects, 5.9% less than they spent in 2008
* Carriers reduced investment in network infrastructure by 8% in 2009, with the deepest cuts in IP voice infrastructure, optical network equipment, video infrastructure, and IP routers
* Mobile infrastructure spending continues to make up the largest portion of all network infrastructure investments made by service providers, making up about 19%
* Worldwide, service providers took in US$1.65 trillion in revenue in 2009, a decrease of 4.2% from 2008
* Carrier revenue is expected to resume growth in 2010
* The world's 10 largest service providers (ranked in order by 2009 revenue in US dollars) are AT&T, NTT, Verizon, Deutsche Telekom, China Mobile, France Télécom, Vodafone, Telefónica, KDDI, and Comcast
Infonetics Research: Telecom carriers weathering storm better than many expected: capex down 5.9% in 2009
USA - AT&T has moved away from uncapped mobile plans to stop "data hogs"
[ny times] One reason AT&T decided to pull the plug on unlimited data usage is “data hogs,” those users who download a considerable amount of data each month on their mobile phones.
But the big question is: how many data hogs are there on the network and are they really slowing it down? Or is this a pre-emptive move to prepare for a new era of mobile billing where data far outshines talk minutes on a subscriber’s monthly bill?
In a press release, AT&T said: “Currently, 98 percent of AT&T smartphone customers use less than 2 GB of data a month on average.”
That sentence left me wondering how many mobile phone subscribers actually go over two gigabytes of data each month. Two percent could be a huge number, especially on AT&T’s network.
Although AT&T declined to tell me exactly how many users are in the 2 percent bracket, we can estimate that it’s as high as 660,000 people.
Here’s my math: AT&T has 85.1 million subscribers. According to Patrick Hornung with Brunswick Group, a public relations company that works with AT&T, as of last quarter, 33 million of those phone subscribers reach AT&T with an “integrated device.” This includes smartphones and devices like the Samsung Magnet phone, which offer a full keyboard and limited access to the Web.
So, 2 percent of 33 million phones users is 660,000. Granted, this is the high end of the estimate, but we know it’s somewhere in that ballpark.
A little over half a million users going over two gigabytes a month isn’t necessarily a high number, and it isn’t affecting AT&T’s network, either. In a report released Thursday by PC Magazine, AT&T’s 3G data service was rated the “faster average 3G speeds” over its competition in the United States. (It was also rated the “least consistent” with the most dropped connections.)
That’s why AT&T used the word “currently” in its press release. The data numbers are rising, as are the revenues that AT&T can glean from higher mobile Web usage.
According to CTIA, the wireless industry association, as of December 2009, there were 49.8 million smartphones in the United States, up 22.9 percent from June of the same year, when there were 40.7 million smartphones in use. CTIA also reports that data revenues rose to $42 billion in 2009.
In addition, the research firm Parks Associates predicted last year that American mobile broadband use would reach 140 million people by 2013. Cisco has also forecast that data use on mobile phones and other wireless connected devices would double every two years through 2012.
Although AT&T would like its customers to think it is doing them a favor by charging less, or as the company said on Wednesday, making “it more affordable for more people to enjoy the benefits of the mobile Internet, ” the carrier is pre-emptively preparing for more data hogs and in-turn higher revenues when people surpass their allotted monthly data usage.
AT&T is also taking a big gamble with this latest move. Competitors, including Verizon and Sprint, will likely try to capitalize on the latest capped data plans and lure away already unhappy iPhone customers, who, it is estimated, make up almost half its smartphone customers.
AT&T Versus the Data Hogs
But the big question is: how many data hogs are there on the network and are they really slowing it down? Or is this a pre-emptive move to prepare for a new era of mobile billing where data far outshines talk minutes on a subscriber’s monthly bill?
In a press release, AT&T said: “Currently, 98 percent of AT&T smartphone customers use less than 2 GB of data a month on average.”
That sentence left me wondering how many mobile phone subscribers actually go over two gigabytes of data each month. Two percent could be a huge number, especially on AT&T’s network.
Although AT&T declined to tell me exactly how many users are in the 2 percent bracket, we can estimate that it’s as high as 660,000 people.
Here’s my math: AT&T has 85.1 million subscribers. According to Patrick Hornung with Brunswick Group, a public relations company that works with AT&T, as of last quarter, 33 million of those phone subscribers reach AT&T with an “integrated device.” This includes smartphones and devices like the Samsung Magnet phone, which offer a full keyboard and limited access to the Web.
So, 2 percent of 33 million phones users is 660,000. Granted, this is the high end of the estimate, but we know it’s somewhere in that ballpark.
A little over half a million users going over two gigabytes a month isn’t necessarily a high number, and it isn’t affecting AT&T’s network, either. In a report released Thursday by PC Magazine, AT&T’s 3G data service was rated the “faster average 3G speeds” over its competition in the United States. (It was also rated the “least consistent” with the most dropped connections.)
That’s why AT&T used the word “currently” in its press release. The data numbers are rising, as are the revenues that AT&T can glean from higher mobile Web usage.
According to CTIA, the wireless industry association, as of December 2009, there were 49.8 million smartphones in the United States, up 22.9 percent from June of the same year, when there were 40.7 million smartphones in use. CTIA also reports that data revenues rose to $42 billion in 2009.
In addition, the research firm Parks Associates predicted last year that American mobile broadband use would reach 140 million people by 2013. Cisco has also forecast that data use on mobile phones and other wireless connected devices would double every two years through 2012.
Although AT&T would like its customers to think it is doing them a favor by charging less, or as the company said on Wednesday, making “it more affordable for more people to enjoy the benefits of the mobile Internet, ” the carrier is pre-emptively preparing for more data hogs and in-turn higher revenues when people surpass their allotted monthly data usage.
AT&T is also taking a big gamble with this latest move. Competitors, including Verizon and Sprint, will likely try to capitalize on the latest capped data plans and lure away already unhappy iPhone customers, who, it is estimated, make up almost half its smartphone customers.
AT&T Versus the Data Hogs
4G - Forecast that LTE will win over WiMAX, in part due to TD-LTE
[marketwire] Industry analyst firm WiseHarbor Research, focusing on commercial issues in the wireless and mobile communications markets for technologies, products and operator services, has published an extended forecast to 2020 for mobile devices including mobile and cellular modems in dongles and embedded modules. The forecast and its analysis include these findings:
* Mobile broadband, including LTE, will bridge the digital divide. HSPA, CDMA2000 EV-DO and LTE technologies will repeat –– for Internet access and data communications by 2020 –– the success already achieved by GSM and CDMA2000 1X in connecting 4 billion people worldwide for voice and text. Most of these will never use a wired Internet connection.
* LTE will be as successful as the leading technologies that preceded it including GSM. However, it will be 2016 –– five years after the first LTE service launches in 2010 –– before LTE accounts for more than 25% of mobile broadband device sales. LTE device sales will not equal those with CDMA-based technologies including EV-DO and HSPA/HSPA+ combined until 2019.
* Introduction of TD-LTE will precipitate the demise of WiMAX with WiMAX sales peaking by 2015. Whereas WiMAX has made significant commercial progress by occupying the unpaired spectrum that tends to be much cheaper than the paired spectrum used for CDMA-based technologies including EV-DO and HSPA, TD-LTE will eclipse WiMAX by prevailing in the use of unpaired spectrum as well as the paired spectrum already employed commercially by LTE. Commitment to TD-LTE by China Mobile in particular and significant commonalities between LTE technologies and manufactured products with TDD and FDD modes will marginalize WiMAX in the marketplace over the next few years.
* Asia Pacific will account for more mobile broadband and LTE device sales than any other region from 2011. The number of devices sold per capita will remain significantly higher in developed nations where average incomes are greatest and replacement rates are fastest. In contrast, replacement cycles are much longer in nations such as India where, as is the case with cars and other consumer durables, a relatively small proportion of devices are retired from service each year.
* Device revenues from handsets, dongles and embedded modules will plateau from 2015 with falling average prices and saturating demand for phones. Thereafter, revenue growth will continue largely from the added value mobile broadband provides for the other types of devices in which cellular modems are being embedded including tablet computers and consumer electronics.
This ten year forecast quantifies phone and non-phone device sales with segmentation for embedded and discrete devices. Forecasts include average prices and total market revenues, as well as unit sales volumes. Other published forecasts almost invariably only extend five years, most do not distinguish between handsets and non-phone devices and forecasts of revenues or average selling prices are seldom provided.
Mobile Broadband Devices Forecast to 2020 Predicts Demise of WiMAX With Rise of TD-LTE in Unpaired Spectrum
* Mobile broadband, including LTE, will bridge the digital divide. HSPA, CDMA2000 EV-DO and LTE technologies will repeat –– for Internet access and data communications by 2020 –– the success already achieved by GSM and CDMA2000 1X in connecting 4 billion people worldwide for voice and text. Most of these will never use a wired Internet connection.
* LTE will be as successful as the leading technologies that preceded it including GSM. However, it will be 2016 –– five years after the first LTE service launches in 2010 –– before LTE accounts for more than 25% of mobile broadband device sales. LTE device sales will not equal those with CDMA-based technologies including EV-DO and HSPA/HSPA+ combined until 2019.
* Introduction of TD-LTE will precipitate the demise of WiMAX with WiMAX sales peaking by 2015. Whereas WiMAX has made significant commercial progress by occupying the unpaired spectrum that tends to be much cheaper than the paired spectrum used for CDMA-based technologies including EV-DO and HSPA, TD-LTE will eclipse WiMAX by prevailing in the use of unpaired spectrum as well as the paired spectrum already employed commercially by LTE. Commitment to TD-LTE by China Mobile in particular and significant commonalities between LTE technologies and manufactured products with TDD and FDD modes will marginalize WiMAX in the marketplace over the next few years.
* Asia Pacific will account for more mobile broadband and LTE device sales than any other region from 2011. The number of devices sold per capita will remain significantly higher in developed nations where average incomes are greatest and replacement rates are fastest. In contrast, replacement cycles are much longer in nations such as India where, as is the case with cars and other consumer durables, a relatively small proportion of devices are retired from service each year.
* Device revenues from handsets, dongles and embedded modules will plateau from 2015 with falling average prices and saturating demand for phones. Thereafter, revenue growth will continue largely from the added value mobile broadband provides for the other types of devices in which cellular modems are being embedded including tablet computers and consumer electronics.
This ten year forecast quantifies phone and non-phone device sales with segmentation for embedded and discrete devices. Forecasts include average prices and total market revenues, as well as unit sales volumes. Other published forecasts almost invariably only extend five years, most do not distinguish between handsets and non-phone devices and forecasts of revenues or average selling prices are seldom provided.
Mobile Broadband Devices Forecast to 2020 Predicts Demise of WiMAX With Rise of TD-LTE in Unpaired Spectrum
Video services - Global market forecast to reach USD 250 billion in 2014
[marketwire] Market research firm Infonetics Research released the first edition of its 2010 biannual Video Services and Subscribers report, which tracks telco Internet Protocol television (IPTV), cable video, and satellite video services and subscribers.
ANALYST NOTE
"Increased competition among video service operators will help keep monthly subscription fees in check, which will offset some of the growth expected from incremental revenue via video on demand, digital video recording, and 'start-over' services. However, the biggest threat to revenue growth is the continued rise of online (over-the-top) viewing, where users can simply eliminate their monthly TV subscription in favor of streamed programming delivered over the Internet via sites like Hulu and YouTube, and aggregating by services such as Boxee," notes Jeff Heynen, directing analyst for broadband and IPTV at Infonetics Research.
VIDEO SERVICES MARKET HIGHLIGHTS
* Worldwide revenue derived by service providers and cable companies for IPTV, cable video, and satellite video services is forecast to top $250 billion in 2014
* Average revenue per user (ARPU) for telco IPTV services in most regions remains lower than ARPU for cable and satellite services
* Still, telco IPTV service revenue is forecast to grow nicely over the next five years, good news for service providers trying to stem the loss of revenue from decreasing fixed access lines
* Operators such as AT&T, Verizon, Belgacom, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Iliad, and China Telecom are adding video subscribers at a rapid clip, selling them on a combination of exclusive content, higher picture quality, and introductory rates that are below similar offerings from cable and satellite service providers
* In North America, the top two providers of video services in terms of annual revenue are Comcast and DirecTV
* In EMEA, Sky is the revenue share leader by far, with its presence in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Italy, and Austria
REPORT SYNOPSIS
Infonetics' biannual Video Services and Subscribers report provides in-depth analysis and worldwide and regional market size and forecasts for telco IPTV services (pure IPTV, hybrid IPTV/over-the-air, and hybrid IPTV/QAM), basic and digital cable video services, and satellite video services. The report also provides service provider market share in North America and EMEA for total video services, telco IPTV video services, cable video services, and satellite video services.
Market share is tracked for AT&T, Bell Canada, Cablevision, Canal Digital, CanalSat, Charter, Comcast, Cox, Deutsche Telekom, Digiturk, DirecTV, Dish Network, France Telecom, Illiad, Kabel Deutschland, KPN, MTS Allstream, Numericable, SaskTel, Shaw, Sky, SureWest, Telefónica, Time Warner Cable, UnityMedia, UPC Broadband (Liberty Global), Verizon, Virgin Media, and many others.
Infonetics Research: Video services market expected to top $250 billion in 2014
ANALYST NOTE
"Increased competition among video service operators will help keep monthly subscription fees in check, which will offset some of the growth expected from incremental revenue via video on demand, digital video recording, and 'start-over' services. However, the biggest threat to revenue growth is the continued rise of online (over-the-top) viewing, where users can simply eliminate their monthly TV subscription in favor of streamed programming delivered over the Internet via sites like Hulu and YouTube, and aggregating by services such as Boxee," notes Jeff Heynen, directing analyst for broadband and IPTV at Infonetics Research.
VIDEO SERVICES MARKET HIGHLIGHTS
* Worldwide revenue derived by service providers and cable companies for IPTV, cable video, and satellite video services is forecast to top $250 billion in 2014
* Average revenue per user (ARPU) for telco IPTV services in most regions remains lower than ARPU for cable and satellite services
* Still, telco IPTV service revenue is forecast to grow nicely over the next five years, good news for service providers trying to stem the loss of revenue from decreasing fixed access lines
* Operators such as AT&T, Verizon, Belgacom, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Iliad, and China Telecom are adding video subscribers at a rapid clip, selling them on a combination of exclusive content, higher picture quality, and introductory rates that are below similar offerings from cable and satellite service providers
* In North America, the top two providers of video services in terms of annual revenue are Comcast and DirecTV
* In EMEA, Sky is the revenue share leader by far, with its presence in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Italy, and Austria
REPORT SYNOPSIS
Infonetics' biannual Video Services and Subscribers report provides in-depth analysis and worldwide and regional market size and forecasts for telco IPTV services (pure IPTV, hybrid IPTV/over-the-air, and hybrid IPTV/QAM), basic and digital cable video services, and satellite video services. The report also provides service provider market share in North America and EMEA for total video services, telco IPTV video services, cable video services, and satellite video services.
