Latest Mobile Phones, News, Reviews in India : FoneArena The Mobile Blog

Nokia strengthens its preparations for China 3G

Nokia announced today that its Networks business group has successfully completed a High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) call, reaching the speed of 3.2 Mbps, at its facilities in Beijing, China

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 30, 2005

Nokia strengthens its preparations for China 3G: Completes high speed HSDPA call

An important step in developing mobile broadband

Espoo, Finland – Nokia announced today that its Networks business group has successfully completed a High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) call, reaching the speed of 3.2 Mbps, at its facilities in Beijing, China. The call underlines Nokia’s strong position in HSDPA development.

The data call, which achieved stable throughput, was made in a Nokia network using a test terminal. Earlier this year, the Nokia Research Center in China completed the industry’s first High Speed Uplink Packet Access) HSUPA demonstration.

The first commercial HSDPA software release for network infrastructure offering up to 1.8 Mbps download speeds will be available in 2005 from Nokia, followed by a simple software upgrade to 3.6 Mbps starting mid 2006 according to commercial terminal availability.

"Nokia is encouraged by the results of its HSDPA development work in China," said Keith Sutton, Vice President, Technology Office, Networks, Nokia China. "The high speed HSDPA call is part of our ambitious HSDPA development timetable. It further demonstrates Nokia’s strong capability in 3G, offering world class performance for our customers. The announcement today reaffirms our position as the leading 3G mobile infrastructure and solution partner in China area as well as our commitment to the market. "

Nokia has a substantial R&D commitment to China having six R&D units including two 3G R&D Centers covering both radio and core network technology development. Besides the Nokia MetroSite 50 WCDMA Base Station, the Nokia Flexi WCDMA Base Station recently launched will be made available for the China market in order to allow operators to build their network in a totally new way, with unprecedented rapidity and low cost.

The Nokia HSDPA solution is a software upgrade to the WCDMA 3G network that offers end users significantly faster download speeds. Operators upgrading their networks with the Nokia HSDPA solution can take advantage of improved data rates and throughput, enhancing the efficiency of the network to support a higher number of users at a lower cost per user. The Nokia HSDPA solution allows operators to provide enhanced end-user services at significantly lower cost per bit. Currently, several operators are testing the first HSDPA release, showing encouraging test results.

Later, an upgrade to High Speed Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA) with enhanced upload speeds, will be available in a similar manner. Nokia’s upload speed is today already 384 kbps. Nokia currently has over 20 HSDPA contracts, 7 of which have been published.

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.

Nokia and PLDT cooperate in Fixed-Mobile Convergence solutions in the Philippines

Nokia and the leading telecommunications provider in the Philippines, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), have set up a Next Generation Network Laboratory to develop and test end-to-end Fixed-Mobile Convergence services prior to their commercial launch.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 30, 2005

Nokia and PLDT cooperate in Fixed-Mobile Convergence solutions in the Philippines

Espoo, Finland – Nokia and the leading telecommunications provider in the Philippines, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), have set up a Next Generation Network Laboratory to develop and test end-to-end Fixed-Mobile Convergence services prior to their commercial launch. The Next Generation Network Laboratory can leverage PLDT’s current fixed and mobile networks to create converged services for PLDT Group customers.

Nokia has provided the Next Generation Network Laboratory with end-to-end Fixed-Mobile Convergence solutions, comprised of Unified Core and converged access networks as well as Nokia multimedia and VoIP enabled terminals.

"At the PLDT Group our mobile arm Smart Communcations has been a global pioneer in many new GSM services, like m-Commerce and electronic pre-paid top-ups. We see convergence as an opportunity to provide our customers with new innovative services that will drive the future growth of our business," says Don Rae, Chief Operations Adviser, PLDT. "Convergence is an important part of PLDT’s vision, and the Next Generation Network Laboratory provides us with a test bed where we can trial new ideas and services before commercial launches."

"We are delighted to be working with PLDT to address emerging opportunities for combining fixed and mobile networks and services in the Philippines," says Markku Nieminen, Account Director, Networks, Nokia. "Nokia is trialling its converged solutions with many leading operators worldwide, providing powerful solutions for consumers and corporate customers, as well as fixed and mobile networks, in what is shaping up to be a new chapter in this industry."

