Tag: 3g

Report : It’s Time India Should Get High Speed Unlimited Data Plans

India has been stuck in the internet revolution for many a years. And while the country is progressing at a rapid speed, infrastructure is not growing fast enough. With new businesses sprouting each day, the need for a connected economy has increased considerably.

India’s Massive Market

India is one of the largest consumers of mobile phones in the world. Enough so, that many manufacturers have put India in the first list of launch countries. According to the TRAI Performance Indicator Report, India has 414.18 million wireless GSM connected users as of March 2015. But this is just in the rural sector, the all India number is at ~~705.21~~ 928 Million according to the COAI report of May 2015 and Others report of Dec 2014. This number also receives staggering growth of 2.5% month on month in the Rural sector and a growth of 0.90% month on month nationwide.

What appears to be a small growth percentage, 2.5% growth means that the industry is adding approximately 10.2 million rural subscribers a month at the current trend. This additional user base earns the industry approximately Rs. 1200 crore each quarter. This large number is only a dip in an industry that moved around Rs. 26781 crore in revenue in Q4 2014.

The large revenue for the telecom operators is driven largely by the large number of users and large user base additions each month. But how much has the industry progressed since the begining of the internet age.

[pullquote_left] By the End of 2014 the World was Consuming 3000 PetaBytes of Data [/pullquote_left]

Global consumption of mobile data is through the roof. By Q4 2010 the world was only getting acquainted to mobile data and consumption of data on a portable phone was at 400 PetaBytes (mobile data traffic Up+Down). However, by the end of 2014 the world was consuming 3000 PetaBytes of Data. The industry estimates that the growth with continue by 60-70% each month.

Global Launch Trends

HSPA 42 Mbps networks have been commercially launched in 86 countries, while LTE networks have been commercially launched in 112 countries. So far, 40 LTE TDD networks have been made commercially available in 27 countries, with 27 operators launching LTE services using only the TDD mode, and 13 deploying both TDD and FDD modes together. 6 In a mixed LTE FDD/TDD network, the use of FDD for the uplink can improve the effective coverage area of the TDD band, and can also make TDD more efficient on the downlink.

On the other side mobile operators in 75 countries have now launched HD voice commercially. VoLTE or “voice on LTE” provides users with telecom-grade HD voice, video calling and other new, richer communication services on LTE smartphones.

State of Indian Networks

Despite all the launches mentioned above, India remains as a part of none of them. While India contributes to a large percentage of global mobile data usage, it all somehow comes from poor data connections.

It is estimated that if connection quality and speeds were to improve in India, the present data consumption would increase by 400%. A number that the industry should play close attention to. Over 60% of the data consumption in India was mobile data by the end of 2014.

Mobile Data Drivers

Out of the total mobile data consumed in India, 45% comes from video playback from websites like YouTube. A large chunk of music streaming services are also responsible for driving mobile data in the country.

Mobile Data Usage

[pullquote_left]55% of mobile data will be consumed for Video services[/pullquote_left]

Globally, YouTube is responsible for consumption of 40-60% of mobile data, a number which is relatively lower at 17% in India due to mobile data connectivity and speed limitations.

It is estimated that by the year 2020, 55% of mobile data will be consumed for Video services. Reaching this percentage will be possible by the implementation of 5G mobile data globally. 5G services are being tested in over 8 countries as we read this, while implementation for global markets is kept at 2019. India (and some other markets) are not a part of this implementation list.

India is about 5 years behind the 4G rollout targets (Dec 2010) and 2 years behind LTE 2.0. HD Voice and Video are not being talked about by the Indian industry leaders, despite the fact that India is one of the largest contributors to the overall revenue for the mobile industry.

Data and Future

India needs fast internet access, as a developing nation, its metropolitan cities need to be connected to the world. With a boom in startup culture and high paying jobs with international markets, most suffer due to lack of internet access. Video consumption and video calling with services like Skype, Google Hangouts and even FaceTime are at an all time high and consumers end up paying large sums of money just to say connected.