Market share is tracked for AT&T, Bell Canada, Cablevision, Canal Digital, CanalSat, Charter, Comcast, Cox, Deutsche Telekom, Digiturk, DirecTV, Dish Network, France Telecom, Illiad, Kabel Deutschland, KPN, MTS Allstream, Numericable, SaskTel, Shaw, Sky, SureWest, Telefónica, Time Warner Cable, UnityMedia, UPC Broadband (Liberty Global), Verizon, Virgin Media, and many others.
Infonetics Research: Video services market expected to top $250 billion in 2014
Internet - Cisco forecast global traffic will increase four-fold by 2015 to 0.75 Zettabyte annually
[marketwire] Cisco announced the results of the annual Cisco® Visual Networking Index (VNI) Forecast, 2009-2014, which projects that global Internet traffic will increase more than fourfold to 767 exabytes, or more than 3/4 of a Zettabyte, by 2014. This amount is 100 exabytes higher than the projected level in 2013, or an increase the equivalent of 10 times all the traffic traversing Internet Protocol networks in 2008.
The growth in traffic will continue to be dominated by video, exceeding 91 percent of global consumer IP traffic by 2014. Improvements in network bandwidth capacity and Internet speeds, along with the increasing popularity of HDTV and 3DTV are key factors expecting to quadruple IP traffic from 2009 to 2014.
Overview:
* The Cisco VNI Forecast, which focuses on two primary user groups -- consumers and businesses -- was developed as an annual study to estimate global IP traffic growth and trends. Projections are based on Cisco analysis and modeling of traffic, usage, and device data from independent analyst sources. Cisco validates its forecast, inputs, and methodology with data provided by service providers worldwide.
* To help network users better understand global IP traffic growth drivers and trends, Cisco updated several of its unique resources:
o The VNI Forecast widget provides customized views of the growth of various network traffic types around the globe (revised for this 2009 - 2014 forecast period).
o The VNI PC Pulse application for desktop and laptop computers helps consumers learn more about their individual impact on IP networks and compare their network usage with that of others around the world.
Research Highlights:
Total Global IP Traffic in "Bytes"
* Global IP traffic is expected to increase more than fourfold (4.3 times) from 2009 to 2014, reaching 63.9 exabytes per month in 2014, up from approximately 56 exabytes per month in 2013. This is equivalent to 766.8 exabytes per year - almost three-quarters of a zettabyte, by 2014.
* The nearly 64 exabytes of global IP traffic per month projected for 2014 is equivalent to 16 billion DVDs; 21 trillion MP3's; or 399 quadrillion text messages.
Regional IP Traffic Trends
* By 2014, the highest IP-traffic generating regions will be North America (19.0 exabytes per month), Asia Pacific (17.4 exabytes per month), Western Europe (16.2 exabytes per month) and Japan (4.3 exabytes per month).
* The fastest growing IP-traffic regions for the forecast period (2009-2014) are Latin America (51 percent compound annual growth rate [CAGR], 7.9-fold growth), the Middle East and Africa (45 percent CAGR, 6.5-fold growth), and Central Europe (38 percent CAGR, 5.1-fold growth).
Primary Growth Driver: Video
* By 2014, the sum of all forms of video (TV, VoD, Internet video, and peer-to-peer) will continue to exceed 91 percent of global consumer traffic.
* Global Internet video traffic will surpass global peer-to-peer traffic by the end of 2010. For the first time in the last 10 years, peer-to-peer traffic will not be the largest Internet traffic type.
* The global online video community will include more than 1 billion users by the end of 2010.
* By 2014, it would take more than two years to watch the amount of video that will cross global IP networks every second; to watch all the video crossing the network that year would take 72 million years.
3DTV and HD (Advanced Video)
* Globally, advanced video traffic, including three-dimensional (3-D) and high-definition TV (HDTV), is projected to increase 13 times between 2009 and 2014.
* By 2014, 3-D is expected to account for 4 percent of total Internet video traffic.
* By 2014, 3-D and HD video is forecast to comprise 42 percent of total consumer Internet video traffic.
Global File Sharing
* Global file sharing traffic is projected to reach 11 exabytes per month in 2014, 22 percent CAGR from 2009-2014.
* P2P will grow at a CAGR of 16 percent, while web-based and other file sharing will grow at CAGR of 47 percent from 2009-2014.
* By 2014, global P2P traffic will be 17 percent of global consumer Internet traffic, down from 36 percent in 2009.
Global Business IP Traffic
* Global business IP Traffic is forecast to reach 7.7 exabytes per month in 2014, more than tripling from 2009-2014.
* Business video conferencing is projected grow ten-fold over the forecast period, growing almost three times as fast as overall business IP traffic, at a CAGR of 57 percent from 2009-2014.
* Web-based video conferencing is the fastest growing sub-category, growing 180-fold from 2009-2014 (183 percent CAGR from 2009-2014).
Mobile Broadband
* Global mobile data traffic will increase 39 times from 2009 to 2014.
* By 2014, annual global mobile data traffic will reach 3.5 exabytes per month (or a run rate of more than 42 exabytes annually).
Consumer vs. Business
* Consumer IP traffic is projected to grow faster than business:
o For 2009, consumer IP traffic represented 79 percent of monthly total global IP traffic and business IP traffic was 21 percent of monthly total global IP traffic.
o By 2014, consumer IP traffic (web surfing, instant messaging, user-generated videos, etc.) will represent 87 percent of monthly total global IP traffic; while business IP traffic (email, voice, Internet, HD and web-based video conferencing, etc.) will represent 13 percent of monthly total global IP traffic.
Network Speed Enables IP Traffic Growth: 2000 vs. 2010 Comparison
* In just a decade, the average global residential Internet connection download speed has increased 35 times, which has helped to dramatically increase Internet usage.
* In 2000, the average global residential Internet connection download speed was 127 kilobits per second (Kbps). The current (2010) average global residential Internet connection download speed is 4.4 megabits per second (Mbps.)
Network Download Evolution:
Online Activity 2000 Download Time 2010 Download Time
Download a DVD-quality movie (4 GB) 3 days 2 hours
Download a MP3 audio file (3 MB) 3 minutes 5 seconds
Download an email attachment (1 MB) 1 minute 2 seconds
Annual Cisco Visual Networking Index Forecast Projects Global IP Traffic to Increase More Than Fourfold by 2014 - Video to Surpass Peer-to-Peer as Top Internet Traffic Contributor by End of 2010, Global Online Video Community to Exceed 1 Billion Users by 2014
The growth in traffic will continue to be dominated by video, exceeding 91 percent of global consumer IP traffic by 2014. Improvements in network bandwidth capacity and Internet speeds, along with the increasing popularity of HDTV and 3DTV are key factors expecting to quadruple IP traffic from 2009 to 2014.
Overview:
* The Cisco VNI Forecast, which focuses on two primary user groups -- consumers and businesses -- was developed as an annual study to estimate global IP traffic growth and trends. Projections are based on Cisco analysis and modeling of traffic, usage, and device data from independent analyst sources. Cisco validates its forecast, inputs, and methodology with data provided by service providers worldwide.
* To help network users better understand global IP traffic growth drivers and trends, Cisco updated several of its unique resources:
o The VNI Forecast widget provides customized views of the growth of various network traffic types around the globe (revised for this 2009 - 2014 forecast period).
o The VNI PC Pulse application for desktop and laptop computers helps consumers learn more about their individual impact on IP networks and compare their network usage with that of others around the world.
Research Highlights:
Total Global IP Traffic in "Bytes"
* Global IP traffic is expected to increase more than fourfold (4.3 times) from 2009 to 2014, reaching 63.9 exabytes per month in 2014, up from approximately 56 exabytes per month in 2013. This is equivalent to 766.8 exabytes per year - almost three-quarters of a zettabyte, by 2014.
* The nearly 64 exabytes of global IP traffic per month projected for 2014 is equivalent to 16 billion DVDs; 21 trillion MP3's; or 399 quadrillion text messages.
Regional IP Traffic Trends
* By 2014, the highest IP-traffic generating regions will be North America (19.0 exabytes per month), Asia Pacific (17.4 exabytes per month), Western Europe (16.2 exabytes per month) and Japan (4.3 exabytes per month).
* The fastest growing IP-traffic regions for the forecast period (2009-2014) are Latin America (51 percent compound annual growth rate [CAGR], 7.9-fold growth), the Middle East and Africa (45 percent CAGR, 6.5-fold growth), and Central Europe (38 percent CAGR, 5.1-fold growth).
Primary Growth Driver: Video
* By 2014, the sum of all forms of video (TV, VoD, Internet video, and peer-to-peer) will continue to exceed 91 percent of global consumer traffic.
* Global Internet video traffic will surpass global peer-to-peer traffic by the end of 2010. For the first time in the last 10 years, peer-to-peer traffic will not be the largest Internet traffic type.
* The global online video community will include more than 1 billion users by the end of 2010.
* By 2014, it would take more than two years to watch the amount of video that will cross global IP networks every second; to watch all the video crossing the network that year would take 72 million years.
3DTV and HD (Advanced Video)
* Globally, advanced video traffic, including three-dimensional (3-D) and high-definition TV (HDTV), is projected to increase 13 times between 2009 and 2014.
* By 2014, 3-D is expected to account for 4 percent of total Internet video traffic.
* By 2014, 3-D and HD video is forecast to comprise 42 percent of total consumer Internet video traffic.
Global File Sharing
* Global file sharing traffic is projected to reach 11 exabytes per month in 2014, 22 percent CAGR from 2009-2014.
* P2P will grow at a CAGR of 16 percent, while web-based and other file sharing will grow at CAGR of 47 percent from 2009-2014.
* By 2014, global P2P traffic will be 17 percent of global consumer Internet traffic, down from 36 percent in 2009.
Global Business IP Traffic
* Global business IP Traffic is forecast to reach 7.7 exabytes per month in 2014, more than tripling from 2009-2014.
* Business video conferencing is projected grow ten-fold over the forecast period, growing almost three times as fast as overall business IP traffic, at a CAGR of 57 percent from 2009-2014.
* Web-based video conferencing is the fastest growing sub-category, growing 180-fold from 2009-2014 (183 percent CAGR from 2009-2014).
Mobile Broadband
* Global mobile data traffic will increase 39 times from 2009 to 2014.
* By 2014, annual global mobile data traffic will reach 3.5 exabytes per month (or a run rate of more than 42 exabytes annually).
Consumer vs. Business
* Consumer IP traffic is projected to grow faster than business:
o For 2009, consumer IP traffic represented 79 percent of monthly total global IP traffic and business IP traffic was 21 percent of monthly total global IP traffic.
o By 2014, consumer IP traffic (web surfing, instant messaging, user-generated videos, etc.) will represent 87 percent of monthly total global IP traffic; while business IP traffic (email, voice, Internet, HD and web-based video conferencing, etc.) will represent 13 percent of monthly total global IP traffic.
Network Speed Enables IP Traffic Growth: 2000 vs. 2010 Comparison
* In just a decade, the average global residential Internet connection download speed has increased 35 times, which has helped to dramatically increase Internet usage.
* In 2000, the average global residential Internet connection download speed was 127 kilobits per second (Kbps). The current (2010) average global residential Internet connection download speed is 4.4 megabits per second (Mbps.)
Network Download Evolution:
Online Activity 2000 Download Time 2010 Download Time
Download a DVD-quality movie (4 GB) 3 days 2 hours
Download a MP3 audio file (3 MB) 3 minutes 5 seconds
Download an email attachment (1 MB) 1 minute 2 seconds
Annual Cisco Visual Networking Index Forecast Projects Global IP Traffic to Increase More Than Fourfold by 2014 - Video to Surpass Peer-to-Peer as Top Internet Traffic Contributor by End of 2010, Global Online Video Community to Exceed 1 Billion Users by 2014
LEOs 2.0 - Iridium has announced a new generation of low earth orbiting satellites
[itwire] Iridium Communications, operator of a network of 77 low earth orbit satellites that provide global mobile voice and data communications, has awarded Thales Alenia Space a $US1.8b contract for its second generation of satellites.
Iridium's announcement intensifies competition with rival Leosats operator, Globalstar, which last month announced plans to launch the first of its second generation satellites, claiming it would gain a five year lead over Iridium. And geostationary satellite operator, Inmarsat is due to intorduce its first handheld satellite phone later this month.
Thales Alenia Space is a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Finmeccanica (33%) it has been awarded a fixed price contract for the design and construction of satellites for the Iridium NEXT constellation. It is also building Globalstar's new satellites (one hopes it has very strong Chinese walls!)
Ninety five percent of the $US1.8b credit funding for Iridium's new satellites has been guaranteed by the French export credit agency Coface and is being syndicated through French and other major international banks and financial institutions. The guarantee commitment is not conditional on Iridium raising any further debt or equity financing.
The contract covers construction of the originally planned 72 operational satellites and in-orbit spares, plus an additional nine ground spares. Total cost of Iridium NEXT, including all costs associated with development, manufacture and launch of the constellation, is now anticipated to be approximately $US2.9b.
Iridium unveils plans for second generation of leosats
Iridium's announcement intensifies competition with rival Leosats operator, Globalstar, which last month announced plans to launch the first of its second generation satellites, claiming it would gain a five year lead over Iridium. And geostationary satellite operator, Inmarsat is due to intorduce its first handheld satellite phone later this month.
Thales Alenia Space is a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Finmeccanica (33%) it has been awarded a fixed price contract for the design and construction of satellites for the Iridium NEXT constellation. It is also building Globalstar's new satellites (one hopes it has very strong Chinese walls!)
Ninety five percent of the $US1.8b credit funding for Iridium's new satellites has been guaranteed by the French export credit agency Coface and is being syndicated through French and other major international banks and financial institutions. The guarantee commitment is not conditional on Iridium raising any further debt or equity financing.
The contract covers construction of the originally planned 72 operational satellites and in-orbit spares, plus an additional nine ground spares. Total cost of Iridium NEXT, including all costs associated with development, manufacture and launch of the constellation, is now anticipated to be approximately $US2.9b.
Iridium unveils plans for second generation of leosats
Mobile - Nokia has launched a bicycle dynamo recharging kit
[bbc] Mobile phones can now be recharged while riding a bike.
Phone firm Nokia has released a charging kit that uses a dynamo powered by a bicycle's wheels.
Any cyclist wanting to re-charge their handset using the kit will need to maintain a speed of about 4mph (6km/h), said Nokia.
The charging kit is intended for nations where bicycles are ubiquitous but will work with any phone using a 2mm charger jack.
"Bicycles are the most widespread means of transport in many markets around the world, so this is just one more benefit to be gained from an activity people are already doing," said Alex Lambeek, Nokia vice president in a statement.
Nokia said charging times will vary by speed but a cyclist completing a 10 minute journey at 6mph (10 km/h) will produce enough power for 28 minutes of talk time or 37 hours of standby time.
Also included in the kit with the dynamo is a holder to secure a phone to a bicycle while it is being re-charged.