As an example of the new services development, PLDT and Nokia organized a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) contest for Filipino application developers called the "SIP Challenge". Forum Nokia provides the developers training and assistance, and they can test their IP-based applications at the Next Generation Network Laboratory.

The Nokia Unified Core includes the Nokia IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), the Nokia VoIP Server, the Nokia MSC Server System (MSS), Nokia Media Gateway (MGW), Nokia Intelligent Service Node (ISN), Nokia Intelligent Content Delivery (ICD) for multi-access control and data services charging and Nokia D500 IP DSLAM.

Nokia has been the main GSM network supplier to Smart Communications since 1998.

About PLDT

PLDT is the leading telecommunications provider in the Philippines. Through its three principal business groups – fixed line, wireless and information communications technology – PLDT offers a wide range of telecommunications services across the Philippines’ most extensive fiber optic backbone and fixed line, cellular and satellite network.

PLDT is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE:TEL) and its American depositary shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:PHI) and the Pacific Exchange. PLDT has one of the largest market capitalizations among Philippine listed companies.

Further information can be obtained by visiting the web at www.pldt.com.ph.

About Nokia

Meet the Nokia 9300i Smartphone

Nokia today expanded its business device portfolio with an addition to its high-end smartphone range, the Nokia 9300i. Incorporating WLAN connectivity with a full keyboard, 65,536-color screen, support for a broad range of enterprise email solutions and an attachment viewer, the Nokia 9300i is the perfect combination of design and function and is ideally suited to meet the tough demands of mobile professionals.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 29, 2005

This smartphone just got smarter: The new Nokia 9300i is well connected with WLAN and a variety of email solutions

Joins the Nokia 9300 enterprise smartphone and other Nokia business devices designed to excite and empower the ?inbox? crowd

nokia 9300i

NEW YORK, USA – Nokia today expanded its business device portfolio with an addition to its high-end smartphone range, the Nokia 9300i. Incorporating WLAN connectivity with a full keyboard, 65,536-color screen, support for a broad range of enterprise email solutions and an attachment viewer, the Nokia 9300i is the perfect combination of design and function and is ideally suited to meet the tough demands of mobile professionals.

With the addition of WLAN connectivity, the Nokia 9300i enhances productivity by providing a reliable and cost-effective data connection for downloading large files or email1 with attachments. 80 MB of memory capacity (expandable up to 2GB with an optional MMC card) provides ample space for file storage, and the wide color screen makes it easy to view different types of documents, spreadsheets, presentations and web sites. Add outstanding voice capabilities and the Nokia 9300i enterprise smartphone is a great all-in-one device.

“Nokia continues to offer more choices for individuals looking for fully featured smartphones built specifically for business use,” said Niklas Savander, senior vice president of Nokia?s business device unit for the Enterprise Solutions business group. “Our business customers want continuity as well as a constant stream of improvements in our products. The Nokia 9300i delivers just that as it combines WLAN and other features with a suite of powerful applications and email solutions.”

The Nokia 9300i smartphone supports E-GPRS (EDGE) and WLAN 802.11g, five party conference calling via an integrated speakerphone and multiple email clients (with attachments), including BlackBerry Connect, IBM WebSphere, Oracle Collaboration Suite, Seven Always-On Mail and Visto Mobile. The Nokia 9300i smartphone also integrates infrared and Bluetooth capabilities, giving users two different ways to wirelessly synchronize their devices to a desktop PC or laptop, as well as exchange data with other mobile devices.

Planned availability for the Nokia 9300i smartphone is Q1 2006. Nokia will offer one tri-band version of the Nokia 9300i optimized for mobile networks in Europe and Asia (900/1800/1900 MHz) and capable of operating in compatible GSM networks in the Americas. For further information on features and availability, please visit www.nokia.com. For information on pricing, please contact your local Nokia representative.

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.