[pullquote_right]FUP has slowed down growth[/pullquote_right]

The biggest limiting factor in the whole telecom industry is the limited usage policies implemented by the companies. The limited usage policy or fair usage policy (FUP) was first implemented by Airtel and Tata Teleservices to prevent users for exploiting their internet connection speeds and downloading illegal materials from the internet.

The FUP has since not been removed and with no pressure from TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) this antiquated method continues to haunt each user.

Airtel is one of the biggest users of this aged method of policing the usage of high speed data and is also one who exploits its use the most to benefit in the long run. Airtel has annoying auto redirects (Smart Bytes) that transfer you to a buy page insisting that you buy additional data packs to continue on the fast speed. These packs are usually 4-5 times the cost of the bundled data and tend to really hurt consumers financially.

The world is getting connected, using a highway of data which is not only fast but also super efficient and budget friendly.

Unlimited data is one of the perks of a liberated growing economy. The current government showed success by choosing the internet as a means of communications with its potential voters. There are claims from our telecom ministers claiming that “India plays a crucial role in the future of the internet.”

However, we are no where near that future. Most operators globally offer the ability to choose a plan that suits the customers needs. The United States and countries like United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, Canada and many others are not familiar with the term FUP. In fact, any form of throttling is against the law in many of these countries. Terming the so called limiting plans as “marketing gimmicks” countries have ensured that the consumer gets what he pays for, no more and especially no less.

Google Fibre Deployment Map

Then there are packages from the likes of Google Fibre limited in reach and availability, Google has made possible speeds of upto 1000 Mbps for as little as US $ 70/month (chump change compared to what iGyaan spends for Internet) available at residences across the United States. They also offer a “Basic Plan” which is at 5 Mbps downloads and 1 Mbps uploads (unlimited) for a price of US $0 if you pay the installation fee. Free Internet! If that does not help the startup economy, then what else will?

Something needs to change

India and Indians deserve the ability to get unlimited internet, the users seem to be paying for it, but nobody seems to be getting it. Riddled by hidden corporate talk and contracts that fool the customers into believing that they are getting the best possible deal. Everybody has the right to stay connected, and a fast internet connection is more like a lifeline today.

Many sectors in the country do offer high speed data connections for a higher price. However, these too are controlled by limits, and speed drops are often too high. A 100 Mbps connection from Airtel Fibrenet drops to a mere 512 Kbps post a 100GB download. A simple math calculation will tell you that it takes just 2 Hours, 23 Minutes and 9.93 Seconds to download 100 GB on such a connection. Post the download you either have to pay heavy sums of money to get data packs or live with a devastatingly slow 512 Kbps which would take 19 Days, 10 Hours, 2 Minutes and 1.6 Seconds to download the same 100 GB. Airtel charges INR 5,999 + tax for this plan , making it well over US $100. Now compare this to Google’s 1000 Mbps line with no limits whatsoever, which costs US $ 70 /month.

Something needs to change and fast! Sign our petition below and be part of the voice of change. #StopFUP #EndFUP

June 16, 2015
BSNL Aims to Install 2,500 3G and 4G Wi-Fi Hotspots Across The Country

BSNL officially announced that it will be investing Rs 7,000 crore in setting up WiFi hotspots with 3G, 4G networks across the country within the next 3 to 4 years.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”Anupam Shrivatava” author_title=”Chairman and Managing Director of BSNL”]

Wi-fi is an obvious choice for BSNL going forward but it alone cannot be successful. It has to be integrated with 3G, 4G network so that the customer can be seamlessly transferred to WiFi. In two to three years, we will be investing Rs 7,000 crore to set up integrated WiFi across the country.

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BSNL has already started rolling out the service in places like Varanasi and aims to extend it to more tourist spots by the end of this year. Additionally, BSNL has also partnered along with QuadGen Wireless for setting up Wi-Fi hotspots on a revenue sharing basis. QuadGen will be setting up WiFi hotspots in the South and the West Zone under the terms of the partnership. Anupam Shrivastava says they aim to set up at least 2,500 WiFi hotspots around the country.

