India is on its way to deploying Wi-Max, which will bring high speed wireless broadband, with the C-DoTAlcatel -Lucent Research Centre successfully completing the country's first live Wi-Max field trial on Aircel's network. The trials were conducted using the 2.5 Ghz band. Wi-Max is set to be a disruptive technology that claims to deliver data speeds much higher than third generation services.
Speaking to Business Line, Mr Andre Mechaly, Product Marketing Vice -President, Alcatel-Lucent said, "Alcatel-Lucent is investing hugely on Wi-Max technology. This is a disruptive technology that is being deployed across the globe especially in emerging markets".
Mr Mechaly said that initially the technology will be taken up by fixed line operators who want to offer wireless broadband services.
He also said that low cost Wi-Max devices are being developed that will be launched in the second phase.
"Wi-Max technology is likely to become a widely used high-speed Internet access technology like DSL and cable modem access.
By offering customised, cost effective enterprise solutions using next generation technologies such as Wi-Max, Aircel aims to become the service provider of choice," said Mr Jagdish Kini, Group Chief Executive Officer, Aircel.
source: Hindu
Friday, February 16, 2007
Free Gmail account for all
Now anyone in India will be able to go to Gmail.com and create a free account. Until today, Gmail was an invitation only service. Google also launched a new downloadable Gmail for mobile application. From a user perspective the experience is very similar to using Gmail on a computer. Gmail for mobile is automatically synchronised with a user's Web-based Gmail account. The application is free-of-charge. One will need a Java-enabled handset and GPRS to use this service.
source: Hindu
source: Hindu
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Airtel, Reliance Curb roaming Tariffs
According to reports, both Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communications have reduced roaming tariffs and also scrapped rental rates for roaming services with effect from today, following the guidelines issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) last month.
Bharti Airtel, which has slashed roaming charges by 56 percent as compared with the current market rates, hopes that this move will definitely benefit its over 33 million subscribers.
After the reduction, a mobile user on roaming would be charged at Rs.1.40 per minute for making a local call as against existing rates of Rs.2.89-3.09. The charges for making STD calls on roaming would come down to Rs.2.40 per minute and that for incoming calls while roaming will be charged at Rs.1.75 per minute. The current charge for receiving incoming calls and making STD calls while roaming stand at Rs.3.54-3.99 respectively.
Moreover, Bharti Airtel has also waived off the roaming rental of Rs.49 per month along with the charges of the outgoing SMS while roaming that would now cost Rs.2 as against Rs.3.45.
Speaking at the occasion, Sanjay Kapoor, Joint President - Mobile Services, Bharti Airtel, said that they now usher in an era of simplified roaming tariffs wherein all Airtel mobile users will benefit from their seamless network and have the opportunity to make calls while traveling anywhere in India.
In a similar development, Reliance Communications has also reduced roaming charges by up to 44 percent on its pre-paid connections.
After the reduction, the company's local outgoing calls for roaming on mobile and fixed lines stands at Rs.1.40, inter circle outgoing at Rs.2.40, and incoming on roaming at Rs.1.75 per minute. However, Reliance Communications does not charge any roaming fees from their post-paid customers.
It is, meanwhile, learnt that the reduction in tariff is in line with pricing changes ordered by the TRAI in January this year, under which a reduction in roaming tariff of up to 56 percent had been stipulated for operators, besides an abolition of roaming rental charges and surcharge on national roaming services.
source: Techtree
Bharti Airtel, which has slashed roaming charges by 56 percent as compared with the current market rates, hopes that this move will definitely benefit its over 33 million subscribers.
After the reduction, a mobile user on roaming would be charged at Rs.1.40 per minute for making a local call as against existing rates of Rs.2.89-3.09. The charges for making STD calls on roaming would come down to Rs.2.40 per minute and that for incoming calls while roaming will be charged at Rs.1.75 per minute. The current charge for receiving incoming calls and making STD calls while roaming stand at Rs.3.54-3.99 respectively.
Moreover, Bharti Airtel has also waived off the roaming rental of Rs.49 per month along with the charges of the outgoing SMS while roaming that would now cost Rs.2 as against Rs.3.45.
Speaking at the occasion, Sanjay Kapoor, Joint President - Mobile Services, Bharti Airtel, said that they now usher in an era of simplified roaming tariffs wherein all Airtel mobile users will benefit from their seamless network and have the opportunity to make calls while traveling anywhere in India.