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 wins GSM expansion with Indonesian Indosat

One of the largest network operators in Indonesia, Indosat, has chosen Nokia to expand its GSM network in Bali and Java

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 29, 2005

Nokia wins GSM expansion with Indonesian Indosat

Espoo, Finland – One of the largest network operators in Indonesia, Indosat, has chosen Nokia to expand its GSM network in Bali and Java, excluding Jabotabek (Jakarta and surrounding areas), with radio network and circuit and packet switched core networks. Nokia will also supply cellular transmission for East Java. The expansion will further enhance Indosat’s service quality and coverage, and provide a network, which is prepared for future technology upgrades. A part of the expansion has been concluded as part of a three-year framework agreement signed by Nokia and Indosat in June.

Nokia also provides the Nokia NetAct(TM) network and service management system, as well as network planning, implementation and optimization services. The NetAct(TM) solution maximizes operational efficiency and ensures speed and quality on services to end users, allowing operators to embrace market opportunities and increase customer loyalty. Deliveries have already started.

Nokia provides Indosat superior network coverage in Java, including rural areas, with high quality products and rapid roll-out capability. Indosat is one of the largest cellular players in Indonesia with total subscribers of 12.7 million as of September 30, 2005.

"We are honored to continue our close collaboration with Indosat," says Henrik Brogaard, Account Director, Networks, Nokia. "This cooperation demonstrates again Nokia’s commitment to the development and growth of Indosat’s business, as well as delivering high quality services to the consumers in the region. Indonesia has a tremendous growth potential, and with Nokia’s industry leading GSM/GPRS systems and solutions, Indosat is able to easily support the expected subscriber growth with quality coverage, and evolve its network to future technologies and services."

About Nokia

Nokia and 3 Scandinavia work together on 3G push to talk

okia and 3 Scandinavia are trialling Nokia Push to talk over Cellular (PoC) service in the Swedish market. With push to talk, people can use their mobile phones like walkie-talkies, communicating with a selected group or with individuals at the push of a button

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 28, 2005

Nokia and 3 Scandinavia work together on 3G push to talk

Espoo, Finland – Nokia and 3 Scandinavia are trialling Nokia Push to talk over Cellular (PoC) service in the Swedish market. With push to talk, people can use their mobile phones like walkie-talkies, communicating with a selected group or with individuals at the push of a button. The trial is initially targeted to business users, but private and business users alike can benefit from this simple, direct communication.

To ensure the success of the trial in 3 Scandinavia’s WCDMA 3G network, Nokia leverages its leading position in GSM-based PoC, unique experience from terminals, knowledge of consumer behavior, and systems integration. Nokia will provide selected push to talk handsets, including Nokia 6280, for potential use in the trial.

"We strive to offer innovative services to appeal to all our customers. Push to talk is a fascinating new service for business users in particular," says Jörgen Askeroth, Chief Technology Officer, 3 Scandinavia. "We chose to trial push to talk with Nokia because their end-to-end solution will be compliant with the OMA (Open Mobile Alliance) standard, and because of Nokia’s service commitment and capability to support the PoC platform."

"We are very pleased to work together with 3 Scandinavia in trialling push to talk," says Bob Bird, Vice President, Networks, Nokia. "We are confident that this trial strengthens Nokia’s position as a leader in push to talk worldwide."

Nokia’s end-to-end push to talk solution offers a full feature set, and will be compliant with the OMA standard. Nokia’s solution is compatible with the IP Multimedia Subsystem as standardized in 3GPP, and it will be capable of supporting various push-to-media, such as video. With commercial contracts for 45 PoC service offerings, and several operator trials ongoing, Nokia is leading the market for Push to talk over Cellular in GSM. Nokia has launched 30 PoC handsets, out of which 20 are available in Sweden and 5 are 3G terminals.

About 3

3 is the leading mobile broadband and media operator in Scandinavia and was the first to launch 3G services in Sweden in May 2003 and Denmark in October 2003. In Scandinavia, 3 is a joint venture between Hutchison-Whampoa (60%) and Investor AB (40%). 3 services are available from sister companies in Australia, Austria, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Italy and United Kingdom. 3 also holds UMTS 3G licences in Indonesia and Norway.