In the words of M S S Rao, Chief General Manager of BSNL Telecom, since huge amounts have been invested in the spectrum auction, it is a high time to invest in the networks. BSNL seems to be taking the right steps in ensuring that all part of our well connected.

April 3, 2015
2014 saw a 74% Increase in Mobile Data Traffic in India

A new report says that there has been a 74% increase in the mobile data traffic in India, generated by 2G and 3G mobile data connections till the end of 2014, as compared to the beginning of the same year. This rise is primarily driven by the 114% growth in 3G traffic and a 41% growth in 2G traffic.

As per a Nokia Networks report on mobile broadband performance in India, 3G consumption was a 52% of the total data consumption in December 2014 as compared to 42% in January. 3G users surpassed 2G users in September of 2014 and their data usage increased to 688 MB per month on an average, indicating a 29% jump when compared to 2013. Also, a 3G data user uses approximately 3.2 times more data than a 2G user in 2014.

[quote text_size=”small” author=”Sandeep Girotra” author_title=”Vice President and Head of India Region, Nokia Networks”]

The 2014 study results clearly show the strong momentum of 3G in India, which has been the primary driver for the data traffic growth. A surge in 3G and 4G compatible Smartphone use underlines the greater need for operators to expand the 3G network coverage and selectively rollout 4G services for higher speeds across all the circles while modernising the existing 2G networks.

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There are a very few circles where 4G connectivity is already live, but the numbers of cities with 4G access are growing. According to the reports, out of a total of 5.5 million LTE capable devices available, only around 85,000 are subscribed to LTE.

All the aforementioned details are the part of the Nokia Networks’ Mbit Index study which is an annual report that measures the growth and performances of mobile broadband services throughout the year.

February 20, 2015
Verizon Phases Out 3G; Is it Already Time We Add it Amongst Obsolete Technology?

Just a couple of years back, 3G was all the rage in India. With massive investment in advertising, we were made to believe 3G would deliver lightning fast speed and make our life a lot easier. But even after a considerably long time, 3G is still catching up in this country. The connectivity is still pathetic and rarely do we get the speeds which are advertised. But while 3G is still in the process of finding itself, 4G LTE has come to the country and is fast setting up shop at various places in India. Meanwhile in the US, communication giant Verizon seems ready to phase out its 3G network as the 4G LTE services are fast picking up speeds.

Wireless tracker Milan Milanovic is reports that Verizon is now providing LTE services off its 1900 MHz band which is usually reserved for 3G data. The company says that it is just a test, and they are not making any active transition. Testing is the right way forward as better technology slowly supersedes the previous generation by offering better services. And just like Cassettes, CD’s, 1G and 2G before it, 3G will also be shown the door someday. But not for now. Even with the high costs and low connectivity, 3G services are still showing growth.

In the grand scheme of the mobile world, there have been four generations of service that provided connectivity between the portable devices. First there was the analog cellphones which came under 1G(the G stands for generation) followed by digital phones that came under 2G. Then came 3G, which was dubbed the mobile broadband. If provided right, 3G services are capable of speeds up to 400Kbps to almost ten times that speed. Finally, we come to 4G which is also known as LTE(Long Term Evolution). Though LTE is one of the components of 4G technology along with HSPA+ 21/42, WiMAX but LTE is the most prominent of all, and it is considered true 4G because of its high mobile speeds.

There has been a barrage of LTE capable devices around the world including India. All major network providers are fast setting up the network. LTE capable devices are also arriving at sub Rs. 10,000 price range, which not only makes them future ready but also future proof. In many nations, 4G networks are fast becoming the norm. By about 2016, the first LTE only phones will start arriving into the market. So 3G still has a considerably long time before its bags are packed and shelved.

4G, like its predecessor, is fast arriving to replace the previous generation technology. As we move towards a purely data based communication system, where apps are fast replacing voice calling and SMS, we can expect a demise of 3G by the end of the decade. Instead, it might get replaced by 4G and public Wi-Fi’s with high speeds and all round coverage. By shifting to voice-over-LTE, networks can offer all mobile features in one service. Seems like there are only happy times ahead for the mobile world.

