Arun

The Telegraph Thursday , December 3 , 2009 Telecom operators claim to have pulled the plug on over 2.5 crore Chinese-make handsets that didn’t carry distinctive identification numbers but already there are reports that customers have found both legitimate and shady ways to stay connected. The mobile service providers were ordered to deactivate from December 1 all phones that didn’t have genuine international mobile equipment identity (IMEI) numbers. The IMEI is a 15-digit code that identifies a mobile phone. This number shows up on the operator’s network whenever a call is made or received from the handset. This is one of the ways that security agencies try to keep tabs on criminals and terrorists. The legitimate way to keep one of these phones operational is to pop down to any of the 1,600 centres that have been authorised to issue IMEI numbers in the country. The cost? Just Rs 199. These centres will mechanically implant an IMEI number on the affected phone. Amid reports that several customers had reactivated their phones through these centres, it was learnt that the Mobile Standards Alliance of India had officially closed this programme. MobileStore — one of the authorised entities to legitimise the “dead” Chinese handsets — said in a press release today that the company had successfully implanted 30,000 IMEI numbers at its 160 stores in 60 cities. However, there were reports that a number of shady operators had started embedding clones of genuine IMEI numbers on these phones, creating an illusion of authenticity and perpetuating a major security risk. “Some handsets have cloned the IMEI numbers which is reflected as genuine numbers at the service providers’ end and this can pose security risks,” said Pankaj Mahendroo, national president of the Indian Cellular Association. Industry mavens said it was difficult to distinguish between the genuine and fake phones though the mobile companies said they were doing everything possible to disconnect the illegal phones. The Global Systems for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) is the only body that supplies IMEI numbers to mobile handset makers worldwide through its reporting bodies. It also maintains a database of genuine IMEI numbers. This is activated and updated every 15 days. On Monday, the industry body representing GSM players — the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) — had approached the department of telecommunications as well as the home ministry seeking an extension of the deadline for deactivation. They argued that most customers who use these cheap Chinese handsets without IMEI numbers would not be able to afford a new handset. The COAI had wanted additional time so that such customers could get a software patch that would implant an IMEI number on the phones.

You can use plugins like "Emansio" to get "push" for most email providers if you do not have Exchange email service. You can also use third party applications like SEVEN << Moving to HTC forum >>

thanks, useful anyway as it shows whether the request is there or not. Topic title updated.

Can you give the link? I see the old tariff here: http://www.reliancecommunications.co.in/Rcom/rworld/home/tariff.html

Register here and check bill: http://myservices.relianceada.com

Hetal had sold the software (read source code) to a developer company for their use and so further development is done by them.

Please check post #2 in this topic

Search and order from www.ebay.com (not .in) from sellers who have international shipping.

@aka.bhagvanji: see "ashu.neo11" reply above

voted

Did he get the refund from eBay?