Dynamo power to recharge handsets
Phone firm Nokia has released a charging kit that uses a dynamo powered by a bicycle's wheels.
Any cyclist wanting to re-charge their handset using the kit will need to maintain a speed of about 4mph (6km/h), said Nokia.
The charging kit is intended for nations where bicycles are ubiquitous but will work with any phone using a 2mm charger jack.
"Bicycles are the most widespread means of transport in many markets around the world, so this is just one more benefit to be gained from an activity people are already doing," said Alex Lambeek, Nokia vice president in a statement.
Nokia said charging times will vary by speed but a cyclist completing a 10 minute journey at 6mph (10 km/h) will produce enough power for 28 minutes of talk time or 37 hours of standby time.
Also included in the kit with the dynamo is a holder to secure a phone to a bicycle while it is being re-charged.
Dynamo power to recharge handsets
Europe - Council of Ministers welcomed the Digital Agenda with support for a digital single market
[eu] Ministers welcomed the "Digital Agenda", endorsing the seven main areas for action identified in it and emphasizing the importance of digital technologies for employment and economic growth. Several delegations highlighted support for the development of a digital single market with fast internet and interoperable applications, as well as the environmental added value of the agenda. The digital agenda for Europe is the first of the seven flagship initiatives of the Europe 2020 strategy for jobs and growth. Concrete proposals still have to follow as the Commission will report annually on the implementation of the agenda. The conclusions acknowledge the importance of the "digital agenda" in economic, social and cultural contexts. They endorse the establishment of an ambitious action agenda for instance to create a fully functioning digital Single Market to the benefit of European businesses -in particular SMEs- and European consumers and to take coordinated measures on network and information security in order to increase trust and confidence in cyberspace.
Council conclusions on Digital Agenda for Europe
Council conclusions on Digital Agenda for Europe
Friday, June 04, 2010
UK - EC has accepted "virtual" unbulding of of optical fibres, but argued for full fibre unbundling
[ec] The European Commission has decided to accept, in view of the specific circumstances of the case, the proposal of UK telecoms regulator Ofcom to oblige telecoms operator BT to provide 'virtual' access to its optical fibre infrastructure to alternative operators. Ofcom’s proposal will allow product differentiation and innovation similar to that possible through physical local loop unbundling. Ofcom’s plans will maintain competition on UK broadband markets following the roll-out of next generation access (NGA) networks by allowing alternative operators to offer competitive broadband services on these networks. However, the Commission underlined that this should only be a transitional measure and that full fibre unbundling should be imposed as soon as technically and economically possible.
Telecoms: Commission accepts UK regulator proposal to mandate virtual unbundling of BT's fibre networks but requests full unbundling as soon as possible
Telecoms: Commission accepts UK regulator proposal to mandate virtual unbundling of BT's fibre networks but requests full unbundling as soon as possible
Europe - EC has launched a consultation on using ICTs to help older citizens live independently longer
[ec] A consultation inviting citizens, businesses and researchers to share ideas on how best to use information and communications technologies (ICTs) to help older Europeans live more independently, and more generally to establish new ways to put ICTs at the service of the most vulnerable members of society, has been launched by a high-level panel established to advise the European Commission on the functioning of the Ambient Assisted Living joint programme (AAL JP). The panel is chaired by former European Commissioner Meglena Kuneva. The public consultation is the first step towards meeting the target of doubling the take-up of independent living arrangements for the elderly by 2015 set by the Digital Agenda. Digital Agenda Commissioner Neelie Kroes said: "Information and communications technologies have immense potential to improve the quality of life and health of older people and other vulnerable members of society in very practical ways. Such applications are an important part of the Digital Agenda for Europe. I therefore encourage users, researchers and businesses to let us know how we can best improve the Ambient Assisted Living joint programme." The consultation runs until 1 July 2010.
Digital Agenda: European high-level panel consults on ICT solutions to help elderly to live more independently
Digital Agenda: European high-level panel consults on ICT solutions to help elderly to live more independently
South Africa - Regulator has plans to auction LTE spectrum, possibly the first in Africa
[telecoms insight] Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has revealed plans to auction LTE spectrum. This would make it the first country in the Middle East and Africa to hold an LTE-focused spectrum auction. Given the LTE activity in the Middle East, we do expect spectrum to be offered soon in some countries. For example, Jordan, not one of the real candidates for rapid LTE launches, has discussed a rapid move toward LTE licensing.
South Africa May Be First African Country To Auction LTE Licences
South Africa May Be First African Country To Auction LTE Licences
Mobile - Nokia has launched a new dual-SIM card handset in response to demand
[nokia] Today marks a monumental day for Nokia as it reveals its first dual-SIM handset in the shape of the Nokia C2 (and C1-00 in a separate post). With the target firmly set in the developing world, the Nokia C2 offers the possibility of having one handset running two SIM cards simultaneously. Over the past two years, we think it’s safe to say, here on Conversations you guys have been calling for this as a functionality you’d love to see from Nokia. It’s listened and has delivered the Nokia C2. Read on after the jump to find out more, and check out the pictures of this latest handset to join the Cseries line-up.
The main draw to the Nokia C2 is obviously the dual-SIM functionality. The Nokia C2 can keep both SIM cards active; meaning calls and text messages can come to either number while the phone is on. The first SIM card on the Nokia C2 sits underneath the battery. The second SIM card is ‘hot-swappable’, a feature unique to Nokia, meaning it can be removed and inserted when the phone is on. As we mentioned previously, dual-SIM has been a hot topic here on Conversations and the fact that the Nokia C2 will allow you to answer one call and keep the other on hold is great news. Potentially, you could have a work and home account on the same mobile or share the phone with another person. What do you guys think?
It’s hardly a one trick pony. At launch the Nokia C2 also offers a wide range of information covering healthcare, agriculture, education and entertainment via Nokia’s Ovi Life Tools, as well as the email account for the developing world, Ovi Mail. In addition to Ovi Mail, people’s favorite consumer email and chat accounts can be pushed direct to the phone via Nokia Messaging. Listening to music is simple with the FM radio and music player, with a massive amount of music storage with the phone supporting micro-SD cards of up to 32GB.
There’s also enough room for up to 1,000 entries in the phone book, and a standby time of up to 16.5 days. A VGA camera, Bluetooth and GPRS also make the Nokia C2 a very attractive offering.
It doesn’t end there, the Nokia C2 is also a bargain and is the most wallet-friendly Series 40 device to date coming in at 45 Euros before taxes and subsidies. With a penciled on-sale date of Q4 this year it’ll be available in grey, black, magenta, dark blue or white.
Dual-SIM Nokia C2 revealed
The main draw to the Nokia C2 is obviously the dual-SIM functionality. The Nokia C2 can keep both SIM cards active; meaning calls and text messages can come to either number while the phone is on. The first SIM card on the Nokia C2 sits underneath the battery. The second SIM card is ‘hot-swappable’, a feature unique to Nokia, meaning it can be removed and inserted when the phone is on. As we mentioned previously, dual-SIM has been a hot topic here on Conversations and the fact that the Nokia C2 will allow you to answer one call and keep the other on hold is great news. Potentially, you could have a work and home account on the same mobile or share the phone with another person. What do you guys think?
It’s hardly a one trick pony. At launch the Nokia C2 also offers a wide range of information covering healthcare, agriculture, education and entertainment via Nokia’s Ovi Life Tools, as well as the email account for the developing world, Ovi Mail. In addition to Ovi Mail, people’s favorite consumer email and chat accounts can be pushed direct to the phone via Nokia Messaging. Listening to music is simple with the FM radio and music player, with a massive amount of music storage with the phone supporting micro-SD cards of up to 32GB.
There’s also enough room for up to 1,000 entries in the phone book, and a standby time of up to 16.5 days. A VGA camera, Bluetooth and GPRS also make the Nokia C2 a very attractive offering.
It doesn’t end there, the Nokia C2 is also a bargain and is the most wallet-friendly Series 40 device to date coming in at 45 Euros before taxes and subsidies. With a penciled on-sale date of Q4 this year it’ll be available in grey, black, magenta, dark blue or white.
Dual-SIM Nokia C2 revealed
USA - Verizon is providing information on plans with rural partners for LTE in 700 MHz band
[fierce wireless] Verizon Wireless (NYSE:VZ) launched a new website that provides more information on its plans to partner with rural operators to bring LTE services to rural America. Interestingly, on the website--"LTE in Rural America"--Verizon said it is interested in partnering with firms that own towers or provide backhaul services, in addition to rural operators.
Verizon’s new rural LTE website clearly lays out the carrier’s LTE plans.Verizon Wireless spokesman Jeffrey Nelson said the carrier launched the site to make information available to all the companies and organizations that have expressed interest in working with Verizon to bring LTE to rural America.
Rural Cellular Association President Steven Berry said the group is pleased Verizon recognizes rural carriers as essential to bringing LTE to rural America. However, he said the association is still concerned that Verizon is only interested in partnerships that will benefit its bottom line by filing in current coverage gaps rather than finding solutions to data roaming, 700 MHz spectrum interoperability and handset availability.
"We can work to bring interoperable, 4G services to all rural Americans, not just the select few that Verizon is willing to partner with, through data roaming agreements, by ending handset exclusivity and allowing a full build out of the 700 MHz spectrum," Berry said.
Verizon will partner with tower companies, backhaul firms on rural LTE
see also Verizon Rural
Verizon’s new rural LTE website clearly lays out the carrier’s LTE plans.Verizon Wireless spokesman Jeffrey Nelson said the carrier launched the site to make information available to all the companies and organizations that have expressed interest in working with Verizon to bring LTE to rural America.
Rural Cellular Association President Steven Berry said the group is pleased Verizon recognizes rural carriers as essential to bringing LTE to rural America. However, he said the association is still concerned that Verizon is only interested in partnerships that will benefit its bottom line by filing in current coverage gaps rather than finding solutions to data roaming, 700 MHz spectrum interoperability and handset availability.
"We can work to bring interoperable, 4G services to all rural Americans, not just the select few that Verizon is willing to partner with, through data roaming agreements, by ending handset exclusivity and allowing a full build out of the 700 MHz spectrum," Berry said.
Verizon will partner with tower companies, backhaul firms on rural LTE
see also Verizon Rural
UK - More young people own a mobile phone than own a book
[National Literacy Trust] Findings from new National Literacy Trust research to be published on Wednesday 2 June 2010 reveal that 86% of young people in the UK own a mobile phone, while only 73% have books of their own. The study of over 17,000 young people reveals a strong link between both young people’s reading ability and access to books at home.
The research supports our new Tell Me a Story campaign, launching on 2 June, which aims to raise awareness of the need for families to support children’s literacy.
To launch the campaign, we have teamed up with National Family Week, taking place next week (31 May to 6 June), to call on families to spend 10 minutes reading with the children in their life this Family Week Story Time on 2 June.
With more young people in the UK owning a mobile phone than a book, further results from the new National Literacy Trust research highlight the crucial importance of books in the home: 80% of children who read above the expected level for their age have books of their own; while only 58% who read below their expected level have books of their own.
Director of the National Literacy Trust Jonathan Douglas says:
“Our research illustrates the clear link with literacy resources at home and a child’s reading ability. By ensuring children have access to reading materials in the home and by encouraging children to love reading, families can help them to do well at school and to enjoy opportunities throughout their life.
“That is why we are launching the Tell Me a Story campaign to raise awareness of the importance of reading and sharing stories with children. One in six children in the UK will grow up without the literacy skills they need to fulfil their potential. We are campaigning to change this.
“This June we have teamed up with National Family Week to call on everyone to support Tell Me a Story by pledging to read a story for 10 minutes with the child in their life – whether it’s their son, daughter, grandchild, niece or nephew.”
National Literacy Trust research reveals more young people own a mobile phone than a book
The research supports our new Tell Me a Story campaign, launching on 2 June, which aims to raise awareness of the need for families to support children’s literacy.
To launch the campaign, we have teamed up with National Family Week, taking place next week (31 May to 6 June), to call on families to spend 10 minutes reading with the children in their life this Family Week Story Time on 2 June.
With more young people in the UK owning a mobile phone than a book, further results from the new National Literacy Trust research highlight the crucial importance of books in the home: 80% of children who read above the expected level for their age have books of their own; while only 58% who read below their expected level have books of their own.
Director of the National Literacy Trust Jonathan Douglas says:
“Our research illustrates the clear link with literacy resources at home and a child’s reading ability. By ensuring children have access to reading materials in the home and by encouraging children to love reading, families can help them to do well at school and to enjoy opportunities throughout their life.
“That is why we are launching the Tell Me a Story campaign to raise awareness of the importance of reading and sharing stories with children. One in six children in the UK will grow up without the literacy skills they need to fulfil their potential. We are campaigning to change this.
“This June we have teamed up with National Family Week to call on everyone to support Tell Me a Story by pledging to read a story for 10 minutes with the child in their life – whether it’s their son, daughter, grandchild, niece or nephew.”
National Literacy Trust research reveals more young people own a mobile phone than a book
Thursday, June 03, 2010
Broadband - UK consumers are committing to packages with more capacity than they use
[prnewswire] While all the talk right now is about 'super-fast' unlimited broadband, consumers could be tempted into expensive deals they won't get value from, warns broadband comparison site Broadbandgenie.co.uk. Essentially, consumers need to work out what they really need before committing.
Products such as Virgin Media's unlimited 50Mb broadband (around GBP35 per month) and BE's 24Mb unlimited broadband (around GBP20 per month) are at the forefront of UK broadband, but does the average person on the street need such a package?
In many cases, the answer is no. For households where the internet is used on one or two devices for checking email, surfing the web and for a small amount of streaming or downloaded content, cheaper deals are more than enough.
There are broadband-only deals available on the Broadband Genie comparison tables from as little as GBP6.49 per month with Plusnet and GBP6.99 from TalkTalk, which could offer consumers a considerable saving on their monthly bills.
Many of the cheaper deals have download limits of 10GB, 5GB or even 2GB, but while this may sound small compared to 'unlimited', its often more than enough. Simple web browsing is estimated at around 1.5-25MB per hour - pretty good when you think there are 1,024MB to a GB.
Similarly, instant messaging only uses up to a 1MB per hour, and 100 emails around 1-10MB. Photos can be up to an average of around 2MB, while even songs are only around 3-8MB. The big usage comes when either downloading or streaming large software, game and video files. Even then, a film may be around 1GB of your monthly allowance.
Broadband Genie editor Chris Marling said: "It is vital for Britain the likes of Virgin Media, BT, TalkTalk and O2 continue to improve broadband speeds. However, it doesn't automatically follow that consumers need, or will even notice, these increases in the short term.
"Presently, super-fast broadband speeds are of great advantage to heavy downloaders, gamers and people with multiple devices running from a single broadband connection. However, until the technology catches up with the speeds, other broadband buyers should think twice before spending big on a service that won't fully utilise.
"We're very excited about the future though. Internet-connected television platforms such as Project Canvass promise to bring some fantastic services down our broadband cables in the not too distant future. But for now, we suggest you do some research before signing up for a new broadband package."