December 5, 2014

Intex Launches Tablet IBUDDY Connect II

Intex launched the IBUDDY Connect in the market earlier this year and now is ready with the new tablet which is IBUDDY Connect II. The new tablet is available online to shop in some websites.

The new Intex tablet IBUDDY Connect II supports 3G, and has a 7 inch HD Display with a 1024 x 600 resolution. It is powered by a A5 dual core, 1.2GHz processor with 512MB RAM. Surprisingly this tablet runs on Android 4.0 when we have Android 4.3 in the market. This device is available on few online websites for 7500 INR.

It comes with 4GB inbuilt storage that can be expanded up to 32GB. The tablet features SIM slot with voice calling support. It comes pre-loaded with apps such as Skype, Facebook, Moto Racing and Office Suit PRO to handle documents on the go. There is a 3000 mAh battery that can deliver up to 4 hours usage on WiFi.

Excluding this new tablet Intex has 9 more tablets which are Aura, Tablet Pulse II, Tablet Avatar 3, Tablet Avatar 2, Tablet IBUDDY 3, Tablet IBUDDY Connect, Tablet Titan 3G, Tablet IT-M016AL DEZIRE and Tablet IT M809RC AVATAR. If you are planning to buy a new tablet which one would you consider to buy ?

Product specifications :

Make	Intex
Device Type	Tablet
OS	Android 4.0
Proccessor	A5 Dual Core 1.2 Ghz
Chipset	Qualcomm MSM8625A
GPU	Adreno 205
Primary Camera	2 MP
Secondry Camera	0.3 MP
Battery	3000 mAh
Video	Support recording 720p video

August 12, 2013

Airtel Ordered To Stop 3G Services In 7 Regions, Fined

DoT on Friday issued a fresh order to Bharti Airtel to stop intra-circle 3G roaming in seven circles where it did not have the spectrum and also levied a penalty of Rs 350 crore (Rs 50 crore per circle) on the company for violating the licence terms and conditions. Airtel has been asked to stop the services within three days.

DoT is expected to send a similar notice to Vodafone India Ltd next week. Bharti Airtel is likely to approach the Delhi high court for a stay on the notices. Friday’s notice is the second to be sent to Bharti.

Last week, DoT made a case for sending the notices on the grounds that the operators were selling new 3G connections in circles where they did not get spectrum in the 2010 auction. This was not allowed as their telecom licences in those circles were not modified to allow them to offer the high-speed wireless data services. The licences were specifically amended for circles where they won 3G spectrum in 2010.

Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and Idea won 3G airwaves in 13, nine and 11 circles, respectively, in the 2010 auctions, and between them have a national footprint. They subsequently entered into intra-circle roaming pacts with each other and rode on the airwaves of their partners in circles where they did not hold spectrum themselves. This enabled them to offer high-speed data services on a pan-India basis.

[Via LiveMint]

March 16, 2013
Hands on with the Samsung Galaxy Camera EK-GC100, Android Jelly Bean, massive 4.8-inch display, 21x zoom, WiFi and 4G (PR)
Samsung has reinvented the Camera or has it, while others are struggling with the likes of Gingerbread, Samsung has launched a Jelly Bean touting 4.8 edge-to-edge 1,280 x 720-pixel (308 ppi) display.

It has a touch-enabled viewfinder and a few hardware buttons on board, including a flash release (incase it doesn’t automatically pop up), a power button, zoom toggle and shutter release.

With the Auto mode, you’ll have access to a touch-to-focus system while leaving the rest of the computing to the camera.

Smart Pro Mode is Samsung’s version of intelligent auto, offering ideal settings for 10 different scenarios, such as the Waterfall Trace and Night Trace options, which slow down the shutter speed for daylight and evening shoots, respectively. They also have full control mode, which allows you to choose from full Manual to Programmed Auto, Aperture priority and Shutter Priority.

