Airtel to invest Rs.1.8 billion in Chhattisgarh

Airtel will invest Rs.1.8 billion in Chhattisgarh during the next two years to challenge the dominance of government-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)

 Raipur: Airtel will invest Rs.1.8 billion in Chhattisgarh during the next two years to challenge the dominance of government-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).

The company has given a presentation last week before Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and informed him that it wanted to boost networking all over the state, including the Maoist-dominated remote Bastar and Surguja regions where the BSNL has monopoly.

"Currently, Airtel has presence in just 12 cities in Chhattisgarh and it wants to be the leading telecom service provider in the state by expanding its services in the Moist-dominated Bastar and Surguja regions," company sources said.

"The chief minister has appreciated company’s plan, especially boosting services in remote belt of Surguja region sharing border with Jharkhand and in Bastar bordering Andhra Pradesh," sources added.

A government press release informed Singh has assured Airtel of providing no-objection certificates within a week from local bodies, village panchayats and energy department in a bid to help it to boost services in the poverty-stricken and scheduled caste and scheduled tribe dominated belts.

As many as four companies – Airtel, Reliance, Tata Indicom and BSNL – are currently providing services in Chhattisgarh. However, only BSNL has presence in all the 16 districts in the state.

via [NewsKerala]

Nokia announces three new fashion phones 7380 7370 7360

Continuing to push the boundaries of mobile phone design, Nokia has introduced a collection of three trend-inspired mobile phones, the Nokia 7360, Nokia 7370 and Nokia 7380

Oh L’Amour! Cultural contrasts, craft and ethnic influences inspire Nokia’s latest fashion collection
October 19, 2005

Natural materials, fusion of colors and patterns define the L’Amour Collection
 
Hong Kong, China / Florence, Italy / New York, NY, USA – Continuing to push the boundaries of mobile phone design, Nokia has introduced a collection of three trend-inspired mobile phones, the Nokia 7360, Nokia 7370 and Nokia 7380. Each model in the L’Amour Collection offers a beautiful mix of contrasts  –  infusing cultural and ethnic influences with luxurious touches of the unexpected.  Hints of vintage and craftsmanship, are fused with natural materials, colors and patterns, all carefully crafted and layered with a passion for detail.
 
"For many consumers, the mobile phone has truly become an extension of their personal style – it is a fashion statement as well as an advanced communications device," says Alastair Curtis, Vice President of Design at Nokia’s Mobile Phones division. "Every detail of these products, from the nature-inspired graphics to the velvet-lined pouches, has been carefully considered with the style-conscious individual in mind.  We are very confident that consumers who appreciate design and attention to detail will fall in love with the L’Amour Collection."
 
In the design and development of the L’Amour Collection, Nokia’s Design team looked to materials such as amber, ceramic, turquoise, silk and enamel for inspiration. Craft techniques, such as enamelling and etching, added a creative spark to the graphics, materials, finishes and colors selected for each model in the collection.
 
nokia-7380.jpgNokia 7380: A reflection of discerning taste
 
Sleek and seductive, the etched mirrored surface and discreet keyless dial of the
Nokia 7380 invites glances, even stares. A leather cover and a mirrored display subtly mask the sophisticated technology, which includes a 2-megapixel camera and intuitive voice dialing. The centrepiece of the L’Amour Collection, the Nokia 7380 is aimed at trend-setting men and women who enjoy being the centre of attention – and are willing to spend a little extra on the finer things in life.
 
Key features:
– Keyless dial
– 2-megapixel camera, 4x zoom
– Enhanced Voice Commands
– MP3 player
 
The estimated retail price of the Nokia 7380 is expected to be approximately €500, excluding taxes and subsidies. The Nokia 7380 is expected to be available in Q1, 2006.
 
Nokia 7370: Designed to make heads ‘turn’
 nokia-7370.jpg
Offering a touch of the unexpected, the Nokia 7370 "swivels" open to reveal its elegantly hidden keypad. Beautiful patterns, etched into the elegant metal trims, are contrasted by leather-inspired faceplates, adding a romantic appeal and an element of the exotic. But it’s not just about looks – advanced features, like a 1.3-megapixel camera and 3D sound effects, ensure the Nokia 7370 matches current technology with the latest design trends.
 