'Super-fast' Unlimited Broadband: Can it be a Waste of Money?
Products such as Virgin Media's unlimited 50Mb broadband (around GBP35 per month) and BE's 24Mb unlimited broadband (around GBP20 per month) are at the forefront of UK broadband, but does the average person on the street need such a package?
In many cases, the answer is no. For households where the internet is used on one or two devices for checking email, surfing the web and for a small amount of streaming or downloaded content, cheaper deals are more than enough.
There are broadband-only deals available on the Broadband Genie comparison tables from as little as GBP6.49 per month with Plusnet and GBP6.99 from TalkTalk, which could offer consumers a considerable saving on their monthly bills.
Many of the cheaper deals have download limits of 10GB, 5GB or even 2GB, but while this may sound small compared to 'unlimited', its often more than enough. Simple web browsing is estimated at around 1.5-25MB per hour - pretty good when you think there are 1,024MB to a GB.
Similarly, instant messaging only uses up to a 1MB per hour, and 100 emails around 1-10MB. Photos can be up to an average of around 2MB, while even songs are only around 3-8MB. The big usage comes when either downloading or streaming large software, game and video files. Even then, a film may be around 1GB of your monthly allowance.
Broadband Genie editor Chris Marling said: "It is vital for Britain the likes of Virgin Media, BT, TalkTalk and O2 continue to improve broadband speeds. However, it doesn't automatically follow that consumers need, or will even notice, these increases in the short term.
"Presently, super-fast broadband speeds are of great advantage to heavy downloaders, gamers and people with multiple devices running from a single broadband connection. However, until the technology catches up with the speeds, other broadband buyers should think twice before spending big on a service that won't fully utilise.
"We're very excited about the future though. Internet-connected television platforms such as Project Canvass promise to bring some fantastic services down our broadband cables in the not too distant future. But for now, we suggest you do some research before signing up for a new broadband package."
'Super-fast' Unlimited Broadband: Can it be a Waste of Money?
Mobile TV - Potential customers in the UK can identify places where they would use the service
[prnewswire] Telegent Systems, the company that makes television mobile, today released research findings that point to significant potential for free-to-air mobile TV. 58 percent of the British online research sample identified at least one environment, such as while on a train/bus/tube, queuing, or in the home or at work/their desk, in which they would be likely to use a free-to-air mobile TV service. The potential magnifies among the younger demographic groups – 80 percent of 18-24 year olds and 76 percent of 25-34 year olds.
"The availability of mobile TV in the European market contrasts sharply with 'developing' markets such as Africa, Asia and Latin America where it is proving extremely popular," said Samuel Sheng, president and CEO of Telegent. "To date European operators and consumers have been understandably held back by regulatory and standards confusion, unproven technologies and the costs associated with building and operating mobile specific TV platforms. All of these issues can be avoided by using the existing broadcast TV infrastructure and building the receiver technology into the handset."
Telegent's free-to-air TV receivers, 80 million of which have now been shipped to a range of manufacturers including Samsung and ZTE, provide consumers with free and easy access to broadcast TV services. The free-to-air mobile TV service is a significant market differentiator, clearly in demand by consumers that can be further exploited by operators. Mobile operators can increase their engagement with subscribers and use the core platform to encourage the consumption of premium TV and interactive services – exactly the same model that is exploited so well in traditional broadcasting.
"Major events like the World Cup are now focussing the spotlight on mobile TV around the world," continued Sheng. "It's an event that you want to see live, wherever you are, but next month, as the first ball is kicked, it's likely that more people in Lagos than London will have access to live mobile TV. By the time the Olympics come round in 2012 that situation ought to be reversed."
Mobile TV Opportunity for European Operators
"The availability of mobile TV in the European market contrasts sharply with 'developing' markets such as Africa, Asia and Latin America where it is proving extremely popular," said Samuel Sheng, president and CEO of Telegent. "To date European operators and consumers have been understandably held back by regulatory and standards confusion, unproven technologies and the costs associated with building and operating mobile specific TV platforms. All of these issues can be avoided by using the existing broadcast TV infrastructure and building the receiver technology into the handset."
Telegent's free-to-air TV receivers, 80 million of which have now been shipped to a range of manufacturers including Samsung and ZTE, provide consumers with free and easy access to broadcast TV services. The free-to-air mobile TV service is a significant market differentiator, clearly in demand by consumers that can be further exploited by operators. Mobile operators can increase their engagement with subscribers and use the core platform to encourage the consumption of premium TV and interactive services – exactly the same model that is exploited so well in traditional broadcasting.
"Major events like the World Cup are now focussing the spotlight on mobile TV around the world," continued Sheng. "It's an event that you want to see live, wherever you are, but next month, as the first ball is kicked, it's likely that more people in Lagos than London will have access to live mobile TV. By the time the Olympics come round in 2012 that situation ought to be reversed."
Mobile TV Opportunity for European Operators
Green ICTs - Mobile handset manufacturers are increasing "green" efforts
[prnewswire] Makers of mobile handsets are stepping up their efforts to develop and sell products that are more environmentally friendly, but consumer usage patterns continue to have a negative impact on handset makers' green initiatives, according to the latest report from Heavy Reading Mobile Networks Insider.
Mobile Handsets: It's Not Easy Being Green details and analyzes the current state of "green mobility" and the efforts that have been made to date by manufacturers, industry trade groups, and regulators to make mobile communications more environmentally friendly. It profiles seven handset makers that have undertaken the eco-friendly charge and examines the extent of their environmental policies, including an analysis of their green handset products.
"While the green mobile handset segment remains a small percentage of the mobile phone marketplace, some handset OEMs have become more aggressive in adding green mobile handsets to their portfolios," notes Aileen Arcilla, research analyst with Heavy Reading Mobile Networks Insider and author of the report. "Characteristics of green handsets include use of recycled materials, reduced use of toxic materials such as lead and polyvinyl chlorides, and availability of more energy efficient battery chargers, as well as chargers driven by alternative energy sources such as solar cells."
But user habits are the biggest obstacle to making mobile handsets a more eco-friendly sector, Arcilla reports. "Discarding of still-usable handsets and failure to properly dispose of or recycle handsets are potentially significant contributors to environmental problems," she says. "With the number of mobile subscriptions expected to exceed 5 billion over the next few years, the biohazards of handset disposal are likely to grow."
Key findings of Mobile Handsets: It's Not Easy Being Green include:
* Efforts to make mobile communications more eco-friendly have emerged, primarily touting a handset lifecycle approach.
* The green mobile handset segment is growing, but it will be difficult to track as a separate segment of the worldwide handset market.
* Adoption of eco-friendly handsets will vary regionally, alongside differing handset feature priorities, consumer attitudes, business models, and governmental policies.
* Initiatives at the OEM level have primarily encouraged the development of green mobile handsets and will drive consumer adoption.
* Consumers must play a huge role in ensuring that the environmental impact of mobile phone consumption is minimized.
Mobile Handset Makers Struggle With Green Initiatives
Mobile Handsets: It's Not Easy Being Green details and analyzes the current state of "green mobility" and the efforts that have been made to date by manufacturers, industry trade groups, and regulators to make mobile communications more environmentally friendly. It profiles seven handset makers that have undertaken the eco-friendly charge and examines the extent of their environmental policies, including an analysis of their green handset products.
"While the green mobile handset segment remains a small percentage of the mobile phone marketplace, some handset OEMs have become more aggressive in adding green mobile handsets to their portfolios," notes Aileen Arcilla, research analyst with Heavy Reading Mobile Networks Insider and author of the report. "Characteristics of green handsets include use of recycled materials, reduced use of toxic materials such as lead and polyvinyl chlorides, and availability of more energy efficient battery chargers, as well as chargers driven by alternative energy sources such as solar cells."
But user habits are the biggest obstacle to making mobile handsets a more eco-friendly sector, Arcilla reports. "Discarding of still-usable handsets and failure to properly dispose of or recycle handsets are potentially significant contributors to environmental problems," she says. "With the number of mobile subscriptions expected to exceed 5 billion over the next few years, the biohazards of handset disposal are likely to grow."
Key findings of Mobile Handsets: It's Not Easy Being Green include:
* Efforts to make mobile communications more eco-friendly have emerged, primarily touting a handset lifecycle approach.
* The green mobile handset segment is growing, but it will be difficult to track as a separate segment of the worldwide handset market.
* Adoption of eco-friendly handsets will vary regionally, alongside differing handset feature priorities, consumer attitudes, business models, and governmental policies.
* Initiatives at the OEM level have primarily encouraged the development of green mobile handsets and will drive consumer adoption.
* Consumers must play a huge role in ensuring that the environmental impact of mobile phone consumption is minimized.
Mobile Handset Makers Struggle With Green Initiatives
Mobile social networking - mig33 has launched a WAP service widneing access to any mobile device
[prnewswire] Already the world's largest mobile community, mig33 today announced another milestone in its march toward becoming the world's top mobile social entertainment service, expanding its umbrella to embrace millions of potential users who access online services in an increasing variety of ways.
New mig33 platforms means that its chat, instant message, gifting, games and other services are now available to a much wider audience across the mobile-first regions on which mig33 already focuses.
mig33's new mobile (WAP) service provides access from any device, including Apple's iPhone, bringing the community even further into the mobile mainstream. Its web platform delivers functionality that surpasses that of chat- and IM-oriented sites like Meebo and eBuddy.
Since its founding in 2006, mig33 has grown to almost 40 million registered users almost exclusively by virtue of its Java (J2ME) application, which currently services more than 2,000 different mobile handsets.
The company sees the expanded offerings accelerating its remarkable growth.
"This is about much more than new platforms – it's about access and growth," said Steven Goh, CEO and Cofounder of mig33. "Millions of consumers are accessing entertainment and communications in ever-expanding ways, from smartphones and low-cost handsets alike to web-based services and desktop clients. mig33's new platforms are designed to meet that demand, afford the company new ways to market our services, and pave the way for mig33 to add tens of millions more customers in mobile-first markets worldwide."
The move is yet another strategic milestone as mig33 continues to transform itself from a simple, Java-based mobile chat service just a few years ago, to a full-blown social entertainment service with a virtual economy modeled after China's $38bn Tencent QQ (QQ).
"We've largely built the mig33 community on a mobile J2ME client, and this is the first major step in widening our access to the other major mobile and Internet platforms," continued Goh. "The primary means of mobile access is still WAP in many markets. At the same time, our new web platform is effectively our route to the desktop, as native and web apps are soon to be essentially one and the same. As a result, we believe we've built the onramps that will help us become the mobile social entertainment service for the rest of the world."
The new WAP service provides mig33 members access to all existing community services and features, and now also allows users to create and participate in member blogs and forums. The service will also host expanded versions of mig33's immensely popular migWars game and provide additional user avatar options. mig33's new AJAX web application allows customers to participate in the community directly from the desktop, and includes new chat, avatar and user interface offerings.
mig33 expects to unveil additional handset and operating system options in coming months.
Mobile Social Entertainment Service mig33 Again Broadens Its Reach, Delivering New Mobile and Web Access to New Consumers and Markets
New mig33 platforms means that its chat, instant message, gifting, games and other services are now available to a much wider audience across the mobile-first regions on which mig33 already focuses.
mig33's new mobile (WAP) service provides access from any device, including Apple's iPhone, bringing the community even further into the mobile mainstream. Its web platform delivers functionality that surpasses that of chat- and IM-oriented sites like Meebo and eBuddy.
Since its founding in 2006, mig33 has grown to almost 40 million registered users almost exclusively by virtue of its Java (J2ME) application, which currently services more than 2,000 different mobile handsets.
The company sees the expanded offerings accelerating its remarkable growth.
"This is about much more than new platforms – it's about access and growth," said Steven Goh, CEO and Cofounder of mig33. "Millions of consumers are accessing entertainment and communications in ever-expanding ways, from smartphones and low-cost handsets alike to web-based services and desktop clients. mig33's new platforms are designed to meet that demand, afford the company new ways to market our services, and pave the way for mig33 to add tens of millions more customers in mobile-first markets worldwide."
The move is yet another strategic milestone as mig33 continues to transform itself from a simple, Java-based mobile chat service just a few years ago, to a full-blown social entertainment service with a virtual economy modeled after China's $38bn Tencent QQ (QQ).
"We've largely built the mig33 community on a mobile J2ME client, and this is the first major step in widening our access to the other major mobile and Internet platforms," continued Goh. "The primary means of mobile access is still WAP in many markets. At the same time, our new web platform is effectively our route to the desktop, as native and web apps are soon to be essentially one and the same. As a result, we believe we've built the onramps that will help us become the mobile social entertainment service for the rest of the world."
The new WAP service provides mig33 members access to all existing community services and features, and now also allows users to create and participate in member blogs and forums. The service will also host expanded versions of mig33's immensely popular migWars game and provide additional user avatar options. mig33's new AJAX web application allows customers to participate in the community directly from the desktop, and includes new chat, avatar and user interface offerings.
mig33 expects to unveil additional handset and operating system options in coming months.
Mobile Social Entertainment Service mig33 Again Broadens Its Reach, Delivering New Mobile and Web Access to New Consumers and Markets
Mobile - Forecast of mobile VoIP rising, but with a loss of USD 5Bn to operators from Wi-Fi
[juniper research] A new study from Juniper Research has found that Mobile VoIP services will develop significantly faster in developed markets due to the direct correlation between 3G roll outs and the take up of mobile VoIP. This is the case even though mVoIP traffic volumes may eventually be higher in developing markets due in part to the calling patterns of migrant workers, according to the study Mobile Voice Strategies: mVoIP Opportunities & Business Models, 2010-2015.
“By 2012 we expect significant uptake of mobile VoIP in its various different flavours”, says Anthony Cox, Senior Analyst at Juniper Research. “By that date mobile VoIP will be available over both 3G and WiFi networks. We also anticipate that several more traditional operators will have joined 3UK and Verizon in the US and developed relationships with mobile VoIP players such as Skype,” he says.
Further findings include:
• Alliances between mobile VoIP players and traditional operators may provide the best option for today’s incumbent operators to address the advent of mobile VoIP.
• Revenues from the circuit switched voice market will continue to diminish over the next five years, although this will not accelerate.
• A high percentage of Mobile VoIP carried over applications will be via WiFi networks, bypassing operators’ networks altogether. Such traffic will result in some lost revenues, amounting to around $5bn by 2015.
The mobile voice report includes an in-depth analysis of the current state of play of the mobile Voice market considering the position of both the incumbent operator and the mobile VoIP new entrant. The report contains five year forecasts for the number of Mobile VoIP Users over 3G networks, the number of mobile VoIP users via alliances, number of mobile VoIP users via applications, number of 4G mobile VoIP users. It also contains the value of traffic associated with all of these categories.
Mobile VoIP users to exceed 100 million by 2012 finds new Juniper Research report
“By 2012 we expect significant uptake of mobile VoIP in its various different flavours”, says Anthony Cox, Senior Analyst at Juniper Research. “By that date mobile VoIP will be available over both 3G and WiFi networks. We also anticipate that several more traditional operators will have joined 3UK and Verizon in the US and developed relationships with mobile VoIP players such as Skype,” he says.