About Nokia

Nokia enhaces IDEA Cellular’s Services

IDEA Cellular, a leading mobile operator in India, and Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, have launched Nokia’s Intelligent Content Delivery System (ICD) solution on all IDEA’s mobile networks across India.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 28, 2005

IDEA Cellular chooses Nokia Intelligent Content Delivery to become India’s 1st operator to charge differentially for data services

Espoo, Finland – IDEA Cellular, a leading mobile operator in India, and Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, have launched Nokia’s Intelligent Content Delivery System (ICD) solution on all IDEA’s mobile networks across India. The Nokia ICD solution enhances IDEA’s mobile packet core network capabilities and enables it to connect both prepaid and post-paid subscribers to data services and charge them according to the value of traffic and content. This makes IDEA India’s first and only operator to charge differentially for data services, thereby increasing its revenue streams.

Nokia ICD solution allows IDEA to provide data services, such as downloadable ringtones, music, games, browsing, streaming, MMS and content based SMS, to both prepaid and post-paid customers and charge for them differentially.

"IDEA has always been at the forefront of providing innovative data services to its customers by leveraging the latest technologies. We have taken another significant step in that direction by charging online for data services for our prepaid customers. Data services usage is on the rise and it was important to not only extend data services to prepaid customers but also charge customers differentially depending on the importance of the service for them," said Vikram Mehmi, CEO, IDEA Cellular. "Nokia’s technology combined with strong systems integration capabilities made Nokia the natural choice as we enhance our service machinery to support our increasing data services offering."

Systems integration of the Nokia solution to IDEA’s existing network environment (Multivendor Integration) and specific customization are key part of the agreement. In addition, Nokia provides IDEA with a comprehensive set of services, including delivery services, Help Desk, software maintenance and emergency support.

"The Nokia ICD solution deployment for IDEA is the first of its kind in the Indian telecom market, and is a strategic step in the Nokia – IDEA relationship. This is the first deployment of the Nokia ICD solution in India and Nokia is the sole supplier of such a solution for IDEA across all its networks," said Ashish Chowdhary, Country Head, Networks, Nokia India. "The Nokia ICD solution will enable IDEA to drive greater revenues from its data services offering to its customers."

The Nokia ICD solution is a network based centralized service and content control system, which enables operators to analyze, charge and manage services in a flexible manner. The Nokia ICD solution helps the operator provide highly segmented services for different subscriber groups, providing advanced tools for service and subscription profiling and management, as well as for charging and access differentiation. All services can be charged either offline as postpaid or online from the user’s prepaid account. Nokia has over 48 references for the Nokia Intelligent Content Delivery.

About IDEA Cellular

As India’s leading GSM Mobile Services operator, IDEA Cellular has licenses to operate in 11 circles. With a customer base of over 6 million, IDEA Cellular has operations in New Delhi, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Uttaranchal, Haryana, UP- West and Kerala. IDEA Cellular’s footprint currently covers approximately 45% of India’s population and over 50% of the potential telecom-market.

Customer Service and Innovation are the drivers of this Cellular Brand. With GPRS currently available on all its’ networks, for both pre and post paid customers, IDEA Cellular is the first company to commercially launch next generation EDGE technology (a 3G technology) for its Delhi circle.

As a leader in Value Added Services, Innovation is central to IDEA’s VAS Factory. It is the first cellular company to launch music messaging with ‘Cellular Jockey’, ‘Global SMS’ in over 540 networks across all technology platforms, a voice portal with ‘Say IDEA’. A frontrunner in introducing revolutionary tariff plans, offering maximum savings to its customers, IDEA Cellular has the distinction of offering the most customer friendly and competitive Pre Paid offerings, for the first time in India, with ‘Eco Talk’, ‘Flexi-charge’ and other segmented offerings. The most recent offering – ‘Lifetime Idea’ is the first and only loyalty program, for pre paid customers, introduced by a Cellular brand and Pay Easy which is bill payment through the effective use of the pre-paid channel. IDEA is the only operator in the world to launch this service. Idea is the only cellular operator who has launched a complete suite of Mobile Email services.