The Nokia 7370 is available in two color schemes, coffee brown and warm amber, with each model offering a distinct set of graphics, screensavers and even dedicated camera keys.
 
Key features:
– 1.3 megapixel camera, 8x zoom
– 2-inch QVGA color screen (320 x 240 pixels)
– Stereo speakers with 3D sound effects
– Video ring tones
 
The estimated retail price of the Nokia 7370 is expected to be approximately €300, excluding taxes and subsidies. The Nokia 7370 is expected to be available in Q1, 2006.
 
Nokia 7360: Charming, graceful and compactnokia-7360.jpg
 
Materials, graphics and color palette ensure this charming mobile phone stands out in a crowd. Trend-conscious men and women will appreciate the Nokia 7360’s mixture of patterns and textures, which are perfectly complemented by elegant accessories, including straps and carrying pouches.
 
The Nokia 7360 is also available in the two signature L’Amour Collection color schemes, coffee brown and warm amber. Each model has a distinct set of graphics, screensavers and accessories.
 
Key features:
– Integrated VGA camera
– Stereo FM radio
– MP3 ring tones
 
The estimated retail price of the Nokia 7360 is expected to be approximately €200, excluding taxes and subsidies. The Nokia 7360 is expected to be available in Q1, 2006.
 
 
The Nokia 7360, Nokia 7370 and Nokia 7380 will meet the requirements of the upcoming EU environmental legislation (RoHS, 2002/95/EC). The legislation will take effect in July 2006.
 
 
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations. www.nokia.com.

Nokia WiMAX plans move forward with successful data call

Nokia announced today that its Networks business group has completed a data call as part of its WiMAX (802.16e) development program.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE October 18, 2005

Nokia WiMAX plans move forward with successful data call

Important step taken for mobile WiMAX development work
 
Espoo, Finland – Nokia announced today that its Networks business group has completed a data call as part of its WiMAX (802.16e) development program.
 
The error free call was made between computing and baseband modules at Nokia’s research and development facility in Germany according to Nokia’s WiMAX development timetable, and was conducted on a high-speed pre-product test platform. Nokia will be expanding to WiMAX trials during 2006.
 
"This is an important step in our WiMAX development work, and we are very encouraged by the results," said Markku Hollström, General Manager, Broadband Wireless business program, Networks, Nokia.
 
The WiMAX e-version will offer nomadic and portable mobility, providing fast data connections for consumers and business users. Nokia sees the WiMAX e-version as a complement to 3GPP technology, or deployed as a stand-alone data network.
 
Nokia is a member of the WiMAX forum, an industry-led non-profit corporation formed to promote and certify the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products. WiMAX, which stands for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is a standards-based wireless technology that provides high-throughput broadband connections over long distances. WiMAX can be used for a number of applications, including "last mile" broadband connections, hotspots and high-speed enterprise connectivity for business. The WiMAX IEEE 802.16e version is expected to be standardized later this year.
 
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

Number portability issue to be resolved soon

Communication Minister Dayanidhi Maran has suggested that call forwarding facility should be considered as a viable alternative to number portability on mobile phones.

Communication Minister Dayanidhi Maran has suggested that call forwarding facility should be considered as a viable alternative to number portability on mobile phones.

Number portability has been opposed by various service providers citing huge costs involved to make their networks compatible. The issue however is more complex that. The biggest lockin an operator has today is the customer’s number which doesn’t migrate even if he switches service providers. Once number portability is in place the operators cannot afford to concentrate only on customer acquistion but will have to spend time on customer satisfaction and retention too.

The government is planning to set up a joint working group this month comprising representatives of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and both CDMA and GSM operators. Issues to be resolved are number portability, uniform ‘’One India’’ tariff, inter-connectivity between operators and allocation of 3G spectrum. The issues are expected to be resolved by the year end.

via  mobilepundit

Tata Indicom Non Stop Mobile

Tata Indicom has launched a new scheme, Non Stop Mobile, under which the validity of a pre-paid connection is extended for two years upon a single recharge, thus freeing mobile subscribers from monthly recharges.

Tata Indicom has launched a new scheme, Non Stop Mobile, under which the validity of a pre-paid connection is extended for two years upon a single recharge, thus freeing mobile subscribers from monthly recharges. The service also offers free roaming in over 1500 locations in the country.