Further findings include:
• Alliances between mobile VoIP players and traditional operators may provide the best option for today’s incumbent operators to address the advent of mobile VoIP.
• Revenues from the circuit switched voice market will continue to diminish over the next five years, although this will not accelerate.
• A high percentage of Mobile VoIP carried over applications will be via WiFi networks, bypassing operators’ networks altogether. Such traffic will result in some lost revenues, amounting to around $5bn by 2015.
The mobile voice report includes an in-depth analysis of the current state of play of the mobile Voice market considering the position of both the incumbent operator and the mobile VoIP new entrant. The report contains five year forecasts for the number of Mobile VoIP Users over 3G networks, the number of mobile VoIP users via alliances, number of mobile VoIP users via applications, number of 4G mobile VoIP users. It also contains the value of traffic associated with all of these categories.
Mobile VoIP users to exceed 100 million by 2012 finds new Juniper Research report
UK - Regulator's advice to avoid bill shock while roaming at the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa
[ofcom] It’s estimated that as many as 25,000 England football fans will be heading off to South Africa over the next few weeks for the 2010 World Cup.
If you’re one of those preparing to make to make the trip, a few preparations before you go will ensure that your main memory of the tournament isn’t an unexpected mobile phone bill.
It’s been estimated that fans travelling to the World Cup could spend hundreds of pounds calling, texting and uploading pictures from their mobiles.
That’s because although international call charges in the EU have fallen, roaming charges in countries like South Africa can be much higher.
International packages
Before heading off for the tournament, make sure ask your mobile phone company how much it will cost to use your handset in South Africa.
At the same time, check whether they have any international packages which would cut call and data costs.
You should also check with them whether your phone has been enabled to use abroad and whether your handset will work in South Africa.
Local SIM card
Once in South Africa it may be cheaper to buy a local SIM card which can put in your handset and used to dial numbers in that country.
South Africa has four mobile phone service providers – Cell C, MTN, Vodacom and Virgin Mobile – and mobile phone reception is generally good in major towns and cities but can be intermittent in more remote spots.
SIM cards can be bought at many retail outlets including mobile phone shops, supermarkets and grocery stores.
We have a consumer guide which you can download, print off and bring with you on your trip.
We also have a consumer video which explains more about using mobile services abroad.
Using the web
If you want to upload pictures and videos from the match to the internet, then it may be cheaper to use a computer at an internet café or at your hotel rather than use your phone.
Most international hotels have wireless connections either in guest rooms, business centres or some restaurants, and internet cafes can also be found throughout the country.
However, the Foreign Office has warned fans to be aware of internet scams while out in South Africa.
For example, you should be wary of online companies selling products such as accommodation which ask you to pay upfront and request your bank details.
If you are going to use the web while away then avoid using public terminals – such as internet cafes – for online banking. Also, remember that wireless connections are less secure.
If you’re taking your own computer then make sure you have an updated anti-virus and spyware programme and perform regular system scans.
Foreign Office registration
Finally, before you leave register your travel plans online with LOCATE.
LOCATE is a Foreign Office registration service for British nationals visiting or residing in a foreign country.
It helps the Foreign Office and British Embassies to contact you in an emergency or to pass on information that it wants to alert you about.
World Cup advice
If you’re one of those preparing to make to make the trip, a few preparations before you go will ensure that your main memory of the tournament isn’t an unexpected mobile phone bill.
It’s been estimated that fans travelling to the World Cup could spend hundreds of pounds calling, texting and uploading pictures from their mobiles.
That’s because although international call charges in the EU have fallen, roaming charges in countries like South Africa can be much higher.
International packages
Before heading off for the tournament, make sure ask your mobile phone company how much it will cost to use your handset in South Africa.
At the same time, check whether they have any international packages which would cut call and data costs.
You should also check with them whether your phone has been enabled to use abroad and whether your handset will work in South Africa.
Local SIM card
Once in South Africa it may be cheaper to buy a local SIM card which can put in your handset and used to dial numbers in that country.
South Africa has four mobile phone service providers – Cell C, MTN, Vodacom and Virgin Mobile – and mobile phone reception is generally good in major towns and cities but can be intermittent in more remote spots.
SIM cards can be bought at many retail outlets including mobile phone shops, supermarkets and grocery stores.
We have a consumer guide which you can download, print off and bring with you on your trip.
We also have a consumer video which explains more about using mobile services abroad.
Using the web
If you want to upload pictures and videos from the match to the internet, then it may be cheaper to use a computer at an internet café or at your hotel rather than use your phone.
Most international hotels have wireless connections either in guest rooms, business centres or some restaurants, and internet cafes can also be found throughout the country.
However, the Foreign Office has warned fans to be aware of internet scams while out in South Africa.
For example, you should be wary of online companies selling products such as accommodation which ask you to pay upfront and request your bank details.
If you are going to use the web while away then avoid using public terminals – such as internet cafes – for online banking. Also, remember that wireless connections are less secure.
If you’re taking your own computer then make sure you have an updated anti-virus and spyware programme and perform regular system scans.
Foreign Office registration
Finally, before you leave register your travel plans online with LOCATE.
LOCATE is a Foreign Office registration service for British nationals visiting or residing in a foreign country.
It helps the Foreign Office and British Embassies to contact you in an emergency or to pass on information that it wants to alert you about.
World Cup advice
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
Nigeria - Industry calls for changes in ICT policies to adjust for progress made and changes to industry structures
[vanguard] Stakeholders in the Information and Communications Technology, ICT sector have called on the Federal Government to change the current telecommunications policy.
They said the changes in the industry in the last ten years have necessitated an immediate and urgent review of the policy to take account of not only progress in the telecom industry but the global trend of considering telecom as part of an integrated communications based on the concept of convergence that encompasses telecom, broadcasting and IT.
Speaking on 'Policy Perspectives: Challenges for growth of the telecom sector in Nigeria' during the recently held Stakeholders Engagement Meeting with Telecom CEO's in Nigeria, the Chief Executive Officer of Kemilinks International, Engr Shola Taylor revealed that many of the data as contained in the current Telecoms Policy, published in May 2000 were outdated and needed to be updated in the light of the tremendous progress made in the sector.
"Many of the short term (three years) and the medium term (five years) objectives have been achieved and new objectives need to be fixed in line with technological developments and progress already achieved in the ICT sector in Nigeria. Again, some of the projects have been achieved for example, SAT 3, Nigcomsat, among others."
Engr Taylor pointed out that the industry structure needed to conform with a new convergence framework to address the streamlining of the functions of NCC and NBC, while taking into account a new categorisation of ICT services; and the review of the Communications Act and that of the NBC. According to him, these are the critical issues for consideration in policy review.
Speaking on the objective of the new communications policy, the IT Expert said; "the new policy will clearly defined strategies for monitoring its implementation and management, its impact and feedback, and for analyzing future prognosis; guide liberalization, attract more local and foreign investments, and lead to the rapid rollout of universal service to all Nigerians; lead to the empowerment of every Nigerian and the development of improved socio-economic standard for the nation."
Nigeria: Stakeholders Seek Policy Change in Telecom Sector
They said the changes in the industry in the last ten years have necessitated an immediate and urgent review of the policy to take account of not only progress in the telecom industry but the global trend of considering telecom as part of an integrated communications based on the concept of convergence that encompasses telecom, broadcasting and IT.
Speaking on 'Policy Perspectives: Challenges for growth of the telecom sector in Nigeria' during the recently held Stakeholders Engagement Meeting with Telecom CEO's in Nigeria, the Chief Executive Officer of Kemilinks International, Engr Shola Taylor revealed that many of the data as contained in the current Telecoms Policy, published in May 2000 were outdated and needed to be updated in the light of the tremendous progress made in the sector.
"Many of the short term (three years) and the medium term (five years) objectives have been achieved and new objectives need to be fixed in line with technological developments and progress already achieved in the ICT sector in Nigeria. Again, some of the projects have been achieved for example, SAT 3, Nigcomsat, among others."
Engr Taylor pointed out that the industry structure needed to conform with a new convergence framework to address the streamlining of the functions of NCC and NBC, while taking into account a new categorisation of ICT services; and the review of the Communications Act and that of the NBC. According to him, these are the critical issues for consideration in policy review.
Speaking on the objective of the new communications policy, the IT Expert said; "the new policy will clearly defined strategies for monitoring its implementation and management, its impact and feedback, and for analyzing future prognosis; guide liberalization, attract more local and foreign investments, and lead to the rapid rollout of universal service to all Nigerians; lead to the empowerment of every Nigerian and the development of improved socio-economic standard for the nation."
Nigeria: Stakeholders Seek Policy Change in Telecom Sector
Peru - Regulator is requiring registration of pre-paid users from September 2010
[telecoms insight] Peru's regulator, Osiptel, has announced that prepaid registration in the country will begin in September 2010 and should be completed within six months. The country becomes the third in Latin America to introduce the requirement, and the trend seems to be continually growing. As Peru made the announcement of prepaid SIM registration, senators in the US also made the call. However, the two countries' telecoms markets are quite different, making a particularly interesting comparison.
Prepaid Registration Introduced In More Markets
Prepaid Registration Introduced In More Markets
USA - AT&T has new data mobile tariffs with additional tools to help manage use
[prnewswire] AT&T, the U.S. smartphone leader, today introduced new wireless data plans that make it more affordable for more people to enjoy the benefits of the mobile Internet. Customers can pick the new data plan that best meets their needs – either a $15 per month entry plan or a $25 per month plan with 10 times more data. Current smartphone customers are not required to switch to the new plans, but can choose to do so without a contract extension.
"AT&T helps mobilize everything on the Internet – your favorite web sites, TV shows, music, games and social networks. Virtually everything previously done while sitting at a computer can now be done on the go," said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "To give more people the opportunity to experience these benefits, we're breaking free from the traditional 'one-size-fits-all' pricing model and making the mobile Internet more affordable to a greater number of people."
Each plan includes unlimited access at no additional charge to more than 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots in the U.S. Customers can also use unlimited Wi-Fi at home, in the office or elsewhere if available. AT&T will also help customers manage their wireless data usage by sending free text messages after customers reach different usage intervals and by providing online tools, including a smartphone app that shows monthly usage information.
The new wireless data plans – including a new tethering option – will be available beginning June 7. Current AT&T voice and texting plans are unchanged.
More Choice
The new AT&T plans provide large amounts of data to enable people to enjoy their favorite online activities:
* DataPlus. Provides 200 megabytes (MB) of data – for example, enough to send/receive 1,000 emails (no attachments), plus send/receive 150 emails with attachments, plus view 400 Web pages, plus post 50 photos on social media sites, plus watch 20 minutes of streaming video – for just $15 per month.** This plan, which can save customers up to 50 percent off their wireless data charges, is designed for people who primarily like to surf the web, send email and use social networking apps. If customers exceed 200 MB in a monthly billing cycle, they will receive an additional 200 MB of data usage for $15 for use in the cycle. Currently, 65 percent of AT&T smartphone customers use less than 200 MB of data per month on average.
* DataPro. Provides 2 gigabytes (GB) of data – for example, enough to send/receive 10,000 emails (no attachments), plus send/receive 1,500 emails with attachments, plus view 4,000 Web pages, plus post 500 photos to social media sites, plus watch 200 minutes of streaming video – for $25 per month.** Should a customer exceed 2 GB during a billing cycle, they will receive an additional 1 GB of data for $10 for use in the cycle. Currently, 98 percent of AT&T smartphone customers use less than 2 GB of data a month on average.
* Tethering. Smartphone customers – including iPhone customers – who choose the DataPro plan have the option to add tethering for an additional $20 per month. Tethering lets customers use their tethering-enabled smartphones as a modem to provide a broadband connection for laptop computers, netbooks or other computing devices. Tethering for iPhones will be available when Apple releases iPhone OS 4 this summer.
With the new wireless data plans, pricing for a smartphone voice and data bundle now starts at just $54.99 per month for an individual plan, or $24.99 per month for an additional line on a FamilyTalk plan, $15 per month less than the price of the previous entry level bundle.
For new iPad customers, the $25 per month 2 GB plan will replace the existing $29.99 unlimited plan. iPad customers will continue to pre-pay for their wireless data plan and no contract is required. Existing iPad customers who have the $29.99 per month unlimited plan can keep that plan or switch to the new $25 per month plan with 2 GB of data.
Wi-Fi at 20,000 AT&T Hot Spots
The vast majority of smartphones that AT&T offers have built-in Wi-Fi, which lets the devices automatically switch from the wireless network to a Wi-Fi hotspot without prompting, making Wi-Fi even more convenient and easy to use. This enables customers to use Wi-Fi in the home, office and at public locations where available. Wi-Fi will generally provide consistently fast speeds and does not count against a customer's monthly data plan usage total. In addition, virtually all AT&T smartphone customers have access at no additional charge to more than 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots in the U.S. Customers can get more information on how to use Wi-Fi and find the location of AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots at www.att.com/wifiaccess.
Monitoring and Managing Usage
To help customers easily check their data usage, AT&T has made the information readily available in a number of ways***:
* Customer Text Notifications On Data Usage. When customers begin to approach their monthly usage limit, AT&T will send three text notifications – after they reach 65 percent, 90 percent and 100 percent of the threshold. Customers will also be sent emails if AT&T has their email address.
* Data Usage Monitoring. Additionally, customers with iPhones and other select devices can use the free AT&T myWireless application to check data usage. The application is available for download in several smartphone app stores. Also, AT&T customers can call *DATA# from their wireless phone to check their data usage for the current billing period. They receive a free text message with their usage information. Customers can also go online to www.att.com/wireless to see all of their usage information, past and present.
* Data Calculator. The easy-to-use online data calculator enables customers to estimate their mobile data usage and get a better sense for which data plan is right for them. It's located at www.att.com/datacalculator.
AT&T Announces New Lower-Priced Wireless Data Plans To Make Mobile Internet More Affordable To More People
"AT&T helps mobilize everything on the Internet – your favorite web sites, TV shows, music, games and social networks. Virtually everything previously done while sitting at a computer can now be done on the go," said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. "To give more people the opportunity to experience these benefits, we're breaking free from the traditional 'one-size-fits-all' pricing model and making the mobile Internet more affordable to a greater number of people."
Each plan includes unlimited access at no additional charge to more than 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots in the U.S. Customers can also use unlimited Wi-Fi at home, in the office or elsewhere if available. AT&T will also help customers manage their wireless data usage by sending free text messages after customers reach different usage intervals and by providing online tools, including a smartphone app that shows monthly usage information.
The new wireless data plans – including a new tethering option – will be available beginning June 7. Current AT&T voice and texting plans are unchanged.