<< Topic Merged, thanks to Harshal for reporting it >>

Google's Chrome OS to be ready in 2010 Associated Press November 19, 2009 SAN FRANCISCO — Consumers will have to wait until next year's holiday shopping season to find out if Google Inc.'s new operating system can deliver on its promise to make low-cost computers run faster. Google set the late 2010 target date Thursday during its first preview of a much-anticipated operating system that eventually may mount a challenge to Microsoft Corp.'s Windows — the foundation for most personal computers since the 1990s. The Internet search leader announced plans in July for an operating system named after its Chrome Web browser. At the time, Google said Chrome OS would be ready during the second half of 2010. That left open the possibility that Chrome OS computers could be on sale as early as next summer. But Google is taking its time so outside programmers can contribute to Chrome OS, which is being developed under an open-source model in which anyone can help with development and share improvements. Google also intends to work closely with computer manufacturers to ensure they meet the Chrome OS's requirements. Chrome OS is initially expected to be limited to people looking for inexpensive, lightweight computers designed for Web surfing. None of the so-called "netbooks" running Google's operating system will have a hard drive, and they will need Internet access to run applications. That could limit interest among users who need their machines on the go and might find pockets of time without Internet service on planes or trains. Still, Google views the Chrome OS netbooks as a supplement to fully loaded computers that run applications on a hard drive. Google believes the Chrome OS could get heavy usage, given that most people spend most of their computer time connected to the Internet anyway. Suggested retail prices for the Chrome OS computers won't be set until closer to their debut. Google executives, though, indicated the Chrome OS should be in the same $300 to $400 range of other netbooks, even though the company isn't charging manufacturers to use its system. The computer manufacturers that have expressed an interest in using the Chrome OS include Acer Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Co. The Chrome OS also is an important step in Google's crusade to get people more comfortable with "cloud computing," the idea of keeping their applications and data on remote computers operated by a third party such as Google. Underscoring Google's commitment to cloud computing, the Chrome OS machines won't even have a hard drive. By leaving out that and other components, Google is promising the Chrome OS machines will seem more like a television than a computer because they will be ready to use within a few seconds of turning on the power button. Even the sleekest of Windows-powered machines typically require 30 seconds to 1 minute before applications can be opened. Google's foray into computer operating systems represents one of the most daring challenges yet in its escalating duel with Microsoft. While Google has been trying to attack Microsoft's software franchise, Microsoft has been trying to undermine Google's dominance of the Internet search and advertising market. Neither has made a significant dent so far. With their low price tags, Chrome OS also could potentially undercut Apple Inc.'s Mac computers. The increasing competition between Google and Apple prompted Google Chief Executive Eric Schmidt to resign from Apple's board just a few weeks after the Chrome OS was announced.

Select "Today's active content" link from the forum index page and select the time frame from the "Active in the last..." drop down.

45 days? I had changed it for my father's number last week and it got reset within 24 hours by sending SMS (TRING to 51234). It was a prepaid connection though.

Chat plugin for IPB is not available yet, hopefully it will be released in December, but the developers haven't given any date yet.

So has the hike been withdrawn as mentioned by "iyappan" or has it been increased for all?