There is no monthly commitment to recharge. Above all, the recharge coupons are available from Rs.50 with 100 percent talk time.

Some noteworthy figures from the article.

At present Tata Indicom ‘True Paid’ launched in January this year has two million subscribers. However, they are targeting around 10 million subscriber base by March 2006…

As on September 30, the company’s subscriber base stood at 5.6 million spread across 1500 towns.

 

 

 

Shadow-Born for the N-Gage announced

Nokia today announced Shadow-Born for the N-Gage platform. Developed by Backbone Entertainment, Shadow-Born is set to change the way gamers use their mobile phones for gaming by integrating smartphone functionalities into the game

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE October 13, 2005

Shadow-Born Poised To Push The Boundaries Of Mobile Gaming On The N-Gage platform

Barcelona, Spain – Nokia today announced Shadow-Born for the N-Gage platform. Developed by Backbone Entertainment, Shadow-Born is set to change the way gamers use their mobile phones for gaming by integrating smartphone functionalities into the game.  Imagine a game where characters leave text messages, schedule calendar appointments or set alarms in your smartphone. Shadow-Born promises a genuinely immersive and interactive experience, taking game play to a new level of involvement.
 
"We are really pushing the envelope with this game," says Gregg Sauter, Director, Games Publishing, Nokia. "Whether it’s the smartphone functions such as text messaging or your to-do list, or the very fact that your mobile phone is with you wherever you go. No other platform could offer this type of gaming experience."
 
As a Shadow-Born, you are gifted with the rare ability to see the dark truth of the world. It is a world where supernatural beings from your dreams and nightmares surround you, and where vampires control corporations and werewolf gangs roam the streets at night. Shadow-Born offers a rich storyline and is set in the hidden realms within the urban cityscape.
 
 
About N-Gage
The N-Gage game deck is an innovative mobile device that is creating an entirely new market for the games industry. Built for active gamers, the N-Gage platform is the first mobile and connected game deck to feature online high-quality 3D multiplayer game play over Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS. The N-Gage device also offers unique online games services as well as a comprehensive and growing games catalogue from the leading game publishers. Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Nokia and N-Gage are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nokia Corporation.
 

 

Nokia’s ONE for N-Gage hits stores this week

Nokia and Digital Legends Entertainment today announced that the highly anticipated 3D fighting game ONE will hit stores this week.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE October 13, 2005

There’s only ONE ultimate fighter – exclusive beat-em-up on the N-Gage platform arrives in stores

Barcelona, Spain – Nokia and Digital Legends Entertainment today announced that the highly anticipated 3D fighting game ONE will hit stores this week. 
 
Developed exclusively for the N-Gage platform, ONE reaches beyond the realms of other fighting games with cool beat-em-up features, extensive character customization and an online ranking system via N-Gage Arena.
 
Gamers will have the opportunity to create their own exclusive alter egos using the millions of customization possibilities. Players can choose from hundreds of different clothes, skin tones, accessories and body features to style their own ultimate fighter.  Once gamers are sure they have created their ideal fighting machine they can decide whether to hone their skills on the single player mode or try out their moves on fellow fighters via the two player Bluetooth connection.
 
Fighters that think they are hard enough can record their achievements on the N-Gage Arena online ranking system, which gives an ELO rating based on not only wins and losses, but also performance during fights.
 
"The release of ONE will show gamers worldwide that sophisticated fighting titles which push the boundaries in terms of innovation and playability can exist on a handheld," says Gregg Sauter, Director, Games Publishing, Nokia. "ONE is a truly unique title."
 
ONE provides gamers with fighting opportunities in fourteen real locations from around the world and with the ability to create so many different variations of fighters players will never quite know who they are up against. Fight, win, steal their skills and eventually you could become The One.
 
About Digital Legends Entertainment
Digital Legends Entertainment (DLE), incorporated in 2001 in Barcelona (Spain), develops innovative game concepts and breakthrough technologies for the worldwide market of digital entertainment. DLE has for an objective to leverage its cutting-edge technology, design expertise and execution excellence to become a reference for all platforms in the video game industry. Digital Legends Entertainment is a trademark of Digital Legends Entertainment S. L. More information about DLE can be found on the Internet at www.digital-legends.com.
 