The camera will be available in a series of colours and with many accessories, including a waterproof case.
- 1/2.33-inch BSI CMOS sensor
- 16-megapixel
- 21x, f/2.8-5.9, 23-480mm lens
- WiFi with 3G and 4G connectivity
- micro-SIM
- microSD card
- 1,650 mAh battery (seven hours of battery life)
[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

Samsung presents ‘Camera, Reborn.’ – the GALAXY Camera

The new device combines leading-edge camera capabilities with Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean and wireless network connectivity, letting users shoot, edit and share images easily anywhere, at any time

BERLIN, Germany – August 29, 2012 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd, a global leader in digital media and digital convergence technologies, has today announced the launch of the GALAXY Camera. Developed to fit the changing ways we communicate, the GALAXY Camera combines high performance photography with the latest Android™ 4.1 platform, so called Jelly Bean, and wireless network connectivity, creating a brand new type of device. Samsung GALAXY Camera fits perfectly for those who wish to shoot, edit and share high quality photographs and video easily and spontaneously from anywhere, at any time.

“The GALAXY Camera opens a new visual communication era and shifts a paradigm in communication. With the growth of social networks and the prevalence of smartphones and tablets, people today communicate faster than words. As we increasingly articulate our experiences through pictures and videos the GALAXY Camera has been created to lead the way in this new era of visual communication. Communication becomes more vivid and lively with high-quality images and instant sharing anywhere, anytime,” said JK Shin, President of IT & Mobile Communications Division at Samsung Electronics.

Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President of Mobile and Digital Content at Google, congratulated the Samsung team on their launch. “When we first started work on Android, we envisioned building a smart camera that would take digital photography to the next level. The GALAXY Camera is an innovative product that speaks to the openness and flexibility of the Android platform.”

The GALAXY Camera makes outstanding photography on the go. Users never again have to sacrifice picture quality if they want to edit and share their photos instantly. It easily outperforms any smartphone camera. The GALAXY Camera, boasting a 21x super long zoom lens and a super-bright 16M BSI CMOS sensor, delivers pictures in brilliant quality. The device also features ‘Smart Pro’ technology, a series of modes that make professional-looking photography easy for anyone to achieve. What truly revolutionizes this photography experience is Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean and wireless connectivity, which opens up the device to applications for photo-editing, sharing, and much more. Users will experience all of GALAXY Camera’s great features on a market-leading HD Super Clear LCD. With stunning clarity, incredible ease-of-use and unparalleled connectivity, the GALAXY Camera is the next step in imaging innovation.

Shoot stunning quality images
The GALAXY Camera’s ‘Smart Pro’ feature makes it easy to recreate advanced photographic setups in just a few simple steps for stunning artistic results. Using the easy-to-navigate menu system, users can choose from a series of preset scenario options which will automatically adjust the camera’s settings in order to capture the perfect photo. For example, the ‘Rich Tone’ setting delivers images with greater intensity – particularly effective for reducing overexposure in bright surroundings, while the ‘Light Trace’ setting automatically controls shutter speed for atmospheric night scenes full of light trails.

The GALAXY Camera’s 21x optical zoom can be controlled by either button or touchscreen, rendering long-distance pictures in a quality that users will be proud to share, while OIS ensures that images stay clear and crisp. The camera’s 16 Megapixel 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS sensor captures images in brilliant color and resolution, while the 23mm aperture lens delivers impressive wide-angle shots incomparable to smartphone pictures.

Enjoy your photos and video on a world-leading display
The GALAXY Camera boasts large and vivid enough camera display – a 4.8″(121.2mm) HD Super Clear LCD screen, which makes it a pleasure to shoot, share and edit images from the palm of the hand. Another advantage of smartphone technology is the Voice Control option which allows the user to control a number of functions such as ‘Zoom in’ and ‘Shoot’ through voice. All these features are housed in a beautifully designed, ergonomic body with the GALAXY Camera’s minimal, organic design complementing its easy-to-use professional features.