MUMBAI, November 5, 2009: Techwhack · First Indian retail chain to diversify into handset distribution business · Targets distribution network of 10,000 retailers across 700 cities in next three years · Each Reliance World Store to be a distribution hub to manage MBO network · Handset business contribute 50% of Reliance Webstore’s overall revenues · Coolpad to contribute 30% of overall handset sales by Reliance · Coolpad’s special unit in China to develop differentiated products for the Indian market Reliance Webstore Limited, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Communications and the retail venture of Reliance ADA Group that operates a nationwide chain of Reliance World stores, has geared up its business operations for a major thrust in the handset retailing business. The company has diversified into handsetdistribution business in addition to its current focus of handset retailing through Reliance World and Reliance Mobile stores. As part of this strategic move, Reliance Webstore has established a new division to focus and grow its handsetdistribution business. Incidentally, this is the first time a retail chain is foraying into the distribution business. Reliance Webstore will follow the ‘Hub-and-Spoke’ business model to manage its handset distribution operations. This is the first time in India that the ‘Hub-and-Spoke’ concept is being deployed by a retail chain to distribute products. This uniquebusiness model will leverage Reliance World stores to act as distribution hubs. Each store will be responsible for registering its own channel partners and handset retailers and develop its own mini-distribution network. As part of its foray into the handset distribution business, the company has already signed-up more than 1200 handset retailers and Multi-Brand Outlets (MBOs) in nearly 100 towns. Commenting on the development, Mr Sarup Chowdhary, Director & CEO, Reliance Webstore Limited said, “We continually identify new growth opportunities by leveraging our Group’s synergies across multiple sectors and competitive advantage of Reliance Webstore’s overall retail network. Our ‘Hub-and-Spoke’ model for handset distribution is unique to India and will result in remarkable convenience and efficiencies in the distribution chain. In addition to our exclusive distribution agreement with Coolpad Communications, we have also identified other new business opportunities to leverage this model for a larger participation in the Indian telecom retail sector.” Reliance Webstore’s distribution model is designed to ensure that each registered retailer (spoke) is within 15-30 minutes’ distance of a Reliance World store. The Reliance World store (Hub) will act as a stocking and transaction point for these retailers, offering remarkable convenience and efficiencies in meeting market response & requirements. The model is also designed to cut the flab of traditional distribution models, resulting in attractive price-points for the end-consumers. This way, Reliance Webstore’s uniquebusiness model offers a win-win proposition for all — the manufacturer, the company, the retailer and the customer. Over the next three years, Reliance Webstore is targeting a distribution network of over 10,000 multi-brand outlets (MBO) and retailers spread across 700 Indian towns. This “Hub and Spoke” business model is expected to accelerate Reliance Webstore’s growth trajectory of its already profitable telecom retail business. In addition to retailing handsets, airtime, accessories and providing customer service for RelianceCommunications , the company’s chain of Reliance World stores will now distribute handsets to other retailers. The telecom retail business currently contributes over 50% to Reliance Webstore’s annual revenues and the distribution model is expected to further augment this share. The company has been focusing on growing this business further by entering into strategic global agreements with handset manufacturers, retailing of open market handsets and geographical expansion of its retail operations. Reliance Webstore’s handset distribution business foray immediately follows the company’s strategic agreement with Hong-Kong listed China Wireless’ Indian joint venture, Coolpad Communications. Reliance Webstore signed a strategic distribution agreement with Coolpad Communications gaining exclusive rights to market and distribute Coolpad’s dual-mode smartphones in India. While this agreement marked China Wireless’ formal foray inthe Indian market, it also opened up a new business opportunity for Reliance Webstore to diversify for a powerful presence in the Indian telecom retail sector. Coolpad, as part of its growth outlook, plans to establish an R&D unit in India. According to Mr Sami Al-Lawati, China Wireless’ India Head and Managing Director of CoolpadCommunications , “We are currently scouting various locations across India for Coolpad’s R&D centre. The R&D unit in India will be critical to our business growth in India and our expansion across the Globe.” Coolpad is planning an investment of Rs 400 crores in India over the next three to four years. This investment will be towards the company’s capex and opex requirements. The funds will be raised through internal accruals and debt. In order to further strengthen its relationship with Reliance ADA Group, Coolpad is establishing a dedicated R&D unit and resources in Shenzhen, China. The resources for this unit will be directly picked from the China Wireless’ R&D team. The special R&D unit will liaise with Reliance Webstore teams across India to seek customer feedback and develop differentiated products forthe Indian market. Coolpad will also leverage the pan-India retail and distribution network of Reliance Webstore to enhance sales of its dual-mode smartphones in India. “Given our unique strengths in the dual-mode and 3G segments, we envisage a major upside for Coolpad as Reliance Webstore enters the handsetdistribution business in the backdrop of India’s emerging 3G scenario,” said Sami Al-Lawati. The test-marketing results and subsequent launch of Coolpad smartphones in India indicates the great potential for smartphones in India. The Coolpad smartphones are expected to contribute over 30% of the overall handset sales at Reliance World and Reliance Mobile Stores.

I have a HDFC Bank Platinum Plus CC which was upgraded from Gold CC as well. They are currently offering double reward points for swipes on HDFC Bank machines: http://www.hdfcbank.com/personal/customer_center/offers_deals/double_rewards.htm

The new website is pretty good, especially the coverage map

GSM

The per forum option to allow the OP to close a topic isn't available. So please use the "Report" button to request a topic to be closed.