Idea has many milestones to its credit, mainly – scoring the highest percentage in Metros and Circle B & C in Customer Satisfaction and the highest percentage in Value Added Service and Overall Sales satisfaction as per the Voice and Data – Customer Satisfaction Survey in December 04. The largest M&A deal in India INC, through its acquisition of Escotel in 2004 and its Rs. 5000 crore financial closure, both being largest ever in the history of Indian telecom.

IDEA Cellular Ltd. is headquartered in Pune.

About Nokia

Nokia not to move R&D activities from China to India

Global mobile phone giant Nokia has assured China that it will further beef up investments in the country and will not relocate its Research and Development centres to India, which is also a very promising market with great potential

Nokia not to move R&D activities from China to India
Beijing: Global mobile phone giant Nokia has assured China that it will further beef up investments in the country and will not relocate its Research and Development centres to India, which is also a "very promising market with great potential".

The rapid rise of India as a major telecom market will not affect Nokia’s investment plan in China, Chief Executive Officer of Nokia, Jorma Ollila, said here. The deregulation of India’s telecom market has resulted in an investment boom. The country has an increasing number of high-profile investment deals from global technology giants.

"India is a very promising market with great potential. Obviously we have high expectations there," Ollila was quoted as saying by ‘China Daily’. But Nokia will continue to beef up investment in China and "has no plans to move R and D (activities) to India (from China)," he said. The CEO of the Finnish firm said the subscriber growth in China will continue to grow and that Nokia is well positioned to benefit from the robust subscriber growth here.

"We believe that by 2010, China will have added another 250 million mobile subscribers, making it the single largest mobile market in the world," he said. Currently China has more than 380 million mobile subscribers. Nokia controls a 33-34 per cent share of the global mobile phone market, the paper said. Ollila said the firm now has more than 30 per cent share of the Chinese handset market, including Hong Kong and Taiwan.

Cell phones are safe according to Dutch health council

According to the Dutch health council there is no evidence that radiation from mobile phones and towers is harmful to people. The Dutch Electromagnetic Fields Committee of the council studied research from around the world done between 2003 and 2005 and said the outcome of studies proved either inconclusive or did not meet scientific criteria. The council disagrees with some studies that show a connection between living in the proximity of a base station and the occurrences of cancer or increased risk of leukemia. The Heath council also said that it remains unclear to what extent the long-term use of a mobile phone is related to the occurrences of acoustic neuromas or non-malignant tumors.

Source:
Reuters

Nokia wins USD 141 million GSM network expansion with BSNL in India

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), one of India’s leading telecommunications companies, has awarded Nokia a comprehensive GSM/EDGE and GPRS network expansion project in North India.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 24, 2005

Nokia wins USD 141 million GSM network expansion with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) in India

Espoo, Finland – Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), one of India’s leading telecommunications companies, has awarded Nokia a comprehensive GSM/EDGE and GPRS network expansion project in North India. The expansion, valued at USD 141 million, will include core and radio network equipment, and an extensive range of services.

The expansion will enable BSNL to significantly increase its network coverage and capacity in the states of Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Uttaranchal, Uttar Pradesh (both east and west circles), Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan. It gives BSNL the chance to introduce the benefits of mobility to 2 million new Indian subscribers, and underscores Nokia’s commitment to the dynamic Indian market.

"This is an important network expansion to BSNL as we strive to offer the best network coverage and capacity to our subscribers," says GS Grover, Director Commercial & Marketing, BSNL.

"We are delighted to strengthen our successful cooperation with BSNL," says Ashish Chowdhary, Country Head, Networks, Nokia India. "This expansion provides BSNL the ability to enhance its network coverage and capacity, and shows the strength of Nokia’s full range of service offerings."

Services play an important role in the contract, including complete network planning and optimization, infrastructure design, supply and implementation, and commissioning as well as systems integration and Nokia’s over-the-air (OTA) device management solution. This expansion is an extension of a USD 284 million GSM/EDGE and GPRS contract signed by Nokia and BSNL in 2004.

Nokia’s operations in India include networks and terminals sales divisions, three Research and Development facilities and an upcoming manufacturing facility in Chennai that will produce both terminals and GSM infrastructure equipment. Nokia also plans to open a Global Networks Operation Center in India by the end of the year.

About Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)

BSNL is India’s No. 1 telecommunications company and the largest public sector undertaking in India with authorized share capital of $3.6 billion and a net worth of $13.85 billion. It has a pan-India network with over 42 million subscribers across 5000 towns and almost 12.5 million GSM cellular subscribers. www.bsnl.in

About Nokia

Nokia wins over USD 55 million GSM network expansion deal from AIS in Thailand

Nokia and Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS), one of Thailand’s leading mobile phone service operators, have signed a deal worth over USD 55 million to expand AIS’ GSM network in the Northern, Central and Southern regions of Thailand.

NOKIA PRESS RELEASE November 23, 2005

Nokia wins over USD 55 million GSM network expansion deal from AIS in Thailand

Espoo, Finland – Nokia and Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS), one of Thailand’s leading mobile phone service operators, have signed a deal worth over USD 55 million to expand AIS’ GSM network in the Northern, Central and Southern regions of Thailand. The expansion will improve network coverage and capacity and enable AIS to boost service quality and offer innovative multimedia and convergence services.

Under the agreement, Nokia is supplying radio network expansion and Nokia Unified Core Network solutions, including IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), 3GPP Release 4 MSC Server and Nokia Presence solution. The expansion is supported by Nokia’s systems integration, implementation, optimization, project management and consulting services. The system continues to be supported by the unique multitechnology Nokia NetAct(TM) solution.

"AIS continues to dominate Thailand’s mobile services despite the challenges posed by the price competition in the market," says Ms. Arpattra Sringkarrinkul, Executive Vice President, Solutions AIS. "Thanks to Nokia’s flexibility and end-to-end capability, we have been able to quickly respond to the subscriber growth and to differentiate our service offering with new innovative multimedia and convergence services."

"Nokia is pleased to continue the successful cooperation with AIS in expanding its GSM network to meet the subscriber growth and heated local competition," says Somchai Thamsirisup, Account Director, Networks, Nokia. "The collaboration now extends to cover strategic non-voice and IP-based services."

Nokia has been working with AIS since the early 1990s, providing comprehensive services for the operator’s GSM infrastructure.

Nokia’s complete, end-to-end IMS solution enables operators to offer IP-based multimedia services such as push to talk and Presence. The solution includes the Nokia IP Multimedia Subsystem solution and application servers, which are connected to the IMS via the open IMS Service Control (ISC) interface. Nokia has over 30 Nokia IMS references, including 10 commercial deals.

The MSC Server System brings the operators improved efficiency by reducing the cost of building and operating mobile networks. Nokia leads the market in the 3GPP Release 4 mobile softswitch with over 70 customers for the Nokia MSC Server, over 20 of which are already in live commercial use.

Nokia Presence solution lets mobile subscribers know how and when they can reach their family, friends, or colleagues before making a call.

About AIS

Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS), a subsidiary of Shin Corporation PCL., is the established leader in Thailand’s wireless communications industry after more than 15 years of services with its subscribers based more than 16 millions and market share more than 50%.

To date, AIS service network covers 795 districts (amphur) throughout Thailand, plus international roaming across in six continents. Additionally, indoor coverage has been greatly expanded in both Bangkok and the provinces. AIS has continuously enhanced and expanded its network in order to respond to the market and technological advances, whilst keeping abreast of consumers’ growing demands and needs. It continues to integrate the latest in advanced technology and deliver more than just voice communication, with GPRS and EDGE technology.

AIS strongly believe that wireless communications bring changes to the way Thai people live their life, regardless of who they are and what they do. With endless communications possibilities, the quality of life is better. Visit our web site at www.ais.co.th

About Nokia

Nokia 6708 in the US

In October the Nokia?s division in Japan announced the 6708, a smartphone with the touch screen powered by Symbian OS with UIQ 2.1 interface. This model seems to be upcoming to the US market

Nokia prepares the release of its 6708 in the US

In October the Nokia’s division in Japan announced the 6708, a smartphone with the touch screen powered by Symbian OS with UIQ 2.1 interface. This model seems to be upcoming to the US market – at the FCC site you can see test photos and some info on the Nokia smartphone. However the site doesn’t provide exact name for the sake of confidentiality. However the index 6708 appears every now and then in the user’s manual at the site