About N-Gage
The N-Gage game deck is an innovative mobile device that is creating an entirely new market for the games industry. Built for active gamers, the N-Gage platform is the first mobile and connected game deck to feature online high-quality 3D multiplayer game play over Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS. The N-Gage device also offers unique online games services as well as a comprehensive and growing games catalogue from the leading game publishers. Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Nokia and N-Gage are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nokia Corporation

Nokia and China Putian to set up 3G joint venture

Beijing, China – Nokia and China Putian today signed an agreement to set up a joint venture to focus on R&D, manufacturing and sales of 3G network solutions for TD-SCDMA and WCDMA technologies. Through this joint venture the two companies will provide 3G products and solutions to their customers.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE October 13, 2005

Nokia and China Putian to set up 3G joint venture

Beijing, China – Nokia and China Putian today signed an agreement to set up a joint venture to focus on R&D, manufacturing and sales of 3G network solutions for TD-SCDMA and WCDMA technologies. Through this joint venture the two companies will provide 3G products and solutions to their customers.
 
The joint venture will be located in Wuhan, the capital city of China’s Hubei Province. It will focus on network solutions for the 3G standards TD-SCDMA and WCDMA, as well as providing network construction and optimization services.
 
The total investment in the joint venture is 900 million RMB (approximately 90 million euros). China Putian and Nokia will have 51% and 49% shares respectively in the joint venture. Products of the joint venture will be marketed under the Potevio brand held by China Putian. The joint venture will launch TD-SCDMA and WCDMA systems in 2006. Nokia will continue to sell WCDMA systems under its own brand both globally and in China.
 
China Putian and Nokia have cooperated in GSM technology for over ten years. The new joint venture will further strengthen this partnership and enhance both companies’ capabilities to provide services and solutions to their customers.
 
"China Putian has actively participated in the R&D and industrialization of TD-SCDMA technology and was among the first companies to pass the TD-SCDMA field trials, organized by the Chinese Ministry of Information Industry, with excellent performance", said Xing Wei, Chairman and CEO of China Putian.  She continued, "We are happy to extend our cooperation with Nokia, which has such strong competence in WCDMA, and are confident that the new joint venture will be successful".
 
"The widened cooperation between China Putian and Nokia will contribute greatly to the 3G industry development in China.  It shows Nokia’s concrete commitment to TD-SCDMA technology", said Simon Beresford-Wylie, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Networks, Nokia.
 
About China Putian
China Putian Co., Ltd. (China Putian in short) is an equipment manufacturer and service provider focused on telecommunication industry. It provides complete communication networks core products and solutions. It is one of the initiators of Chinese TD-SCDMA Industrial Alliance. It was established on July 23, 2003 in Beijing with a registered capital of RMB 1.9 billion Yuan.
China Putian has set important industrial manufacture bases in Yangtze River Delta, Zhujiang River Delta, Jingjinji Economic Cycle and Middle West region of China. It owns 6 listed companies, 4 postdoctoral laboratories, and over 5000 R&D staff. China Putian owns the international bidding agent qualification awarded by the Ministry of Commerce. Its product and service have been sold to dozens of countries and regions. Meanwhile, it also undertakes international communication engineering projects and provides system solutions.
For further information about CHINA PUTIAN, please visit www.china-putian.com
 
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

Purchase The Latest N-Gage Accessories Easily Through The New Nokia On-Line Store

Nokia today opened an on-line store enabling consumers to purchase the latest N-Gage accessories easily. Consumers in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and France can buy N-Gage accessories directly from Nokia at www.n-gage.com/store

Purchase The Latest N-Gage Accessories Easily Through The New Nokia On-Line Store

Barcelona, Spain – Nokia today opened an on-line store enabling consumers to purchase the latest N-Gage accessories easily. Consumers in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and France can buy N-Gage accessories directly from Nokia at www.n-gage.com/store.
 
"We want to provide easy consumer access to the new N-Gage accessory portfolio through the online store. The accessories expand the functionality and usability of the N-Gage QD game deck, and combine attractive price points with a distinctive N-Gage accessory design," said Jukka Hosio, Director, Global Sales, Games Business Program, Nokia.
 
The new portfolio of N-Gage accessories complements both the gaming and smartphone functionality of the N-Gage QD game deck. With the N-Gage QD MMC Expander gamers can switch easily between two of their favorite games. The N-Gage Wireless Dual Headset can be used on one or both ears and provides consumers with a high quality wireless experience over Bluetooth connectivity. Sharing the gaming audio with friends is easy with the N-Gage QD Snap-on Speaker. 
 