Business Standard November 03, 2009 09:25 IST Telecom service provider Reliance Communications is close to awarding a contract for implementation of mobile number portability integration across its network to eight global telecom companies. The deal is estimated to be worth Rs 700-800 crore (Rs 7-8 billion). The eight are Tekelec, HP, Intec, Huawei, ZTE, Ericsson, Lucent and Radio Telecom. The deal would involve network and information technology infrastructure deployment across RCom's network. MNP has to be offered to all subscribers in metro cities and Category-A circles by every telecom service provider from January 1, 2010 (and in the rest of the country by March). It would allow mobile users to change their service providers while retaining their numbers. RCom's MNP implementation would cover its entire network, spanning 24,000 towns and over 600,000 villages. The entire implementation is expected to be completed in two phases. In the first phase, RCom would implement MNP integration across Delhi [ Images ], Mumbai [ Images ], Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kolkata [ Images ], Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka circles. The network testing in these is expected to be completed by the end of December. In the second phase, RCom would implement MNP in rest of the circles by March 2010. Under the contract, HP would provide the gateway infrastructure for MNP implementation and Tekelec would offer the integration set-up. Tekelec's solution would enable the Reliance network to find out the correct serving operator of the called party and re-route the call correctly. It would also enable RCom in interworking different network applications, technologies and protocols. UK-based Intec Telecom Systems would cover capacity enhancement and scale-up of RCom's IT infrastructure through its business support system solution. The BSS solution will manage RCom's billing or revenue stream from end to end. The contract for network core solution required to perform MNP look-up has been awarded jointly to China's Huawei and ZTE, Sweden's Ericsson and France-based Lucent. The solution would ensure All Call Query (ACQ for routing of calls to correct serving operator) based MNP implementation across RCom's network. UK-based Radio Telecom System will be RCom's IT partner for MNP implementation and maintenance.

Pinned topics are mostly information topics that doesn't need to be active recently. If you notice a pinned topic that is outdated or doesn't require to be pinned anymore then please use the Report button for that topic.

3 Nov 2009, 0342 hrs IST Economic Times Over 35-million subscribers of Reliance Communications (RCOM), Tata Teleservices and Sistema Shyam (MTS) in Delhi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan may be deprived of third-generation (3G) mobile phone services, with the armed forces turning down a communications ministry demand to release airwaves ahead of the 3G auctions scheduled for mid-January next year. The auctions cannot be held for these regions, as the defence ministry is yet to release CDMA frequencies in the 800 MHz band, said a department of telecom (DoT) official who asked not to be named. DoT has informed service providers that 3G spectrum auctions for CDMA players will not be held in the two metros and four states due to a crunch in airwaves. In all other states, a single slot of 3G spectrum will be auctioned for CDMA operators. Third-generation airwaves allow telcos to offer high-end services such as ultra-fast internet and video conferencing on mobile phones. RCOM and Tata Teleservices did not comment on the likelihood of 3G auctions for CDMA not being held for these areas. Sistema Shyam CEO Vsevolod Rozanov told ET the lack of 3G auctions in these places would deprive CDMA customers of high-end services. “We are in talks with Qualcomm (the technological partner) to see how we can work around this. By increasing the number of cell sites, CDMA operators may be able to provide data services in these regions to their customers,” he added. The two cities, which have a telecom penetration of well over 100%, are considered the most lucrative for telcos. Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Punjab are also rated among regions with high revenue-earning potential. GSM platform to save the day An executive with one CDMA player said the Tatas and RCOM would not be heavily impacted, as they offer services on both GSM and CDMA platforms. “These two operators may base their strategy for providing high-end data services in these regions on the GSM platform. Mobile number portability will allow them to shift their top-end CDMA customers in these regions to the GSM platform,” he said, requesting anonymity. GSM operators will see 3G auctions in all telecom circles, except Rajasthan and the North East. In most circles, four slots of GSM airwaves will be auctioned, except in Delhi and Gujarat where only two private players can be accommodated and in West Bengal, where the auction will be limited to a single private operator. At present, defence forces occupy a bulk of 3G spectrum. Earlier this year, the defence and telecom ministries had signed an MoU, which stipulated that the armed forces will release up to 45 MHz of radio frequencies over a three-year period, of which 25 MHz would be for 3G services. The MoU also added that the defence forces will release two blocks (10 MHz) of 3G airwaves and one block of 2G frequencies immediately while the remaining would be released over a three-year period. But in a recent meeting between the ministries, the defence ministry had said it could not adhere to the time frames mentioned in the MoU as the alternative communications network being built for them by DoT through BSNL & MTNL would be operational only by early 2011.