Karthik R

Good to see Reliance expanding EVDO coverage in Tier II and III cities.

The Railway can be called as the Lifeline of the Nation as it carries over 20 million passengers & 2 million tones of freight everyday. There is no way they can run bankrupt (unless of course A. Raja is given charge of the portfolio) as there is the Govt. to bail them out. This report should be seen as a conspiracy hatched by Microsoft to tarnish the face of India, to avenge the poor sales of Windows powered mobile here

Thanks for clearing the part about transmission by mosquitoes, Vinay ji our Kerala is a rain drenched part proving to be a haven for them, I will feel more reassured now on taking a bite.

The impact will not be severe since only 5% of subscribers in India use postpaid service, contributing 15% to 20% of the revenue of telcos. A further drop in ARPU can be expected..

After LG launched the world's first dual core phone - Optimus 2X last month, other manufacturers have catched up real fast Tegra 2 processor is sort of a standard now.

Out of the 50 mins free talktime they will so generously credit, 45 mins should be utilised for making local on net calls! It would have been much more appealing had they matched Virgin mobile's tariff of Local and Std @ 40p/min.

It is true that Android powered beasts like Epic can outrun iphone anyday, still, the fact cannot be overlooked that iphone being a iconic device, having significant demand, it will be good for Verizon and the CDMA community at large

Any chance of a iphone in the likes of world edition BB 8830? i.e can be used with both CDMA and GSM network. Ah I know it is too much to ask for!

Saket, I am already using EVDO on my mobile with Tata Indicom prepaid. Can I avail of the 10Gb data with a recharge of Rs.17?

If BSNL existing postpaid customer (landline/GSM/CDMA) takes RUIM connection then call charges from RUIM to that postpaid connection will be free. Really good offers in CDMA by BSNL. Go for it!

OpenPeak Inc., a leading provider of multimedia touch-screen devices and device management platforms,unveiled their new 10 inch Android tablet at CES this week, the OpenTablet 10. Its equipped with a 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen, a transflective LCD thats has been added to provide easy outdoor viewing while using the tablet which is powered by Intel’s new Moorestown Atom processor. The OpenTablet 10 is an advanced multi-media tablet device that runs applications for communication, information and entertainment built on a versatile Android platform. Custom extensions make the OpenTablet a fully managed device to be deployed by service providers, utilities, and carriers. The cloud-based ecosystem enables not only simple device deployment but also provides device management, service deployment, billing, and technical support tools. Weighing just over one pound, the sleek half-inch-thin device features a transflective display that combines both transmissive and reflective modes for ideal readability in all light conditions. The display self-adjusts to become an ultra-high contrast e-book reader in bright sunlight, and a bright full-color backlit display in normal light. This innovative display technology not only enhances viewing, but also dramatically reduces power consumption. “Intel believes the best experiences are created on Intel® architecture,” said Doug Davis, vice president and general manager of the Netbook and Tablet Group at Intel. “Based on low-power Intel Atom processors, the OpenTablet 10 offers a stunning visual experience optimized for the Internet and high-definition multimedia consumption with excellent battery life. Support for Android also helps illustrate Intel’s ‘port of choice’ strategy for computing on the go.” Unique Touch and Stylus Input Unlike most touch-screen tablets and mobile phones, which rely exclusively on multi-touch input, the OpenTablet 10 adds a unique active precision stylus that is ideal for note taking, drawing and signatures. The dual input is made possible in part by the highly durable yet responsive Corning® Gorilla® glass screen. “Traditionally tablet and phone devices have needed to make a design compromise: choosing between multi-touch, capacitive glass that is responsive to fingertip gestures, or using a resistive display more suitable for stylus input that requires sacrifices in contrast, wear and tear, and need for calibration,” Gittleman said. “The OpenTablet 10 delivers the best of both worlds with an electrostatic pen that makes writing as easy as with a traditional pen and paper.” The Ultimate Videoconferencing Experience Designed for a top-quality high-definition videoconferencing experience, the OpenTablet 10 features a front-facing 720p camera, wide band stereo speakers with a connector for external speakers or headset hookup, a digital MEMS microphone, and HDMI port for 1080p output to an external HD display. Connectivity is easy with built-in 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and optional 3G integration, plus Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR. Powerful Device Management Control The OpenTablet 10 integrates easily with OpenServices, OpenPeak’s cloud services platform and device management system, to allow comprehensive device management to service providers, including the ability to push applications, perform firmware updates and lock devices. Many of these same robust device management tools can also be made available to end consumers, offering centralized controls to enable parents or a designated device admin to apply content filters, set budgets, manage apps on multiple devices or even locate and wipe a lost device. The OpenTablet 10 also features built-in multi-user sharing, with account management options and logins for different family members. Custom settings for each account allow individual users to configure their own applications, wallpaper and other options; password protection offers peace of mind, security and control. Features : • Transflective LCD for readability in all lighting conditions • Front-facing camera for videoconferencing • 5 megapixel rear-facing camera • Corning® Gorilla® glass surface for scratch resistant protection • Multi-user support with password protection • High resolution 10.1-inch capacitive LCD with multi-touch • Ultra-portable design is only 13.4mm thick • Built on the Android platform • Wide selection of services and applications • Easily browses Flash-enabled websites • Connectivity includes Wi-Fi , optional 3G radio, Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR, HDMI with 1080p output, MicroSD, Micro-AB USB 2.0 • Fast application development and simple deployment process for providers • Cloud-based device management enables centralized monitoring and administration Unfortunately no details are currently available on its pricing or availability Official site here!