Other stylish accessories include N-Gage QD Dual Headset, a comfortable headset with volume control, N-Gage QD Carrying Case that protects the game deck while on the move, N-Gage Aluminum Game Card Case and N-Gage Game Card Case to carry and organize game cards in style, and N-Gage Key Strap, a multifunctional carrying strap.
 
For new N-Gage fans, Nokia offers the N-Gage Starter Kit – a combination of the N-Gage QD Carrying Case, N-Gage Aluminium Game Card Case and N-Gage Key Strap.
 
In addition to the online store the N-Gage accessories are available through Nokia and GN Mobile sales and distribution network. GN Mobile is widely known for its Jabra branded products. For more information about the N-Gage accessories and the online store go to www.n-gage.com/store.
 
About GN Mobile
GN Mobile is the world’s largest producer of mobile Bluetooth headsets and a division of GN Store Nord headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. GN Mobile’s business activities include both their own brand of products and GN’s original equipment manufacturing (OEM) business. www.gn.com
 
About N-Gage
The N-Gage game deck is an innovative mobile device that is creating an entirely new market for the games industry. Built for active gamers, the N-Gage platform is the first mobile and connected game deck to feature online high-quality 3D multiplayer game play over Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS. The N-Gage device also offers unique online games services as well as a comprehensive and growing games catalogue from the leading game publishers. Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Nokia and N-Gage are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nokia Corporation

PM to inaugurate Nokia plant in TN next year

Global mobile giant Nokia is on schedule to commence manufacturing at its maiden plant here in the first half of next year.

Global mobile giant Nokia is on schedule to commence manufacturing at its maiden plant here in the first half of next year.

Union Communications and Information Technology Minister Dayanidhi Maran told visiting newspersons here today that the Rs 650-crore facility was expected to become operational before April 2006 considering the rapid progress since the ground-breaking ceremony in July 2005.

”When the facility goes operational, a mobile phone will be manufactured every second.” Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will inaugurate the facility with UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi also participating in the function, he added.

Nokia would have chosen Goa as its investment destination in 1994. But due to the efforts taken by him and the UPA Government at the Centre, it opted for Chennai, Mr Maran claimed.

Elaborating, he said the Finnish company’s decision to establish this plant, spanning over three lakh sq ft, one of the largest facilities in the country, fructified after the formation of the inter-Ministerial Joint Task Force under the Chairmanship of Telecom Secretary. Bangalore and Noida had also been considered by Nokia before the company decided on Chennai.

This temple town, about 40 km away from Chennai, would no longer be considered just a manufacturing hub for auto companies but a manufacturing centre for telecom also. ”I am confident that telecom giants like Motorala and Ericsson will come soon.” Mr Maran said Nokia was a big contender for ensuring that BSNL and MTNL achieve the 60 million mobile phone base, with the policy having a clause of manufacturing networks being within India.

To a question, he said the handset pricing was market driven. In a voice-driven market with India having the lowest tariff, certainly it was possible to have ”lowest-priced” handsets.

Besides providing employment to 2,000 people, at least 10,000 people would stand to get indirect employment when the facility is completed.

Nokia Corporation Operations and Logistics Senior Vice-President Raimo Puntala said the company was on course with its plan to start operations in the first half of 2006.

Expressing satisfaction over the progress being made in the construction of the plant, he attributed it to support from the Centre and the State government

 

source:webindia123 

Maran visits Nokia site in Sriperumbudur

Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dayanidhi Maran Tuesday visited the site of Nokia’s first handset manufacturing unit in India, that is coming up in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu

Maran visits Nokia site in Sriperumbudur

Chennai: Union Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dayanidhi Maran Tuesday visited the site of Nokia’s first handset manufacturing unit in India, that is coming up in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu.

The state government and the mobile phone major had signed a memorandum of understanding Apr 6 for setting up its manufacturing unit in the country.

It is located at the State Industries Promotion Corporation of the industrial estate in Tiruvallur district.

Nokia is expected to invest $150 million in the first stage and an equal sum for ancillary units, providing direct and indirect employment to 8,000 people.