Edit and perfect images on your device
The GALAXY Camera includes a comprehensive set of 35 powerful photo editing features through the ‘Photo Wizard’, allowing users to make professional quality edits on the go. The new features take advantage of the ultrafast quad-core processor and HD Super Clear LCD, giving access to a feature like Auto Face Calibration so edits can be made in precise detail and with ease. The ‘Movie Wizard’ also allows users to create and edit expert-quality videos easily from the touch screen.

The GALAXY Camera also features ‘Smart Content Manager’, an innovative on-device organization tool which intelligently creates folders, tags faces, and even suggests which pictures to delete when they don’t come out as desired. Thanks to the combination of wireless connectivity and Android™ 4.1 Jelly Bean OS, the internet capabilities of the GALAXY Camera are equal to those of the latest smartphone so that users can get even more enjoyment out of their device. In addition to the pre-installed applications from Samsung, users can browse the web and enjoy any applications from Google Play or Samsung Apps stores. If users are not sure which app to download, ‘S Suggest’ will help them recommend a new photo editing app or fun game to download.

Share your images anywhere, anytime
The camera’s convenient ‘Auto Cloud Backup’ feature will automatically save precious photos into the cloud via Samsung’s AllShare the instant they are taken. The GALAXY Camera also allows users to share photos at the same time as they shoot them with ‘Share Shot.’ As well as sharing to social networks and cloud services, users can also connect to a range of GALAXY devices including the GALAXY SIII and GALAXY Note II for effortless and automatic sharing of pictures across the GALAXY family. The new device enables connection to 3G or 4G, allowing photo sharing and browsing anywhere. The GALAXY Camera also functions on Wi-Fi with Dual Band and Channel Bonding for extra speed. Connectivity is supported by a quad-core processor that enables fast web-browsing and multi-tasking, as well as high-speed image processing without a significant impact on battery life.

The GALAXY Camera comes in two connectivity options: a 3G and Wi-Fi version or a 4G and Wi-Fi version.

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August 30, 2012
MapmyIndia introduces 3G, Android enabled CarPad 5

MapmyIndia, provider of digital maps, navigation and location-based services, has launched CarPad 5, a connected car product. Built on Android OS, CarPad 5 is an all-In-One GPS Navigator, Smart Phone and 3G Tablet. It 5 runs on a 1GHz Samsung processor (Cortex A8, S5PV210) and features a 5 inch capacitive touch screen. It is priced at Rs 19,990 and contains the CarPad windshield mount and Car charger.

The navigation device has built-in 3G & Wi-Fi and comes preloaded with Aura, MapmyIndia’s fully 3D and connected GPS navigation interface.

Rakesh Verma, managing director at MapmyIndia said that the CarPad 5 is one of the many in-car productivity gadgets they plan to launch in the near future.

The company claims Aura maps offers real-time traffic updates, house level search, security (track and trace) and discount offers in the vicinity. It covers over 6.3 million places, 5,79,000 towns and villages, 4000 cities at street-level, house-level data for 36 cities and 3D landmarks and building footprints for 34 major cities.

The navigation device is 3G enabled and allows users to call, message, mail and chat, search and browse the web at high speed, and access social networks.

August 8, 2012
Reliance Launches New Android-Based 3G Tablet

Reliance Communications Ltd. has launched its new fully-loaded 3G Tablet on Android platform. Reliance said the new 3G Tablet is set to further enhance the user experience with incredible affordability and bundled offerings.

The Reliance 3G Tab comes with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with Android 2.3 OS and a 1.4 GHz processor. This latest 3G Tablet from Reliance comes with a better screen resolution of 1024 x 600, loaded with 512 MB RAM, and a better 5 point touch experience. The new light weight (402g) tablet comes with a better 3.0 MP rear camera and a front camera, enables video calling, among other key features, catering to both business users as well as the youth segment.

The Reliance 3G Tab is supported by Reliance’s IP-based 3G network across 13 circles across 333 towns in the country. To further enhance its value proposition, Reliance is offering free benefits worth Rs. 6250/- to its 3G customers where in they can enjoy free 3 GB of 3G data for 3 months, 3 months free video calling for Local and STD to Reliance 3G, free voice rental for 12 months (Postpaid) along with free global calling worth Rs. 250/-, 1 year free subscription on McAfee Mobile Security, 2 months free subscription of BigFlix, a free 4 GB micro SD card.