In a similar development, Reliance Communications has also reduced roaming charges by up to 44 percent on its pre-paid connections.
After the reduction, the company's local outgoing calls for roaming on mobile and fixed lines stands at Rs.1.40, inter circle outgoing at Rs.2.40, and incoming on roaming at Rs.1.75 per minute. However, Reliance Communications does not charge any roaming fees from their post-paid customers.
It is, meanwhile, learnt that the reduction in tariff is in line with pricing changes ordered by the TRAI in January this year, under which a reduction in roaming tariff of up to 56 percent had been stipulated for operators, besides an abolition of roaming rental charges and surcharge on national roaming services.
source: Techtree
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Yahoo! Messenger in Yahoo! Mail
According to reports, Yahoo! is planning to incorporate the Yahoo! Messenger Instant Messaging (IM) service into its email service, Yahoo! Mail.
Yahoo! IM will soon be made available on Yahoo! Mail, just the way rival Google has made Google Talk available on Gmail.
This will enable Yahoo! users to run the two programs on the same browser, eliminating the need to download the Yahoo! IM software.
The company had publicly given the first demonstration of the combined service at the Web 2.0 conference at Garlinghouse. The demonstration showed how the combined service works. When users open the Yahoo! account and insert an e-mail address, an icon appears showing if the person is online or offline.
In case of reverting back to e-mail, users will be able to choose to send an IM or not. Additionally, if the IM option is selected, a window for the IM conversation appears within the e-mail client, and the user can continue the conversation there.
While the existing version of Yahoo! Messenger offers Web-calling capabilities, the company is still considering on whether to include the feature in the combined service.
Reportedly, the combined service by Yahoo! will have a single interface, as opposed to that of Google which uses two separate interfaces.
The combined service is based on AJAX technology, and is expected to debut early 2007.
source: Techtree
Yahoo! IM will soon be made available on Yahoo! Mail, just the way rival Google has made Google Talk available on Gmail.
This will enable Yahoo! users to run the two programs on the same browser, eliminating the need to download the Yahoo! IM software.
The company had publicly given the first demonstration of the combined service at the Web 2.0 conference at Garlinghouse. The demonstration showed how the combined service works. When users open the Yahoo! account and insert an e-mail address, an icon appears showing if the person is online or offline.
In case of reverting back to e-mail, users will be able to choose to send an IM or not. Additionally, if the IM option is selected, a window for the IM conversation appears within the e-mail client, and the user can continue the conversation there.
While the existing version of Yahoo! Messenger offers Web-calling capabilities, the company is still considering on whether to include the feature in the combined service.
Reportedly, the combined service by Yahoo! will have a single interface, as opposed to that of Google which uses two separate interfaces.
The combined service is based on AJAX technology, and is expected to debut early 2007.
source: Techtree
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
wi-fi Rajdhanis & Shatabdis
TRAVEL by train and remain connected would be the next punchline of Indian Railways to pamper high-end passengers from airlines. All Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains would soon be equipped with wireless Internet service to enable passengers access Internet while on the move. An announcement to this effect is expected in the forthcoming Railway Budget.
“The service will be provided free of cost to all passengers in the high-end trains,” a senior official in the Rail Bhawan said. The wireless services would only be provided in Rajdhanis and Shatabdis, in step with the passenger profile of the trains.
“Some preliminary tests have been conducted in several trains to ensure effectiveness of the technology. As per results, its is possible to have an uninterrupted Internet access in the trains. The number of trains to be included in the service will be announced in the budget,” said the official.
Rail Bhawan has decided to enable the wi-fi service at major railway stations in the metropolitan cities. Apart from wi-fiing trains, the Railways have also earmarked 500 stations to be wi-fied in three years. RailTel, the railways telecom wing, has tied up with the US-based Pronto Net works for providing the service. This will enable passengers access Internet while waiting for trains.
Private companies would be roped in to implement the technology inside trains. RailTel would soon invite expression of interest from interested companies, the official said. The new facility would, however, not have a major bearing on the fares.
“The passengers will have to bear with only the security concerns as they board the train. The Internet connectivity and speed would be fast enough to get instantly logged on,” the official explained. The wi-fi communication box would be kept in a specialised AC coach in the train. The railways in the US and Europe already have wi-fi systems.
source: Economic Times
“The service will be provided free of cost to all passengers in the high-end trains,” a senior official in the Rail Bhawan said. The wireless services would only be provided in Rajdhanis and Shatabdis, in step with the passenger profile of the trains.