The day is considered auspicious on account of Ayudha puja, when all mechanical things are worshipped. Vishwakarma, the master craftsman and Saraswathi, the goddess of learning are worshipped on this day

Nokia Chennai plant to be ready by april 2006

Nokia?s Sriperumbudur plant (near Chennai) is likely to be completed by March/April next year, a little ahead of the original schedule, said Dayanidhi Maran, Union minister of communications and IT.

Nokia’s Sriperumbudur plant (near Chennai) is likely to be completed by March/April next year, a little ahead of the original schedule, said Dayanidhi Maran, Union minister of communications and IT.
 
Between Nokia and its component suppliers located within the Nokia Special Economic Zone (SEZ), more than 10,000 people would be employed, said Maran after a review of the construction work today.
 
The Sriperumbudur plant is Nokia’s 10th facility in the world. The plant and those of the component makers would be located within the 210.87 acre SEZ. Nokia’s plant would cover a floor space of 29,000 square metres.
 
Between Nokia and its component makers, an investment of $ 300 million (about Rs 1,315 crore) is expected to flow in over the next few years.
 
When Nokia announced its intention to set up the plant in Sriperumbudur in April 2005, the company’s officials said the plant would be initially used to make mobile handsets.
 
Maran said that there was a possibility that Nokia could also make telecom network equipment in India. It came in the context of the manufacturing obligation that has been imposed on global telecom companies that have bid for network contracts in India.
 
Some of the successful bidders such as Nortel are expected to use contract manufacturers to fulfil their obligations.
 
Flextronics, which is to set up a plant to make electronics/telecom equipment in Sriperumbudur, has a global manufacturing agreement with Nortel. Flextronics is likely to use its planned plant to make some equipment for Nortel.
 
A media release from Nokia said that construction work at the SEZ is being carried out by Leighton Contractors. Over 1,000 people are deployed at the site, added the release.

Source : Business Standard

 

Samsung planning a manufacturing unit for India

ndia is becoming one of the hottest markets to be in for mobile phone makers. World?s largest mobile makers Nokia along with LG and Elcoteq have already expressed their views to open a manufacturing unit in India. Now, South Korean tech giant Samsung is planning a similar venture to consider manufacturing mobile phones in India.

Samsung planning a manufacturing unit for India

India is becoming one of the hottest markets to be in for mobile phone makers. World’s largest mobile makers Nokia along with LG and Elcoteq have already expressed their views to open a manufacturing unit in India. Now, South Korean tech giant Samsung is planning a similar venture to consider manufacturing mobile phones in India.

The company indicated that they would start making cell phones in India along with the other electronic items already being manufactured in the local market. They are looking at Noida and Mumbai as the possible locations for such a manufacturing plant. Some rumors in the market claim that a decision has already been taken though no confirmation has been obtained from the company.

There are also possibilities of the company renting an existing factory instead of establishing their own to get the project going as soon as possible. It is expected to function as a standalone subsidiary, rather than any existing divisions of Samsung India. With the mobiles being commoditized here in the Indian market, it has become important for the manufacturers to find ways to cut costs and launch cheaper models to target the massive budget segment.

Interestingly, Philips has also committed to soon unveil a real cheap mobile phone in the Indian market to target that particular audience segment.

Source:TechWhack

New Nokia Family of Devices Targeted at the Business World

Nokia E60, Nokia E61 and Nokia E70 combine the power of 3G and WLAN with advanced voice services and mobile email applications in a variety of designs for every employee

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE October 12, 2005

New Nokia Family of Devices Targeted at the Business World

Nokia E60, Nokia E61 and Nokia E70 combine the power of 3G and WLAN with advanced voice services and mobile email applications in a variety of designs for every employee
 nokia-e-series.jpg
London, UK/ New York, NY, USA – Nokia announced today the addition of three new models to its portfolio of business-optimized devices. The Nokia E60, Nokia E61 and Nokia E70 – the first of the new Nokia Eseries – are distinctively different in design and allow businesses of all sizes to mobilize their workforce. Nokia Eseries models combine attractive and easy-to-use designs that appeal to individual business users with new underlying technologies that allow IT departments to effectively manage security settings, corporate applications and data. Each of the devices is designed to accommodate must-have mobile applications needed in today’s business world like mobile email and advanced voice calling functions. The Nokia E60, Nokia E61 and the Nokia E70 will be available in the first quarter of 2006 worldwide.
 