[quote]”Having redefined the Tab market in the country with an overwhelming response from our existing customers and in line with our endeavor to develop the device eco system, the new 3G TAB is sure to enhance customer experience on our seamless IP enabled superior 3G network bundled with exciting offers at an affordable price point,” said Sanjay Behl, Group Head – Brand & Marketing, Reliance Communications Limited.[/quote]

July 19, 2012
Tata Docomo slashes wireless internet service tariffs by 60% in Bangalore

Tata Docomo, the telecom brand of Tata Teleservices, slashed its tariff plans for Tata Photon Plus postpaid and prepaid customers by up to 60 percent. Tata Photon Plus postpaid users can now avail 6GB of data for Rs. 950, and 11GB data for Rs. 1,200 (both valid for 30 days month).

The other two postpaid tariff plans are Rs. 250 for 1GB (which earlier was priced at Rs. 650) and Rs. 450 for 2GB (which earlier cost Rs. 750). Prepaid users can now get unlimited 2GB usage for Rs. 700.

The operator has also revised its 3G data tariff prices. For 1GB of 3G data, users need to shell out Rs. 255. For 1.5 GB and 2 GB, the operator is charging Rs. 350 and Rs. 450 respectively.

Check out the press release below :

[toggle_box title=”Press Release” width=”Width of toggle box”]

Tata DOCOMO, the unified telecom brand of Tata Teleservices, has announced irresistible offers for its Tata Photon Plus Postpay and Prepay customers across India. The company is showering its customers with delightful offers of high internet speeds at affordable prices thereby reducing its tariff plans upto 60%

Tata DOCOMO Photon Plus postpay customers can choose from unlimited 6GB usage for only Rs. 950 rental or unlimited 11 GB for only Rs.1200/-. These 2 unlimited plans also offer cash back of Rs 100 per month for 12 months from date of purchase.

Tata DOCOMO entry level packs now cost Rs 250 that offers 1GB of data download as compared to Rs 650 earlier. Likewise Rs 450 pack which earlier cost 750 will offer 2GB

For the first time, Tata DOCOMO introduces Reload packs for Photon Plus Postpay customers with 1GB@Rs 200 & 2GB@Rs 350. What this essentially means, that customers can now continue to enjoy uninterrupted high speed internet post consumption of their data limit.

Tata DOCOMO Photon offers unlimited Internet surfing plans, usage based plans and much more. Prepay customers can now get unlimited 2GB usage on recharge of Rs. 700. There are various prepay plans that customers can choose based on usage and wallet.

Announcing the offers, Mr. A P Sriram, COO, Tata DOCOMO Karnataka Circle said, “These exciting plans for our Tata DOCOMO Photon Plus post-pay and pre-pay customers are the latest addition in our ever-expanding portfolio of differentiated and affordable offerings. We continue to deliver on our promise to provide value for money plans that suit the various needs of our customers. Such offers are an extension of our maxim of providing a refreshing experience to our customers.”

Notes to Editor

About Tata Teleservices Limited

Tata Teleservices Limited is one of India’s leading private telecom service providers, having a pan-India presence across all of India’s 22 telecom Circles. The company offers integrated telecom solutions to its customers under the unified brand name Tata DOCOMO and operates its wireless networks on GSM, CDMA and 3G technology platforms. Tata Teleservices Limited, along with Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Limited, operates in more than 450,000 towns and villages across the country. After its collaboration with Japan’s NTT DOCOMO in November 2008, Tata Teleservices launched 2G GSM services under the Tata DOCOMO brand name in all the 18 telecom Circles where it received spectrum from the Government of India, in June 2009. Since then, the Company has established a strong brand connect for Tata DOCOMO in India and has been at the forefront of redefining the telecom experience in India, launching innovative products and services that have impacted Indian consumer lifestyles. TTL is the clear market leader in the enterprise space as well, and has market leadership in many product lines, such as mobile broadband with the Photon family of wireless access devices. TTL’s bouquet of telephony services includes mobile services, wireless desktop phones, public booth telephony and wireline services.