Here is the info from that manual:

    * Standards GSM/GPRS (900/1800/1900 MHz)
    * Operating system Symbian v7.0 UIQ 2.1
    * Touch screen with 208×320 pixels and 65K colors
    * 1.3-megapixel camera
    * Talk time up to 5 hours
    * Standby time up to 300 hours
    * Slot for SD cards
    * Interface – miniUSB 1.1, Bluetooth, IrDA
    * Dimensions – 118x52x18 mm
    * Weight – 150 g

via:[pconline.com.cn]

Opera 8.50 Now Available for Series 60

Opera Software announced yesterday version 8.50 of the Opera Mobile browser, compatible with all Symbian Series 60 smartphones

Opera Software announced yesterday version 8.50 of the Opera Mobile browser, compatible with all Symbian Series 60 smartphones.

The new version of the browser offers faster navigation, customizable keypad shortcuts, enhanced image handling and more extensive language support. One other important feature included in this update of the mobile browser is a password manager that makes it easier to log into different accounts that require a username and password
combination.

Opera Mobile 8.50 is available in a number of new languages, such as Hong Kong Chinese, Indonesian, Russian and Swedish.

Series 60 owners will benefit from Opera’s Small-Screen Rendering (SSR) technology, which dynamically reformats full Web pages in order to fit the small screen of a mobile phone. SSR keeps as much of the original page design and layout as possible and adapts the page to fit the width of the screen, which means the user will no longer need to scroll horizontally.

http://www.opera.com/products/mobile/products/s60/

Rural India next target for mobile giant Bharti

NDIAN plumbers and electricians may earn only ?50 a month and live in a shack with no running water but they all seem to have mobile phones, thanks to a company celebrating its 10th birthday this week

NDIAN plumbers and electricians may earn only £50 a month and live in a shack with no running water but they all seem to have mobile phones, thanks to a company celebrating its 10th birthday this week.

In 1995, Bharti Televentures chose to ignore market analysts who warned the market for mobiles in New Delhi would be only 7,000 people. It now has 1.8m subscribers out of the capital’s total of 5m. The country has 66m subscribers with almost 3m being added every month.

Indians are grateful to Bharti; it liberated them from having to cringe before corrupt government officials and wait years for a phone connection.

Office 12 for Mobiles

As Microsoft pushes the old office suite forward once more. It seems that this new release will also make available versions of applications inside the suite, custom made for mobile devices

Everybody is expecting the release of a new Beta for Office 12 as Microsoft pushes the old office suite forward once more. It seems that this new release will also make available versions of applications inside the suite, custom made for mobile devices.

At the end of last week, Microsoft sent notices to the first group of testers accepted to participate to the Office 12 Beta 1 program. The company let the testers know they should expect to receive the Beta 1 code, documentation
and support sometime in the next two to three weeks.

In addition to the Office 12 desktop suite, Microsoft is also updating the Exchange Server and SharePoint Portal Server products.

Still, the issue of Office 12 for Windows Mobile is not very clear as none of the Microsoft representatives made any official statements on the subject. We are aware of rumors from partners close to Microsoft who said there is another Office 12 suite, designed for Windows Mobile, that will include viewers for Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and these applications should be light enough to run on smartphones and PDAs.

Spice Telecom kicks off New Strategic Initiatives

Spice Telecom, the premier telecom service provider today announced that Mr. Prakash Nanani has taken over as the Chief Executive Officer for Punjab and Karnataka circles. Mr. Prakash Nanani unveiled the new Spice logo.

Spice Telecom kicks off New Strategic Initiatives

Mr. Prakash Nanani takes over as the Chief Executive Officer for Punjab & Karnataka circles
Spice unveils the new brand logo
Launches first of its kind Lifelong Validity Offer on Mahabuck

Chandigarh, October 28, 2005: Spice Telecom, the premier telecom service provider today announced that Mr. Prakash Nanani has taken over as the Chief Executive Officer for Punjab & Karnataka circles. Mr. Prakash Nanani unveiled the new Spice logo. The new Spice logo shall be common to Spice group companies operating in the ICE (Information, Communication & Entertainment) sector. The new brand identity is derived from the Brand Core Purpose, Brand Vision & Brand Values. Mr. Prakash Nanani also announced the launch of a first-of-its kind ‘Life time validity’ offer on Mahabuck for Spice pre-paid subscribers.