The Nokia E60, Nokia E61 and Nokia E70 support today’s most popular and newly announced corporate mobile email solutions like BlackBerry Connect, GoodLink from Good Technology, Inc., Nokia Business Center, Seven Mobile Mail, Seven Always-On Mail and Visto Mobile.
 
The new Nokia Eseries devices are built on the latest edition of the Series 60 Platform, the world’s leading smartphone software platform. Series 60 3rd Edition together with Symbian OS v. 9.1 provide an identical application environment for the Nokia E60, Nokia E61 and Nokia E70. They include a variety of GSM frequencies and 3G (WCDMA) cellular network support for seamless roaming across different countries, as well as a range of local connectivity options such as WLAN, Bluetooth and Infrared and are USB 2.0 compatible.
 
The Nokia E60, Nokia E61 and Nokia E70 also feature superior voice functionality and quality when compared to other devices that combine PDA-like features with a mobile phone.  The devices support advanced voice services, such as Internet (Voice over IP) phone calls, Push to talk, and other SIP-based rich call services giving businesses a variety of ways to make it easier for employees to collaborate or respond rapidly in or out of the office. Companies deploying an Avaya or Cisco IP PBX can connect the new Nokia devices directly to their corporate phone networks, enabling functions employees have come to expect from a corporate network like four-digit dialing and assisted call answering.
 
"When we carefully considered the requirements of our customers when developing these devices, two clear new trends emerged: the need for IT departments’ to have a secure and manageable platform, and the need for devices to support a variety of employee preferences and different working styles," said Niklas Savander, senior vice president of Nokia’s business device unit. "We understand what mobility means for business. These devices embody our extensive knowledge of user-focused functional design, security and cutting-edge wireless technologies. Our goal is to make it easy for our customers to choose Nokia devices for all their business mobility needs."
 
The new business-optimized devices are the first in the industry to support remote device management based on OMA DM* giving the IT manager powerful tools to remotely control and protect corporate data on the device and configure devices via device wipe, device lock or task management, application management and customization, for example. Nokia’s well established competence in network security addresses strict corporate requirements covering information stored on devices, back-office systems and transmitted over networks
 

The Nokia E60: A classic design with unmatched voice features

02_e60_lowres.jpgThe Nokia E60 provides the uncompromised look, comfort and usability of a classically designed mobile phone. Supporting an array of advanced call features from integrated speakerphone and conference calling to voice-aided applications like Push to talk, and IP-based telephony, the Nokia E60 is the best mobile device for active voice communications – in and out of the office. The Nokia E60 offers fast and flexible data connections with WCDMA enabling wide area connections and WLAN offers a cost effective option for local access. Although optimized for one-handed use, its large color screen makes email and calendar entries easy. The Nokia E60 operates in GSM900/1800/1900 and WCDMA2100 networks.
 
The Nokia E61: Built for mobile email
02_e61_lowres.jpgThe Nokia E61 is designed in the familiar style of today’s most popular mobile email devices. Yet it is incredibly slim and packed with powerful new functionality.  A cinch to use with either hand, the device has a four-way joystick and full keyboard combined with a wide 16 million color screen making mobile email easier than ever before. Supporting multiple mobile email clients like BlackBerry Connect, GoodLink, Nokia Business Center, Seven Mobile Mail, Seven Always-On Mail, and Visto Mobile, the Nokia E61 provides seamless and encrypted mobile connectivity.  Full attachment handling (documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF viewer and ZIP manager) and an editing function (document, spreadsheet and presentation) are included.  The Nokia E61 also includes the same advanced business call features and IP-based telephony functions as the Nokia E60 and Nokia E70.  The Nokia E61 can send and receive emails, even when on a phone call.  The Nokia E61 operates in GSM850/900/1800/1900 and WCDMA2100 networks.
 
The Nokia E70: The all-in-one messaging device
06_e70_lowres.jpgAt first glance, the Nokia E70 looks like a modern smartphone. Open it up and find a full messaging keyboard for fast and easy thumb typing, a generous color screen for viewing emails, plus attachments (document, spreadsheet, presentation, PDF viewer and ZIP manager) and an editing function (document, spreadsheet, presentation) for staying up-to-date with the inbox.  Like the Nokia E60 and Nokia E61, the Nokia E70 supports a common set of applications like advanced voice and email. Nokia will offer two versions of the Nokia E70 – one optimized for mobile networks in Europe and Asia (GSM900/1800/1900/WCDMA 2100) and one optimized for mobile networks in the Americas (GSM850/1800/1900), yet both versions are able to roam in GSM networks across regions.
 