For details, visit www.tatateleservices.com and www.tatadocomo.com.

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July 3, 2012
Vodafone follows in Footsteps Reduces 3G Tariffs by Upto 80% – New Tariffs

Vodafone has been slow to react, but have reacted none the less. Following suit after Idea and Airtel dropped 3G tariff prices. Vodafone has been quick to jump onto the bandwagon, announcing new 3G tariff plans that are almost 80% lower than previous plans in some cases, and even lower than Idea cellular and Airtel Tariffs.

With reduction in tariffs, Vodafone also announced there will be no additional charges for roaming on data usage. “Additionally, Vodafone will now allow its customers to use data from their bundle package while on-net roaming across any location in India without any additional charge,” a company statement said.

The 3G tariff war is happening at a time when most of the operators are up in arms against the high reserve price of spectrum proposed by sectoral regulators Trai. The government is likely to take a decision on spectrum price in the Empowered group of Ministers meeting on July 21.

The operators have warned that mobile bills could increase by up to 100 per cent in certain circles if the proposals are accepted. According to industry experts, the price war in 3G tariffs may be an effort to cash huge investments made by telecom operators.

June 21, 2012
HCL working on 7″ WiFi plus 3G Tablet called Y2

Mr. Gautam (left) with Pariniti Chopra

At its press event in Delhi, Mr Gautam, Head of mobility division, HCL, revealed that they are working on a tablet, called the Y2, with a 7″ screen which would have WifI+3G capabilities. Not much details were given but we were told that the device would surely be launched in August. It would be HCL’s third tablet device (all 7″) and would be targeted at the Rs 8000/- price range. It would most probably run on ICS.

Currently HCL have an overall market share of 18% with around 3000 retailers.

June 20, 2012
New Idea 3G dual-sim phone launched at Rs 5994

The device will come with data plan benefits

After selling over 1 lakh units of its previous models of 3G phones, from the “What an idea sirji” campaign, Aditya Birla group led Idea launched a new dual-sim (GSM+GSM) 3G device, the ID-918 made by Alcatel in China priced at Rs 5,994.

It runs on Android 2.3 Gingerbread and features include FM Radio, 150 MB internal memory, expandable memory up to 32GB with microSD (2GB card included), 512 MB RAM, 256 MB ROM and a 1300 mAh battery.

Along with the handset, Idea is also offering benefits worth Rs 2,340 apart from a 2 GB data per month for three months after 48-72 hours of recharge.

June 16, 2012
iBall Slide 3G-7303 launched, MRP Rs 16,499

The highlight of the device is its inbuilt 3G capabilities

iBall’s launched its latest tablet, the Slide 3G- 7307, at an MRP of Rs.16,499 with the best buy price of Rs. 15,499. According to the company, the USP of this tablet is that it comes with built-in 3G capability.

What’s disappointing is that the device comes with Android 2.3 Gingerbread and no indication has been given as to whether it will get an update to ICS or not.

It features a 1GHz processor,supports 8GB storage expandable up to 32GB and can play 1080p HD videos. The built in high speed HSPA+ 3g supports upload download speeds up to 7.2 Mbps and download upload speeds up to 5.76 Mpbs. The tablet features a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with an 800 x 480 resolution and Front and rear camera. Also included an a direct USB, HDMI port, supporting simultaneous use on tablet as well as TV.

The pricing could have been better as you can get your hands on a Samsung Galaxy Tab2 P3100 by paying just a little more, which seems like a better option.

June 16, 2012
Report : Internet Trends report finds online growth driven by China and India

India, China and Vietnam have all seen triple digit percentage growths in 3G penetration since last year, according to the report by venture capital firm KPCB. Also out of the 663 million online users added over the last three years major chunk comes from India and China. According to the report boon in connectivity is also being pushed by the broader availability of 3G data connections. However , the lack of properly set infrastructure leads to incorrect number swapping. You can read the full report below.

May 31, 2012