“Some preliminary tests have been conducted in several trains to ensure effectiveness of the technology. As per results, its is possible to have an uninterrupted Internet access in the trains. The number of trains to be included in the service will be announced in the budget,” said the official.
Rail Bhawan has decided to enable the wi-fi service at major railway stations in the metropolitan cities. Apart from wi-fiing trains, the Railways have also earmarked 500 stations to be wi-fied in three years. RailTel, the railways telecom wing, has tied up with the US-based Pronto Net works for providing the service. This will enable passengers access Internet while waiting for trains.
Private companies would be roped in to implement the technology inside trains. RailTel would soon invite expression of interest from interested companies, the official said. The new facility would, however, not have a major bearing on the fares.
“The passengers will have to bear with only the security concerns as they board the train. The Internet connectivity and speed would be fast enough to get instantly logged on,” the official explained. The wi-fi communication box would be kept in a specialised AC coach in the train. The railways in the US and Europe already have wi-fi systems.
source: Economic Times
Friday, February 9, 2007
Nokia Announces smart2go Mapping
Nokia has announced a navigation platform called smart2go mapping, which according to the company, is the most comprehensive map coverage offered on a mobile device. Nokia has also announced a mobile search application for content stored on devices.
Nokia's smart2go mapping platform allows for mapping and routing in over 150 countries, and has support for full turn-by-turn satellite navigation in over 30 countries.
The application allows people to locate their position on a map, search for points-of-interest (POI) around them, and create routes to get there free of charge. The platform shows over 15 million points of interest that help people explore the most interesting sights, restaurants, or accommodations around them, and send them to friends via MMS, Bluetooth, infrared, or e-mail.
Users can also send map excerpts and routes, or save screen shots on the device. Besides, recognized brands like McDonald's will have the option of placing their icons on maps across the world.
The smart2go is a hybrid map solution: map data from Tele-Atlas and Navteq can be downloaded directly via wireless network (GPRS/3G/WLAN), and stored on the memory card of the device. Once all the desired map data is stored, no network connection is required for mapping, routing, and navigating.
Moreover, smart2go comes with the option to upgrade to full fledged turn-by-turn navigation, where just a few clicks can turn the device into a voice guided navigation system by purchasing a navigation license. There are licenses available for various terms from one week to three years.
Initially, the company plans to start offering the application for free: from February 10th on select Nokia S60 and Windows Mobile 5.0 devices. Later, there are plans to support most of the major mobile OS platforms, including Nokia S60, Series 40, PocketPC, Linux, and other Windows Mobile devices. Moreover, the company plans to pre-install the smart2go mapping and navigation application on all future Nokia Nseries multimedia phones under the name "Nokia Maps".
For those who already own Nokia devices, "Nokia Maps" will be available for free download from www.smart2go.com on the supported devices. Interestingly, the non-GPS enabled mobile device can also enjoy the new navigation experience on a broad range of Nokia devices.
Nokia also announced its Mobile Search application for content stored on devices.
With this application, content such as email, text messages, and calendar entries to videos and music files stored on compatible Nokia devices can be found using Nokia Mobile Search indexes.
Mobile Search with 'My Content search' supports the Nokia N95, N93i, N93, N92, N91, N91 8GB, N80 Internet Edition, N80, N76, N73 Music Edition, N71, E70, E62, E61, E60, and 3250 devices, and is available as a free download for compatible devices at www.nokia.com/mobilesearch.
source: Techtree
Nokia's smart2go mapping platform allows for mapping and routing in over 150 countries, and has support for full turn-by-turn satellite navigation in over 30 countries.
The application allows people to locate their position on a map, search for points-of-interest (POI) around them, and create routes to get there free of charge. The platform shows over 15 million points of interest that help people explore the most interesting sights, restaurants, or accommodations around them, and send them to friends via MMS, Bluetooth, infrared, or e-mail.
Users can also send map excerpts and routes, or save screen shots on the device. Besides, recognized brands like McDonald's will have the option of placing their icons on maps across the world.