More Choice
The new AT&T plans provide large amounts of data to enable people to enjoy their favorite online activities:
* DataPlus. Provides 200 megabytes (MB) of data – for example, enough to send/receive 1,000 emails (no attachments), plus send/receive 150 emails with attachments, plus view 400 Web pages, plus post 50 photos on social media sites, plus watch 20 minutes of streaming video – for just $15 per month.** This plan, which can save customers up to 50 percent off their wireless data charges, is designed for people who primarily like to surf the web, send email and use social networking apps. If customers exceed 200 MB in a monthly billing cycle, they will receive an additional 200 MB of data usage for $15 for use in the cycle. Currently, 65 percent of AT&T smartphone customers use less than 200 MB of data per month on average.
* DataPro. Provides 2 gigabytes (GB) of data – for example, enough to send/receive 10,000 emails (no attachments), plus send/receive 1,500 emails with attachments, plus view 4,000 Web pages, plus post 500 photos to social media sites, plus watch 200 minutes of streaming video – for $25 per month.** Should a customer exceed 2 GB during a billing cycle, they will receive an additional 1 GB of data for $10 for use in the cycle. Currently, 98 percent of AT&T smartphone customers use less than 2 GB of data a month on average.
* Tethering. Smartphone customers – including iPhone customers – who choose the DataPro plan have the option to add tethering for an additional $20 per month. Tethering lets customers use their tethering-enabled smartphones as a modem to provide a broadband connection for laptop computers, netbooks or other computing devices. Tethering for iPhones will be available when Apple releases iPhone OS 4 this summer.
With the new wireless data plans, pricing for a smartphone voice and data bundle now starts at just $54.99 per month for an individual plan, or $24.99 per month for an additional line on a FamilyTalk plan, $15 per month less than the price of the previous entry level bundle.
For new iPad customers, the $25 per month 2 GB plan will replace the existing $29.99 unlimited plan. iPad customers will continue to pre-pay for their wireless data plan and no contract is required. Existing iPad customers who have the $29.99 per month unlimited plan can keep that plan or switch to the new $25 per month plan with 2 GB of data.
Wi-Fi at 20,000 AT&T Hot Spots
The vast majority of smartphones that AT&T offers have built-in Wi-Fi, which lets the devices automatically switch from the wireless network to a Wi-Fi hotspot without prompting, making Wi-Fi even more convenient and easy to use. This enables customers to use Wi-Fi in the home, office and at public locations where available. Wi-Fi will generally provide consistently fast speeds and does not count against a customer's monthly data plan usage total. In addition, virtually all AT&T smartphone customers have access at no additional charge to more than 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots in the U.S. Customers can get more information on how to use Wi-Fi and find the location of AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots at www.att.com/wifiaccess.
Monitoring and Managing Usage
To help customers easily check their data usage, AT&T has made the information readily available in a number of ways***:
* Customer Text Notifications On Data Usage. When customers begin to approach their monthly usage limit, AT&T will send three text notifications – after they reach 65 percent, 90 percent and 100 percent of the threshold. Customers will also be sent emails if AT&T has their email address.
* Data Usage Monitoring. Additionally, customers with iPhones and other select devices can use the free AT&T myWireless application to check data usage. The application is available for download in several smartphone app stores. Also, AT&T customers can call *DATA# from their wireless phone to check their data usage for the current billing period. They receive a free text message with their usage information. Customers can also go online to www.att.com/wireless to see all of their usage information, past and present.
* Data Calculator. The easy-to-use online data calculator enables customers to estimate their mobile data usage and get a better sense for which data plan is right for them. It's located at www.att.com/datacalculator.
AT&T Announces New Lower-Priced Wireless Data Plans To Make Mobile Internet More Affordable To More People
India - Govt will Chinese equipment imports with a bank guarantee apparently resolving security concerns
[reuters] Top officials from the prime minister's office, the home (interior) ministry, the telecommunications ministry and intelligence bureau took the decision, the newspaper said.
Industry officials have earlier said the Indian government has been blocking imports of equipment made by Chinese firms such as ZTE Corp and Huawei Technologies due to security concerns.
The newspaper cited an unnamed official as saying the government would also allow self-certification of imported telecom equipment by mobile operators against a bank guarantee given to the communications ministry.
The stop-gap solution would be in place for the next 12 months and would ensure that Indian telcos do not face project delays even as India sets up an equipment testing laboratory, it said.
Canada's Electronic Warfare Associates, U.S.-based Infoguard and Israel's ALTAL Security Consulting are among the international security audit agencies whose certification would be needed, the paper said.
India to allow Chinese gear after checks - report
Industry officials have earlier said the Indian government has been blocking imports of equipment made by Chinese firms such as ZTE Corp and Huawei Technologies due to security concerns.
The newspaper cited an unnamed official as saying the government would also allow self-certification of imported telecom equipment by mobile operators against a bank guarantee given to the communications ministry.
The stop-gap solution would be in place for the next 12 months and would ensure that Indian telcos do not face project delays even as India sets up an equipment testing laboratory, it said.
Canada's Electronic Warfare Associates, U.S.-based Infoguard and Israel's ALTAL Security Consulting are among the international security audit agencies whose certification would be needed, the paper said.
India to allow Chinese gear after checks - report
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Mauritania - Libya is to invest in fixed and mobile telecoms
[tripoli post] Following the meeting of the Joint Cooperation Commission between Libya and Mauritania, Libya is reportedly ready to invest in telecommunications in Mauritania, with particular interest in mobile and fixed telephony.
Libya is also interested in investing in the areas of fishing and mines, particularly in the iron industry and tourism, for which it will construct a large hotel in Nouakchott.
The governor of the Central Bank of Mauritania, Sid'Ahmed Oukld Rais, has been reported saying that that Libya has already cancelled Mauritania's debt with it and rescheduled the interests on the debt.
The interests has been estimated at being about US$ 100 million, which is 50 per cent of the total debt, estimated at US$ 200 million.
According to Rais, Libya has decided to grant Mauritania a budget support of US$50 million over two years for the construction of a hospital and the University of Al-Fateh in Mauritania.
The discussions between the two countries are a follow-up of the recommendations of the Libyan-Mauritanian Joint Cooperation Commission.
The recommendations called for the signing of some agreements following Libya's investment projects in Mauritania.
Libya to Invest in Mauritania's Telecommunications
Libya is also interested in investing in the areas of fishing and mines, particularly in the iron industry and tourism, for which it will construct a large hotel in Nouakchott.
The governor of the Central Bank of Mauritania, Sid'Ahmed Oukld Rais, has been reported saying that that Libya has already cancelled Mauritania's debt with it and rescheduled the interests on the debt.
The interests has been estimated at being about US$ 100 million, which is 50 per cent of the total debt, estimated at US$ 200 million.
According to Rais, Libya has decided to grant Mauritania a budget support of US$50 million over two years for the construction of a hospital and the University of Al-Fateh in Mauritania.
The discussions between the two countries are a follow-up of the recommendations of the Libyan-Mauritanian Joint Cooperation Commission.
The recommendations called for the signing of some agreements following Libya's investment projects in Mauritania.
Libya to Invest in Mauritania's Telecommunications
Europe - The Council accepted the offer of Latvia for BEREC to be located in Riga
[baltic-review] On May 31, the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council of the European Union unanimously confirmed that Rīga, capital city of Latvia, will be a home for the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) Office. This is the first EU institution to be set up in Latvia. It is planned that the Office will begin its work in Rīga already this year.
BEREC will now replace the European Regulators Group, the group through which National Regulatory Authorities exchange expertise and best practice and gave opinions on the functioning of the telecoms market in the EU.
Neelie Kroes, Vice President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Digital Agenda, said: “This decision is an important step towards our common aim to establish a single telecommunication services market. The specific knowledge of BEREC will help to implement the European Digital Agenda and eliminate remaining obstacles for cross-border telecommunication services for European businesses and citizens.”
Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis enthusiastically welcomed the decision: “This entirely positive decision was taken thanks to three months of intensive and professional expert consultation work by the Transport Ministry, Prime Minister’s Office, and Foreign Affairs Ministry. This is an example of successful lobbying.” He added that the BEREC Office will strengthen Latvia’s image and will attract international experts and regular guests to Rīga.
Transport Minister Kaspars Gerhards, who presented Latvia’s offer at the Council meeting, pointed out: “For the first time an EU level institution will be set up in Latvia, bringing not only new work places, and wider recognition in Europe, but also the opportunity to show what we can do.”
The rationale for enabling Latvia to host the BEREC Office goes beyond a “gentleman’s agreement” that encourages the distribution of EU agencies and institutions in new member states. The Latvian government argued that it was simply good business. The inclusion of Rīga in the EU administrative network expands the positive visibility of EU structures, programs and policies throughout a region that is growing in importance and potential. It broadens the EU’s resource-base, deepens local commitments and enlarges the reach and influence of EU policies.
The choice Rīga Riga as the site of BEREC’s secretariat will bring a number of benefits to Latvia and reinforces local efforts to promote the largest city in the Baltic States as a centralized location for regional conferences and meetings. It also underlines the growing role of the Rīga International Airport as a major regional transportation hub.
Riga Will Host the New EU BEREC Office
BEREC will now replace the European Regulators Group, the group through which National Regulatory Authorities exchange expertise and best practice and gave opinions on the functioning of the telecoms market in the EU.
Neelie Kroes, Vice President of the European Commission and Commissioner for Digital Agenda, said: “This decision is an important step towards our common aim to establish a single telecommunication services market. The specific knowledge of BEREC will help to implement the European Digital Agenda and eliminate remaining obstacles for cross-border telecommunication services for European businesses and citizens.”
Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis enthusiastically welcomed the decision: “This entirely positive decision was taken thanks to three months of intensive and professional expert consultation work by the Transport Ministry, Prime Minister’s Office, and Foreign Affairs Ministry. This is an example of successful lobbying.” He added that the BEREC Office will strengthen Latvia’s image and will attract international experts and regular guests to Rīga.
Transport Minister Kaspars Gerhards, who presented Latvia’s offer at the Council meeting, pointed out: “For the first time an EU level institution will be set up in Latvia, bringing not only new work places, and wider recognition in Europe, but also the opportunity to show what we can do.”
The rationale for enabling Latvia to host the BEREC Office goes beyond a “gentleman’s agreement” that encourages the distribution of EU agencies and institutions in new member states. The Latvian government argued that it was simply good business. The inclusion of Rīga in the EU administrative network expands the positive visibility of EU structures, programs and policies throughout a region that is growing in importance and potential. It broadens the EU’s resource-base, deepens local commitments and enlarges the reach and influence of EU policies.
The choice Rīga Riga as the site of BEREC’s secretariat will bring a number of benefits to Latvia and reinforces local efforts to promote the largest city in the Baltic States as a centralized location for regional conferences and meetings. It also underlines the growing role of the Rīga International Airport as a major regional transportation hub.
Riga Will Host the New EU BEREC Office
Peru - Telefonica has been fined USD 1.39 millions by Ospitel for anticompetitive behaviour
[easybourse] Telefonica del Peru said it will respect the 3.95 million soles ($1.39 million) fine placed by Peru's telecommunications regulatory agency, Osiptel.
Osiptel said that the fine was due to anticompetitive behavior by Telefonica del Peru, which is owned by Spain's Telefonica SA (TEF). A court had found that Telefonica del Peru had infringed on the rights of AT&T Peru, now owned by Telmex del Peru, which is owned by Mexico's Telmex.
"Telefonica respects institutional authority and as such will act in accordance with that," the company said in a statement late Monday.
Osiptel had said Monday that this was the largest fine it has placed in its history.
Telefonica said the charges were placed for events that took place in 2001, which it called a time of "regulatory uncertainty" in the telecommunications industry. It added that it considers the fine to be "unfair."
Telefonica Del Peru Says It Will Respect Regulator Fine
Osiptel said that the fine was due to anticompetitive behavior by Telefonica del Peru, which is owned by Spain's Telefonica SA (TEF). A court had found that Telefonica del Peru had infringed on the rights of AT&T Peru, now owned by Telmex del Peru, which is owned by Mexico's Telmex.
"Telefonica respects institutional authority and as such will act in accordance with that," the company said in a statement late Monday.
Osiptel had said Monday that this was the largest fine it has placed in its history.
Telefonica said the charges were placed for events that took place in 2001, which it called a time of "regulatory uncertainty" in the telecommunications industry. It added that it considers the fine to be "unfair."
Telefonica Del Peru Says It Will Respect Regulator Fine
China - delays in the draft of the convergence plans for telecoms, cable TV and Internet
[pacific epoch] China's State Council has rejected a third draft of its telecommunications, cable TV and Internet network convergence plans due to disagreements between two government agencies involved in the draft, Southern Daily reported June 1 citing an unnamed source. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and State Administration of Radio, Film and Television resumed discussions for a fourth version on May 29, the report said. Previous disputes centered around jurisdiction of content broadcasting, according to the report.
Ten cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chongqing are rumored to have applied to join the pilot plan, which MIIT Minister Li Yizhong said earlier would come out in late May, according to the report.
Govt Infighting Sees Network Convergence Draft Scrapped
Ten cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chongqing are rumored to have applied to join the pilot plan, which MIIT Minister Li Yizhong said earlier would come out in late May, according to the report.
Govt Infighting Sees Network Convergence Draft Scrapped
Senegal - South Africa Globacom has won a licence for its undersea cable
[this day] THISDAY Special Release Africa's telecommunications giant Globacom has recorded another milestone in its bid to build the biggest and best network in Africa as it wins a licence to operate in Senegal.
The latest licence was issued by the Government of Senegal on Monday and signed by the country's Ministers of Finance and Telecommunications.
A statement from the Office of Globacom's Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. (CON), said the licence would enable the telecommunications giant to offer world class telecommunications services to the government and people of Senegal.
The Senegalese licence will also allow Globacom to land its gigantic trans-Atlantic submarine cable, Glo 1, in the West African country with opportunities to extend the infrastructure to Mali.
It will also give the telecoms giant the right to carry traffic for major operators, the government and wholesale customers.
With this development, the people of Senegal have been positioned to be part of the telecommunications revolution which Globacom is bringing to Africa.
Globacom in its statement noted that Glo 1 which is set to commence commercial services will deliver transmission capacity that will offer unprecedented high speed internet and broad band services and make telecoms services much faster, more reliable and cheaper for consumers on the continent.
Also, with the Senegalese licence, Glo will be able to provide international carrier services for telecoms operators in the country. The company which has gateway switches outside the continent is currently a major player in the global telecommunications industry.
Globacom said the new licence would give impetus to the network's desire to provide the needed opportunity for the African continent to leap forward economically through an excellent communication network and a cost-effective voice, data, video and e-commerce services.
"In line with our vision, Glo will continue to play a major role in stimulating a new era of prosperity in the sub-continent and build facilities that will offer Africa advanced telecoms services such as teleconferencing, distance learning, disaster recovery, telemedicine, on-line diagnosis and video conferencing during surgery and research," the statement from the office of Globa-com's Chairman added.
Globacom also stated that the infrastructure it would deploy would improve on call completion to subscribers' handsets, reduce call failure rate as well as the cost of international calls not only in Senegal but across all the markets where it operates.