Nokia also offers a comprehensive service portfolio for its business devices and solutions ranging from technical support to implementation, professional services and technical training.  Nokia’s services are available to better serve customers and enable successful end-to-end mobility solutions.
 
A complete list of Nokia E60, Nokia E61 and Nokia E70 features and technical specifications can be found at www.nokia.com/business . For further information about device and solution availability, please contact your local Nokia representative and local network operator.
 
Photos of the Nokia E60, Nokia E61 and Nokia E70 can be found at www.nokia.com. Video B-roll of the Nokia Eseries can be found at www.nokia.com/press/broadcastroom.
 
About Nokia
Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

Palm and Hutch Deliver Highly Acclaimed Treo 650 Smartphone to India

The Treo 650 smartphone provides Hutch customers with increased mobility and a way to simplify their business and personal lives with an all-in-one device,” said Paul Blinkhorn, vice president for Palm Asia Pacific. “Whether it’s reviewing email, viewing a presentation or simply making a conference call, the Treo 650 smartphone lets busy people manage the critical components of their lives while out of the office

MUMBAI, India–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Oct. 11, 2005–Palm, Inc. (Nasdaq:PALM) today announced that its award-winning Palm(R) Treo(TM) 650 smartphone is now available on the Hutch network in India.

"The Treo 650 smartphone provides Hutch customers with increased mobility and a way to simplify their business and personal lives with an all-in-one device," said Paul Blinkhorn, vice president for Palm Asia Pacific. "Whether it’s reviewing email, viewing a presentation or simply making a conference call, the Treo 650 smartphone lets busy people manage the critical components of their lives while out of the office."

Naveen Chopra, corporate vice president of Group Marketing at Hutchison Essar, said, "Hutch is committed to bringing its customers value-added services that consistently enhance their service experience and help manage business with optimum efficiency, even while on the move. The Treo 650 smartphone is truly a professional mobile handset that will aid Hutch customers in optimizing our high-end services."

About the Palm Treo 650 Smartphone from Palm, Inc.

Building on the award-winning Treo 600 design, the Treo 650 smartphone from Palm makes it easier than ever for mobile professionals to stay connected. With carrier activation, the Treo 650 combines a compact, full-featured mobile phone with email, an organizer, messaging and web access,(1) allowing users to organize and simplify their business and personal lives all in one place. The Treo 650 offers integrated Bluetooth(R) technology, a higher-resolution screen, multimedia capabilities, a removable battery, non-volatile memory, an improved backlit keyboard, and support for direct corporate email access to Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 using VersaMail(R) email software.(2) More information can be found at www.palm.com/Treo650.

About Hutchison Essar

Hutchison Essar, with over 9.2 million mobile users under the Hutch and Orange brands, is one of the most reputable telecom companies in India. Over the years, it has been named the "Most Respected Telecom," the "Best Mobile Service in the country" and the "Most Creative and Most Effective Advertiser of the Year."

(Figures from Cellular Operators Association of India, as of August 2005).

About Palm, Inc.

Palm, Inc., a leader in mobile computing, strives to put the power of computing in people’s hands so they can access and share their most important information. The company’s products for consumers, mobile professionals and businesses include Palm(R) handheld computers, Palm Treo(TM) smartphones, Palm LifeDrive(TM) mobile managers, as well as software, services and accessories.

Palm products are sold through select Internet, retail, reseller and wireless operator channels throughout the world, and at Palm Retail Stores and Palm online stores (http://www.palm.com/store).

More information about Palm, Inc. is available at http://www.palm.com.

(1) Within wireless service coverage area only. Email, messaging and web access requires data services from a mobile service provider at an additional cost.

(2) Requires Exchange Server 2003 and access enabled by IT administrator.

Palm, LifeDrive and Treo are among the trademarks or registered trademarks owned by or licensed to Palm, Inc. All other brand and product names are or may be trademarks of, and are used to identify products or services of, their respective owners.