The smart2go is a hybrid map solution: map data from Tele-Atlas and Navteq can be downloaded directly via wireless network (GPRS/3G/WLAN), and stored on the memory card of the device. Once all the desired map data is stored, no network connection is required for mapping, routing, and navigating.
Moreover, smart2go comes with the option to upgrade to full fledged turn-by-turn navigation, where just a few clicks can turn the device into a voice guided navigation system by purchasing a navigation license. There are licenses available for various terms from one week to three years.
Initially, the company plans to start offering the application for free: from February 10th on select Nokia S60 and Windows Mobile 5.0 devices. Later, there are plans to support most of the major mobile OS platforms, including Nokia S60, Series 40, PocketPC, Linux, and other Windows Mobile devices. Moreover, the company plans to pre-install the smart2go mapping and navigation application on all future Nokia Nseries multimedia phones under the name "Nokia Maps".
For those who already own Nokia devices, "Nokia Maps" will be available for free download from www.smart2go.com on the supported devices. Interestingly, the non-GPS enabled mobile device can also enjoy the new navigation experience on a broad range of Nokia devices.
Nokia also announced its Mobile Search application for content stored on devices.
With this application, content such as email, text messages, and calendar entries to videos and music files stored on compatible Nokia devices can be found using Nokia Mobile Search indexes.
Mobile Search with 'My Content search' supports the Nokia N95, N93i, N93, N92, N91, N91 8GB, N80 Internet Edition, N80, N76, N73 Music Edition, N71, E70, E62, E61, E60, and 3250 devices, and is available as a free download for compatible devices at www.nokia.com/mobilesearch.
source: Techtree
MTNL Debuts Broadband with Wi-Fi
The company said these Wi-Fi services are enabled with CPEs (Customer Premises, Equipment) with a speed of up to 2 mbps. Using these CPEs, subscribers will now be able to create their 'Private hot spots' covering a range of 40 meters in their homes and offices. And they can also create 'Private public hot spots' through MTNL's prepaid broadband service.
Speaking on the occasion, A K Arora, Executive Director, MTNL, said, "Broadband with Wi-Fi is an initiative to create ease and comfort for our consumers while at home or work. With 2007 being declared as the 'Year of Broadband' MTNL's contribution to help increase Internet penetration and usage will be significantly driven by these kinds of services."
'Broadband with Wi-Fi' will bring convenience to consumers to the level that multiple computers, laptops, and PDAs can operate simultaneously. This will help household consumers who have more than one device at their residence. This service will also help educational institutions such as Engineering, Management, Medical and Research Institutes to save cost, and provide better work as well as learning environment.
Besides, convention centers like auditoriums, conference halls, seminar rooms can also be helped through this connection by providing better service, and in turn, they will be able to enhance their turnover.
The tariff plan for 'Broadband with Wi-Fi' includes registration fee of Rs 500, non-refundable security for modem of Rs 800, installation and testing for Rs 300, and monthly rental for modem Rs 150. And customers can choose any existing Broadband tariff plan for usage.
Meanwhile, existing customers will pay additional security of Rs 300, and monthly rental for Modem Rs 150 in place of Rs 50. They can also get this service by dialing 1500 or 22221500.
source: Techtree
Speaking on the occasion, A K Arora, Executive Director, MTNL, said, "Broadband with Wi-Fi is an initiative to create ease and comfort for our consumers while at home or work. With 2007 being declared as the 'Year of Broadband' MTNL's contribution to help increase Internet penetration and usage will be significantly driven by these kinds of services."
'Broadband with Wi-Fi' will bring convenience to consumers to the level that multiple computers, laptops, and PDAs can operate simultaneously. This will help household consumers who have more than one device at their residence. This service will also help educational institutions such as Engineering, Management, Medical and Research Institutes to save cost, and provide better work as well as learning environment.
Besides, convention centers like auditoriums, conference halls, seminar rooms can also be helped through this connection by providing better service, and in turn, they will be able to enhance their turnover.
The tariff plan for 'Broadband with Wi-Fi' includes registration fee of Rs 500, non-refundable security for modem of Rs 800, installation and testing for Rs 300, and monthly rental for modem Rs 150. And customers can choose any existing Broadband tariff plan for usage.
Meanwhile, existing customers will pay additional security of Rs 300, and monthly rental for Modem Rs 150 in place of Rs 50. They can also get this service by dialing 1500 or 22221500.
source: Techtree
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