Other countries where Globacom has operating licences are Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic and Cote d'Ivoire. The company started operations in Nigeria in August, 2003 and introduced revolutionary products and services that made telephony affordable and available to Nigerians.
Nigeria: GLO Wins Telecoms Licence in Senegal
The latest licence was issued by the Government of Senegal on Monday and signed by the country's Ministers of Finance and Telecommunications.
A statement from the Office of Globacom's Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. (CON), said the licence would enable the telecommunications giant to offer world class telecommunications services to the government and people of Senegal.
The Senegalese licence will also allow Globacom to land its gigantic trans-Atlantic submarine cable, Glo 1, in the West African country with opportunities to extend the infrastructure to Mali.
It will also give the telecoms giant the right to carry traffic for major operators, the government and wholesale customers.
With this development, the people of Senegal have been positioned to be part of the telecommunications revolution which Globacom is bringing to Africa.
Globacom in its statement noted that Glo 1 which is set to commence commercial services will deliver transmission capacity that will offer unprecedented high speed internet and broad band services and make telecoms services much faster, more reliable and cheaper for consumers on the continent.
Also, with the Senegalese licence, Glo will be able to provide international carrier services for telecoms operators in the country. The company which has gateway switches outside the continent is currently a major player in the global telecommunications industry.
Globacom said the new licence would give impetus to the network's desire to provide the needed opportunity for the African continent to leap forward economically through an excellent communication network and a cost-effective voice, data, video and e-commerce services.
"In line with our vision, Glo will continue to play a major role in stimulating a new era of prosperity in the sub-continent and build facilities that will offer Africa advanced telecoms services such as teleconferencing, distance learning, disaster recovery, telemedicine, on-line diagnosis and video conferencing during surgery and research," the statement from the office of Globa-com's Chairman added.
Globacom also stated that the infrastructure it would deploy would improve on call completion to subscribers' handsets, reduce call failure rate as well as the cost of international calls not only in Senegal but across all the markets where it operates.
Other countries where Globacom has operating licences are Nigeria, Ghana, Benin Republic and Cote d'Ivoire. The company started operations in Nigeria in August, 2003 and introduced revolutionary products and services that made telephony affordable and available to Nigerians.
Nigeria: GLO Wins Telecoms Licence in Senegal
South Africa - MTN has spent ZAR 450 millions to prepare for the World Cup
[business day] MTN SA has spent R450m to roll out infrastructure for the Soccer World Cup, which starts next Friday.
The company, which plans to spend R4,1bn this year on network roll-out, has built additional infrastructure to ensure that its customers and tourists have uninterrupted access to voice and data services as it expects a growth in demand during the month-long event.
MTN SA chief technology officer Sameer Dave said the fans within the stadiums and the communities living and working around the stadiums would experience quality and seamless service throughout the event.
"We have ring-fenced the capacity according to Fifa requirements, and will ensure it is 'business as usual' for the rest of South Africans going about their normal daily lives," Mr Dave said.
In Soccer City alone, MTN SA spent R25m on infrastructure, including a 6km fibre-optic cable.
MTN has also equipped eight vehicles as mobile radio base stations to be deployed in areas that require extra network capability. MTN will also have engineers at each of the stadiums and 20 help-desk staff to monitor network performance and deploy engineers should a technical problem arise .
"We are confident that we are ready to deliver a world-class service as our responsibility that comes with being the first African global sponsor of the 2010 Fifa World Cup."
After the World Cup, MTN would reinstall the infrastructure elsewhere as part of its ongoing infrastructure roll-out process, Mr Dave said.
South Africa: MTN Spends R450 Million on World Cup
The company, which plans to spend R4,1bn this year on network roll-out, has built additional infrastructure to ensure that its customers and tourists have uninterrupted access to voice and data services as it expects a growth in demand during the month-long event.
MTN SA chief technology officer Sameer Dave said the fans within the stadiums and the communities living and working around the stadiums would experience quality and seamless service throughout the event.
"We have ring-fenced the capacity according to Fifa requirements, and will ensure it is 'business as usual' for the rest of South Africans going about their normal daily lives," Mr Dave said.
In Soccer City alone, MTN SA spent R25m on infrastructure, including a 6km fibre-optic cable.
MTN has also equipped eight vehicles as mobile radio base stations to be deployed in areas that require extra network capability. MTN will also have engineers at each of the stadiums and 20 help-desk staff to monitor network performance and deploy engineers should a technical problem arise .
"We are confident that we are ready to deliver a world-class service as our responsibility that comes with being the first African global sponsor of the 2010 Fifa World Cup."
After the World Cup, MTN would reinstall the infrastructure elsewhere as part of its ongoing infrastructure roll-out process, Mr Dave said.
South Africa: MTN Spends R450 Million on World Cup
Europe - EC finds markets are more competitive as a result of Article 7 procedure
[ec] A European Commission report released today shows that EU telecoms markets have become more competitive thanks to the Commission's guidance in the consultation and review process known as the 'Article 7 procedure', whereby national telecoms regulators inform the Commission in advance of their plans to regulate parts of their national telecoms markets. As a result, citizens and businesses enjoy greater choice of services and cheaper prices. However, the report also indicates that a single EU telecoms market is still far from reality, which is why the Commission's Digital Agenda for Europe (IP/10/581) calls for swift and consistent enforcement of existing telecoms rules and indicates that the Commission intends to propose appropriate steps to reduce the cost of the absence of a Single Market in telecoms services. Problems include different national regulatory approaches to tackling competition issues, such as regulating access to fibre networks. Today's report also warns that regulatory uncertainty could hamper the roll out of investment-intensive infrastructure projects like Next Generation Access (NGA) networks, one of the flagships of the Digital Agenda for Europe.
Telecoms: Commission report on national telecoms regulation shows more competition but no Single Market
Telecoms: Commission report on national telecoms regulation shows more competition but no Single Market
Spain - Minister supported the EU Digital Agenda as part of 2020 strategy
[isria] At its telecommunications session on Monday, the Council of Ministers of Transport, Telecommunications and Energy approved a document of conclusions supporting the European Digital Agenda, a project launched on 19 April in Granada which is one of the seven initiatives envisaged under the Europe 2020 Strategy to boost growth and employment.
The Digital Agenda for Europe identifies the seven most significant obstacles to telecommunications development and proposes seven specific actions to overcome them.
At a subsequent press conference, the Spanish Minister of Industry, Tourism and Trade, Miguel Sebastian, expressed his great satisfaction with the ministers' unanimous support for this instrument and called this show of support for information and communication technologies (ICT) a "historic day" for the EU.
"A bet on this sector is a safe bet, a bet on economic growth and employment," said Sebastian, who explained that the Digital Agenda's strategy aims to bridge the digital divide and to achieve 100% basic broadband coverage for all citizens in 2013.
In addition to this specific goal, the Spanish minister said the EU has given itself the challenge of adopting ultra-fast broadband of at least 30 megabytes per second by 2020, throughout the Union, or that half of all European citizens will enjoy coverage of 100 megabytes per second.
Furthermore, the strategy also includes the drafting and dissemination of the Digital Rights Charter, the creation of a single market for content and e-Commerce, the development of interoperable digital public services and innovation in ICTs in areas in which Europe has greatest market potential.
The European Commissioner for the Information Society, Neelie Kroes, complained that there is currently not one single market for audiovisual products online, but 27, and that mobile phone usage prices are up to six times more expensive in some Member States than in others.
Finally, the Spanish minister took the last Council of Telecommunications under Spanish Presidency as a chance to thank the European Commission for its collaboration, while demonstrating his support and wishing "every success" to the upcoming Belgian and Hungarian Presidencies.
Spanish EU Presidency - Telecommunications Ministers back the new European Digital Agenda
The Digital Agenda for Europe identifies the seven most significant obstacles to telecommunications development and proposes seven specific actions to overcome them.
At a subsequent press conference, the Spanish Minister of Industry, Tourism and Trade, Miguel Sebastian, expressed his great satisfaction with the ministers' unanimous support for this instrument and called this show of support for information and communication technologies (ICT) a "historic day" for the EU.
"A bet on this sector is a safe bet, a bet on economic growth and employment," said Sebastian, who explained that the Digital Agenda's strategy aims to bridge the digital divide and to achieve 100% basic broadband coverage for all citizens in 2013.
In addition to this specific goal, the Spanish minister said the EU has given itself the challenge of adopting ultra-fast broadband of at least 30 megabytes per second by 2020, throughout the Union, or that half of all European citizens will enjoy coverage of 100 megabytes per second.
Furthermore, the strategy also includes the drafting and dissemination of the Digital Rights Charter, the creation of a single market for content and e-Commerce, the development of interoperable digital public services and innovation in ICTs in areas in which Europe has greatest market potential.
The European Commissioner for the Information Society, Neelie Kroes, complained that there is currently not one single market for audiovisual products online, but 27, and that mobile phone usage prices are up to six times more expensive in some Member States than in others.
Finally, the Spanish minister took the last Council of Telecommunications under Spanish Presidency as a chance to thank the European Commission for its collaboration, while demonstrating his support and wishing "every success" to the upcoming Belgian and Hungarian Presidencies.
Spanish EU Presidency - Telecommunications Ministers back the new European Digital Agenda
Canada - Locking handsets reduced competition, an issue brought to a head by new operators
[cbc] Competition in the wireless industry is heating up with the recent launch of several new carriers, but critics say Canadians are still facing at least one big barrier to choice — locked phones.
A copyright expected to be introduced this week could make matters worse.
Mobile phones are typically sold by wireless providers in Canada with a digital lock programmed into them that prevents the owner from using the device on a different carrier's network. This hasn't been much of an issue for years since the networks of Canada's big three cellphone companies — Bell, Rogers and Telus — were generally incompatible anyway.
But in November, Bell and Telus jointly launched a new 3G High-Speed Packet Access network that is compatible with the one Rogers runs, while a pair of new carriers that have started up since December — Wind Mobile and Mobilicity — use the same technology as the other.
Coupled with the ability to take a phone number along when changing providers, which Canadians have been able to do since 2007, consumers now have more ability to switch for a better deal than ever before.
However, Canadian carriers are still ordering their suppliers to lock phones.
"It's a standard industry practice and when we bought the handset, the manufacturer asked if we wanted it, and we said, 'Sure,'" said Mobilicity president Dave Dobbin at the carrier's launch earlier this month.
Canadians can still unlock their phone through several methods, such as independent phone dealers found in many malls, but it often incurs an additional charge and voids the warranty on the device. Doing so is currently legal under Canadian law and most carriers will happily provide service to customers who bring in their own unlocked devices.
Locked cellphones hurt consumers: critics
A copyright expected to be introduced this week could make matters worse.
Mobile phones are typically sold by wireless providers in Canada with a digital lock programmed into them that prevents the owner from using the device on a different carrier's network. This hasn't been much of an issue for years since the networks of Canada's big three cellphone companies — Bell, Rogers and Telus — were generally incompatible anyway.
But in November, Bell and Telus jointly launched a new 3G High-Speed Packet Access network that is compatible with the one Rogers runs, while a pair of new carriers that have started up since December — Wind Mobile and Mobilicity — use the same technology as the other.
Coupled with the ability to take a phone number along when changing providers, which Canadians have been able to do since 2007, consumers now have more ability to switch for a better deal than ever before.
However, Canadian carriers are still ordering their suppliers to lock phones.
"It's a standard industry practice and when we bought the handset, the manufacturer asked if we wanted it, and we said, 'Sure,'" said Mobilicity president Dave Dobbin at the carrier's launch earlier this month.
Canadians can still unlock their phone through several methods, such as independent phone dealers found in many malls, but it often incurs an additional charge and voids the warranty on the device. Doing so is currently legal under Canadian law and most carriers will happily provide service to customers who bring in their own unlocked devices.
Locked cellphones hurt consumers: critics
Ghana - A mobile phone assmbly plant promises to employ 30,000
[the Accra Daily Mail] LG Communications, Ghana's first mobile phone assembling company, has started operations in the country with a promise to give jobs to 30,000 youth from the National Youth Employment Programme by the close of the year.
Mr Roland Agambire, Chief Executive Officer of the company, said "rLG Communications has already concluded plans for the construction of a state of the art multi-purpose mobile phone assembling plant in Ghana, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa."
The new assembling plant would be located within the Spintex industrial area.
Mr Agambire said the company was also implementing the ICT module of the NYEP under which it is to train a million young people, out of which it had already trained 10,000 in ICT, sales and marketing.
He said the company had 18 different brands comprising the G-series and the r-series of phones, adding that since it started assembling phones locally six months ago, it had already captured 30 per cent of the local phone market.
"We are looking forward to capturing 80 per cent of the market by the close of the year, particularly because of the feedback we get from patrons of our r-72 phone, which looks very much like Nokia E72."
rLG phones recently signed a $2.5 million contract with Chinese software and telecom infrastructure manufacturer, Huawei, to help produce 100,000 phones in Ghana.
Mrs Millicent Atuguba, Communications Manager of rLG, told the GNA that Huawei was only in to give technical advice but the actual manufacture of parts and assembling was being done by Ghanaian technicians.
The company also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hong Kong-based laptop manufacturer, Ke Zhi Guang (KZG) Holding Limited, for the production of mobile phones in Ghana for the African, Asian and European markets at a contract sum worth a billion dollars.
Mrs. Atuguba said even though rLG phones were assembled in Ghana, they were already popular in Asia.
She assured the public that rLG phones were not only sleek but also durable, saying "our phones are more durable than some of the world acclaimed big brands.
"In spite of the fact that our phones are durable, they come with a two-year warranty - when a customer returns a phone we will just change it for you and recycle the one you returned locally," she said.
rLG phones look very sleek, like any of the smart phones from the big and popular brands like Nokia, Samsung, Blackberry and others, but rLG phones are far cheaper in terms of price.
"Our phones are durable," Company CEO Mr Agambire said, but because the phones have been on the market for only six months, their durability is yet to be confirmed.
Ghana: Gets First Mobile Phone Assembling Company
Mr Roland Agambire, Chief Executive Officer of the company, said "rLG Communications has already concluded plans for the construction of a state of the art multi-purpose mobile phone assembling plant in Ghana, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa."
The new assembling plant would be located within the Spintex industrial area.
Mr Agambire said the company was also implementing the ICT module of the NYEP under which it is to train a million young people, out of which it had already trained 10,000 in ICT, sales and marketing.
He said the company had 18 different brands comprising the G-series and the r-series of phones, adding that since it started assembling phones locally six months ago, it had already captured 30 per cent of the local phone market.
"We are looking forward to capturing 80 per cent of the market by the close of the year, particularly because of the feedback we get from patrons of our r-72 phone, which looks very much like Nokia E72."
rLG phones recently signed a $2.5 million contract with Chinese software and telecom infrastructure manufacturer, Huawei, to help produce 100,000 phones in Ghana.
Mrs Millicent Atuguba, Communications Manager of rLG, told the GNA that Huawei was only in to give technical advice but the actual manufacture of parts and assembling was being done by Ghanaian technicians.