Mr. Prakash Nanani takes over as the Chief Executive Officer, Spice Telecom

Mr. Prakash Nanani, has taken over as the CEO, he confirmed the news of the exit of Distacom from the mobile service venture. The Honk Kong based Distacom, the foreign shareholder has sold its stake in the B.K.Modi promoted Spice Telecom, to Ashmore Investment Management Ltd., a financial investor and the Deutsche Bank Group.

Mr. Nanani also stated that Mr. Navin Kaul, former Chief Operating Officer, Punjab circle, has taken over as the Chief Operating Officer, Karnataka circle.

Speaking at the occasion Mr. Nanani, stated that “Spice being the oldest cellular operator in this region, has always remained focused and committed towards developing state-of-the-art telecommunication infrastructure and Spice Telecom is also in the process of consolidating and investing in various disciplines, like network and technology upgradation, increase in infrastructure and resources and also enhancement of the brand image.”

New Spice Logo

Spice is owned by Mcorp Global, the holding company for the brand. Mcorp Global is focusing on the ICE sector and in this direction has been building on the strength of its subsidiaries that have been in operation in this sector, like Spice Telecom & Spice Mobile. The group has also made recent forays into certain specific market segments of the ICE sector, like Spice Malls & Multiplexes. The group believes that it will gain from having a common brand for the ICE sector, as it would be able to gain from the economies of scale in branding & marketing. A common consumer brand shall also foster greater consumer awareness for the brand and in time lead to greater trust in the brand.

The Spice logo is depicted in Orange, Purple, Green, Blue & Yellow colours. The colors of the brand logo depicts specific values that are synonymous to Spice Telecom: Orange – Vibrancy, Purple – Innovation, Green – Freshness, Blue – Trust & Yellow – Fun.

The new Spice brand identity is derived from the Brand Core Purpose, Brand Vision & Brand Values. The strategy for the brand is captured concisely by these:

Brand Core Purpose: To always be the first to provide user-friendly and innovative solutions for young minds in the ICE space

Brand Vision: To be the most preferred choice for energetic young minds
for ICE products and services by 2011

Brand Values: Fun, Innovative, Vibrant, Empathy, Trust, Speed of Response

The new Spice identity shall be shared by a group of companies namely: Spice Telecom (GSM service provider), Spice Mobile Phone (Mobile Handset), Spice Mega Malls & Multiplexes (Commercial Property (Development & Management), Spice Films (Film Production), Spice Onshore Telecom BPO and Spice IT Peripherals (Printers & Computer Hardware). The new Spice logo will ensure that a common identity is created that is synergistic and relevant to all the companies. All these companies shall work in tandem to provide consumer delight.

First of its kind offer – Life time Validity on Maha Buck

Spice today announced the launch a first of its kind offer in India for Spice Megatalk pre-paid subscribers termed as the ‘Maha Buck’ offer. Maha Buck provides
Spice Megatalk subscribers Life time validity on a recharge of Rs. 3300.

The details of Spice Maha Buck Voucher are as follows:

MRP of Maha Recharge: Rs.3+300/-

Talktime on Maha Recharge: Rs.500/-

Validity on Maha Recharge: Life Long

Subscriber who avail this offer cannot have zero balance for consecutive 90 days, and will have to be on the Megatalk tariff plan.

About Spice Telecom

Spice is Punjab’s premier mobile phone service provider and is the first cellular operator in India to be ISO 9001-2000 certified for its entire operations. Spice has an extensive network across more than 205 cities and towns in the state, covering 95% of Punjab’s urban area. In addition, it also covers more than 3250 km of roads and highways in Punjab including connectivity on the National Highway and GT Road. Spice subscribers can roam on national and international networks. In fact, Spice has the highest International roaming coverage involving tie-ups with over 414 International operators across 199 countries.