The company also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hong Kong-based laptop manufacturer, Ke Zhi Guang (KZG) Holding Limited, for the production of mobile phones in Ghana for the African, Asian and European markets at a contract sum worth a billion dollars.
Mrs. Atuguba said even though rLG phones were assembled in Ghana, they were already popular in Asia.
She assured the public that rLG phones were not only sleek but also durable, saying "our phones are more durable than some of the world acclaimed big brands.
"In spite of the fact that our phones are durable, they come with a two-year warranty - when a customer returns a phone we will just change it for you and recycle the one you returned locally," she said.
rLG phones look very sleek, like any of the smart phones from the big and popular brands like Nokia, Samsung, Blackberry and others, but rLG phones are far cheaper in terms of price.
"Our phones are durable," Company CEO Mr Agambire said, but because the phones have been on the market for only six months, their durability is yet to be confirmed.
Ghana: Gets First Mobile Phone Assembling Company
Kenya - French govt supports Orange in financial claims over privatisation of Telkom
[the east african] The French government has mounted a fresh diplomatic offensive to support a massive claim for Ksh25 billion ($325 million at current rates) lodged by France Telecom with Kenya's Treasury, as Paris raises the stakes in a dispute that could unravel what was the largest privatisation deal in Kenya.
The huge claim -- which the Treasury has disputed -- is based on France Telecom's sensational claim that it only found "an empty shell" after it purchased the defunct Telkom Kenya from the government in 2007 for a sum of $390 million.
Paris has moved to place the dispute at the top of the agenda of a high-profile diplomatic meeting this Monday with Prime Minister Raila Odinga, to be attended by top French government and executives of France Telecom.
Until recently, the dispute had been confined to secret negotiations between the Treasury, France Telecom's CEO Michel Barre, investment bankers representing both sides and lawyers, representing the Kenya government.
Technically, France Telecom's is saying that Kenya is in breach of warranty claims made under the share purchase agreement that the parties signed during the sale of Telkom Kenya.
With the new diplomatic offensive, it is clear that France Telecom has opted for a double pronged tactical strategy: One the one hand, engage the Treasury in technical and legal negotiations, and on the other, apply diplomatic muscle to force a political solution to a dispute over what is basically a financial transaction.
Meanwhile, new details are beginning to emerge on the exact nature of the massive claim by France Telecom.According to sources, the French have claimed a huge Ksh10.3 billion ($134 million) on the grounds at the network equipment they inherited when they took over Telkom Kenya was grossly overestimated.
They have reportedly argued that the fixed asset register which they inherited was grossly faulty and several fixed assets were found missing.
That they did not get the opportunity to conduct a proper count of the network equipment and the only 100 per cent count of network equipment that was conducted was concluded several months after they had taken over.
The French have said that at the time they were doing diligence, they did not get an opportunity to conduct a physical inspection of the entire Telkom Kenya network across the country.
France Telecom have also insisted that at the time they were taking over, the government did not disclose to them that it had committed Telkom Kenya to purchase 450,000 units of CDMA telephone handsets and terminal equipment for $40 million from a company by the name Rapid Communication Ltd.
The French have argued that the deal with Rapid Communications was not disclosed even in the data room.Apparently, the share and purchase agreement stipulated that neither Telkom Kenya nor the government was allowed to enter any contract agreement with third parties between the date of signing and closing the deal.
On the basis of the claim by the French that the government breached this rule alone, the French want to be paid a sum of Ksh518 million ($6.72 million).
The company is also claiming a total of Ksh1.5 billion ($19.5 million) from the government on account of unpaid telephone bills by both the central government and parastatals as at June 2007.
Included in the claim by France Telecom is a Ksh1.6 billion ($20.7 million) claim based on over-valuation of Gilgil Telecom Industries Ltd.
A good number of the claims are of an accounting nature. For instance, France Telkom has lodged a claim of Ksh978 million ($12.7 million) on the grounds of over-statement of inventories resulting from obsolete and non-existent assets.
It has claimed another Ksh1.3 billion ($16.9 million) on the grounds of understatement of accounts payable as at December 31, 2007.
Also huge is a claim of Ksh2.5 billion ($32.5 million) consisting of unsupported balances and suspense accounts.
In summary, the total claim by France Telecom comes to a figure of Ksh25 billion which is just about what they paid the government for the 51 per cent stake in Telkom Kenya.
The shares and purchase agreement between the government and France Telekom was made on December 2007.In the deal, the government agreed to sell 51 per cent shares in Telkom Kenya, relying on several presentations, warranties and undertakings.
The massive claim by France is based on the warranties made on the share purchase agreementWhether the government will agree to pay the amounts being claimed by the French remains to be seen, in view of the fact that the figure more or less amounts to what France Telecom paid for the shares.
Well-placed sources told The East African the Treasury was likely to resist paying the French any cash and was more inclined to options such ceding new assets to Orange East Africa, giving new licences or pumping in new money into the company, mainly in the form of new shareholder loans.
Before privatisation of the company, the International Finance Corporation, who were the transaction advisers on the deal, valued Telkom Kenya at $353 million.
The purpose of this valuation was to determine the reserve price. As part of preparations for privatisation, all bidders were allowed access to a data room that contained all data on Telkom's financials, including a due diligence report that had been conducted by audit firm PKF Consortium.
Kenya: Paris in New Diplomatic Offensive Over Telkom
The huge claim -- which the Treasury has disputed -- is based on France Telecom's sensational claim that it only found "an empty shell" after it purchased the defunct Telkom Kenya from the government in 2007 for a sum of $390 million.
Paris has moved to place the dispute at the top of the agenda of a high-profile diplomatic meeting this Monday with Prime Minister Raila Odinga, to be attended by top French government and executives of France Telecom.
Until recently, the dispute had been confined to secret negotiations between the Treasury, France Telecom's CEO Michel Barre, investment bankers representing both sides and lawyers, representing the Kenya government.
Technically, France Telecom's is saying that Kenya is in breach of warranty claims made under the share purchase agreement that the parties signed during the sale of Telkom Kenya.
With the new diplomatic offensive, it is clear that France Telecom has opted for a double pronged tactical strategy: One the one hand, engage the Treasury in technical and legal negotiations, and on the other, apply diplomatic muscle to force a political solution to a dispute over what is basically a financial transaction.
Meanwhile, new details are beginning to emerge on the exact nature of the massive claim by France Telecom.According to sources, the French have claimed a huge Ksh10.3 billion ($134 million) on the grounds at the network equipment they inherited when they took over Telkom Kenya was grossly overestimated.
They have reportedly argued that the fixed asset register which they inherited was grossly faulty and several fixed assets were found missing.
That they did not get the opportunity to conduct a proper count of the network equipment and the only 100 per cent count of network equipment that was conducted was concluded several months after they had taken over.
The French have said that at the time they were doing diligence, they did not get an opportunity to conduct a physical inspection of the entire Telkom Kenya network across the country.
France Telecom have also insisted that at the time they were taking over, the government did not disclose to them that it had committed Telkom Kenya to purchase 450,000 units of CDMA telephone handsets and terminal equipment for $40 million from a company by the name Rapid Communication Ltd.
The French have argued that the deal with Rapid Communications was not disclosed even in the data room.Apparently, the share and purchase agreement stipulated that neither Telkom Kenya nor the government was allowed to enter any contract agreement with third parties between the date of signing and closing the deal.
On the basis of the claim by the French that the government breached this rule alone, the French want to be paid a sum of Ksh518 million ($6.72 million).
The company is also claiming a total of Ksh1.5 billion ($19.5 million) from the government on account of unpaid telephone bills by both the central government and parastatals as at June 2007.
Included in the claim by France Telecom is a Ksh1.6 billion ($20.7 million) claim based on over-valuation of Gilgil Telecom Industries Ltd.
A good number of the claims are of an accounting nature. For instance, France Telkom has lodged a claim of Ksh978 million ($12.7 million) on the grounds of over-statement of inventories resulting from obsolete and non-existent assets.
It has claimed another Ksh1.3 billion ($16.9 million) on the grounds of understatement of accounts payable as at December 31, 2007.
Also huge is a claim of Ksh2.5 billion ($32.5 million) consisting of unsupported balances and suspense accounts.
In summary, the total claim by France Telecom comes to a figure of Ksh25 billion which is just about what they paid the government for the 51 per cent stake in Telkom Kenya.
The shares and purchase agreement between the government and France Telekom was made on December 2007.In the deal, the government agreed to sell 51 per cent shares in Telkom Kenya, relying on several presentations, warranties and undertakings.
The massive claim by France is based on the warranties made on the share purchase agreementWhether the government will agree to pay the amounts being claimed by the French remains to be seen, in view of the fact that the figure more or less amounts to what France Telecom paid for the shares.
Well-placed sources told The East African the Treasury was likely to resist paying the French any cash and was more inclined to options such ceding new assets to Orange East Africa, giving new licences or pumping in new money into the company, mainly in the form of new shareholder loans.
Before privatisation of the company, the International Finance Corporation, who were the transaction advisers on the deal, valued Telkom Kenya at $353 million.
The purpose of this valuation was to determine the reserve price. As part of preparations for privatisation, all bidders were allowed access to a data room that contained all data on Telkom's financials, including a due diligence report that had been conducted by audit firm PKF Consortium.
Kenya: Paris in New Diplomatic Offensive Over Telkom
M-football - Following the FIFA 2010 World Cup on your mobile phone
[NY Times] Technology is set to meet soccer at a smartphone intersection when the World Cup begins June 11. This is a leap forward in technology with a clutch of iPhone apps that will enable fans to track games, watch highlights and glean information on players and teams.
Apple’s United States App Store offers a collection of World Cup and soccer-related programs. Nearly all of the apps (some of which also run on the iPad, iPod Touch, BlackBerry, Palm, Android and other devices) provide team-by-team analysis, match schedules, background on the stadiums being used for the tournament and a promise to provide real-time scoring updates once the tournament begins.
All of the apps have something appealing and useful, though none have everything in one tidy package. The offerings from ESPN and Fox probably came the closest, which is not surprising because they have the most resources and have made the biggest commitments to showcasing the game in the United States.
World’s Biggest Games Brought to Tiny Screens
Apple’s United States App Store offers a collection of World Cup and soccer-related programs. Nearly all of the apps (some of which also run on the iPad, iPod Touch, BlackBerry, Palm, Android and other devices) provide team-by-team analysis, match schedules, background on the stadiums being used for the tournament and a promise to provide real-time scoring updates once the tournament begins.
All of the apps have something appealing and useful, though none have everything in one tidy package. The offerings from ESPN and Fox probably came the closest, which is not surprising because they have the most resources and have made the biggest commitments to showcasing the game in the United States.
World’s Biggest Games Brought to Tiny Screens
Mobile TV - Why the USA and Europe may succumb to this technology
[NY Times] When South Korea plays Greece on June 12 in its World Cup soccer opener in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, life will not necessarily grind to a halt back in Seoul.
Many fans will instead follow a live broadcast of the match on their mobile phones. In South Korea, free-to-air mobile TV is a five-year-old fact of life. According to the country’s broadcasters, 27 million people — 56 percent of the population — watch regularly.
While South Koreans are the world leaders in mobile TV viewing, the technology is also catching on in China, southeast Asia, India, Africa and Latin America, where 80 million people now have cellphones that can receive free, live TV broadcasts.
“There have been a lot of hype cycles with mobile TV technology,” said Anna Maxbauer, an analyst at IMS Research in Austin, Texas. “But with recent advances in battery life, and consumer acceptance, there is real potential for widespread viewing.”
At least 40 million people are watching live TV this year on mobile phones, Ms. Maxbauer said. Most live in emerging markets where operators, which prefer to sell TV programming for a fee through their wireless networks, do not control the sale of handsets.
Free, on-the-go viewing is common just about everywhere except the United States and Europe, where operator resistance and a maze of conflicting technical standards and program licensing hurdles have kept the technology out of the global mainstream.
But that may be about to change, according to one handset maker.
“This technology has huge potential,” said Hankil Yoon, the vice president of product strategy at Samsung, the South Korean electronics maker and U.S. cellphone market leader. “Our experience shows that people like watching TV on mobile phones, even on smaller screens. And they like watching it for free. It is only a matter of time before this goes global.”
In the complex world of wireless communication, free-to-air mobile TV technology is relatively simple. With a tiny receiver chip and telescoping antenna, a mobile phone can receive free digital or analog programming like any other television.
In South Korea, 25 million people watch free digital terrestrial broadcasts on mobile handsets and two million pay to subscribe to satellite programming, according to Korean broadcasters. The typical screen made by Samsung is a three-inch, or 7.6-centimeter, diagonal. Batteries support three to six hours of viewing. In Korea, free mobile TV broadcasts are interspersed with ads.
“In the markets where people use this, we have found that viewing tends to be pretty high,” said Diana Jovin, a vice president for corporate marketing and business development at Telegent Systems, the leading mobile TV chip maker, which is based in Sunnyvale, California.
Mobile TV's Last Frontier: U.S. and Europe
Many fans will instead follow a live broadcast of the match on their mobile phones. In South Korea, free-to-air mobile TV is a five-year-old fact of life. According to the country’s broadcasters, 27 million people — 56 percent of the population — watch regularly.
While South Koreans are the world leaders in mobile TV viewing, the technology is also catching on in China, southeast Asia, India, Africa and Latin America, where 80 million people now have cellphones that can receive free, live TV broadcasts.
“There have been a lot of hype cycles with mobile TV technology,” said Anna Maxbauer, an analyst at IMS Research in Austin, Texas. “But with recent advances in battery life, and consumer acceptance, there is real potential for widespread viewing.”
At least 40 million people are watching live TV this year on mobile phones, Ms. Maxbauer said. Most live in emerging markets where operators, which prefer to sell TV programming for a fee through their wireless networks, do not control the sale of handsets.
Free, on-the-go viewing is common just about everywhere except the United States and Europe, where operator resistance and a maze of conflicting technical standards and program licensing hurdles have kept the technology out of the global mainstream.
But that may be about to change, according to one handset maker.
“This technology has huge potential,” said Hankil Yoon, the vice president of product strategy at Samsung, the South Korean electronics maker and U.S. cellphone market leader. “Our experience shows that people like watching TV on mobile phones, even on smaller screens. And they like watching it for free. It is only a matter of time before this goes global.”
In the complex world of wireless communication, free-to-air mobile TV technology is relatively simple. With a tiny receiver chip and telescoping antenna, a mobile phone can receive free digital or analog programming like any other television.
In South Korea, 25 million people watch free digital terrestrial broadcasts on mobile handsets and two million pay to subscribe to satellite programming, according to Korean broadcasters. The typical screen made by Samsung is a three-inch, or 7.6-centimeter, diagonal. Batteries support three to six hours of viewing. In Korea, free mobile TV broadcasts are interspersed with ads.
“In the markets where people use this, we have found that viewing tends to be pretty high,” said Diana Jovin, a vice president for corporate marketing and business development at Telegent Systems, the leading mobile TV chip maker, which is based in Sunnyvale, California.
Mobile TV's Last Frontier: U.S. and Europe
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