What do you have? Since it is off-topic, PM me

Those looking to buy a phone in this price range can alternatively check out Samsung Mpower Muzik 219. It offers additional facilities of expandable memory, vga cam and bluetooth.

It was not long ago that Nokia held over 70% of the Indian market. That market have now expanded but the share for Nokia has dropped by almost half. The share was not lost to Samsung but to 63 new entrants. They managed to capture 40% of the market, roughly equal to what Nokia lost. If Nokia does not revamp its portfolio and change its obsolete OS, it is going to lose out further!

Samsung held the No.2 slot for last 9 months and was displaced by Gfive in the last quarter. I presume, it is some short term fluctuation and that Samsung will reclaim lost ground real soon. And I was thinking that the MD's name contained profanity and hence cens***d

Those going in for this official Fascinate will be able to enjoy full EVDO facility? (where ever available of course!)

EVDO Rev.A is referred to as HSIA – this technology gives data transmission speeds of upto 3.1Mbps downlink.

Good to see video call charges coming down, this is vital for it to gain mass appeal and acceptance.

Mobile phone companies are firming up 3G alliances as many service providers are slated to launch these high-end services this quarter. So far, only two of the six private operators that won third generation frequencies, Reliance Communications and Tata Teleservices, have launched services on this high-end platform. Aircel and Tata Teleservices are in talks for a pan-India alliance to use each other's 3G airwaves, an executive with direct knowledge of the development told ET. Both these companies jointly have 3G frequencies in all circles except the metros of Delhi and Mumbai and Himachal Pradesh. But, they are poised to get third-generation spectrum in the lucrative Delhi and Mumbai metros as they are the only bidders for MTNL's offer to share its 3G network with two firms that pay the highest price. The three GSM biggies—Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar and Idea Cellular—are also in the last lap of finalising their strategic 3G alliance, an industry executive tracking the development said. A Reliance Communications executive said the company was in talks with three operators for a 3G roaming alliance, and added an announcement is due soon, but refused to divulge additional details. With no operator bagging pan-India 3G spectrum, which enable services such as video calling, interactive gaming and highspeed internet on phones, all mobile phone companies are sewing up roaming agreements with each other to retain high-end users. The country's top two mobile firms, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communications (RCOM), each won 13 of the 22 telecom zones on offer while Vodafone Essar, Idea Cellular, Aircel and Tata won a total of 9, 11, 13 and 9 circles, respectively. Bharti, Vodafone and Idea jointly have 3G spectrum in all circles except Orissa. They also jointly own the world's largest telecom infrastructure company, Indus Tower , enabling them to share mobile networks for 3G rollout. Tata Teleservices is also learnt to be eyeing a 3G roaming deal with state-owned BSNL, which has third generation frequencies in all circles except the metros of Delhi and Mumbai. BSNL's acting CMD Gopal Das had recently told ET that the PSU will invite bids from private operators to share its 3G airwaves. It is also learnt that the state-owned telco believes it can raise anywhere between 2,500 crore and 5,000 crore over a five-year period if it were to enter into roaming arrangements with two players for its third generation airwaves. Tata Teleservices did not comment on its 3G roaming alliances. A top executive with Aircel, who declined to be quoted, said that the company was in talks with many service providers, including Tata Teleservices, and added that its 3G alliances would be in place before January-end . "We had already stated that we are in discussions with other quality operators to offer 3G services to our entire customer base across the country," Bharti said in an email response when asked if talks with Vodafone and Idea were in the final lap. An executive with Vodafone Essar confirmed that talks were on with both Idea and Bharti, but said that no 3G roaming deal had been finalised yet. India's 3G rules allow mobile phone companies to enter into roaming agreements. So, in a zone where a company does not have 3G spectrum, it may strike a roaming pact to ensure that its customers have access to these services. PACTS IN PLACE Aircel & Tata Tele are in talks for an alliance to use each other's 3G airwaves They may get to share MTNL’s 3G network in Delhi & Mumbai Airtel, Vodafone Essar and Idea Cellular also in last lap of finalising their alliance RCOM in talks with three operators for a 3G roaming alliance Tata Teles is also eyeing a 3G roaming deal with state-owned BSNL Courtesy : Economic Times

Got this SMS today - 3G trial packs! Dial *141*301# for 10MB @ Rs.11, valid for 1 day. Dial *141*302# for 50MB @ Rs.19 valid for 1 day. Dial *141*303# for 150MB @ Rs.39 validfor 3 days.

As you have earlier pointed out, it is because TD have not won spectrum waves in TN. Not available in Kerala circle, the CC guy tried to comfort me by saying that the 1p/2sec local call offer @ 45 valid for 30 days is still available for us

It may sound unglamorous but I have pinned my 3G hopes on BSNL. Reason : they dont bundle "free" voice calls with 3G data packs and then lower the data usage to ungratifying levels. Also they are offering most economical 3G plans now - 1GB for 440 OR 1GB day + 5GB night usage for 606. It will be ages before Tata/Rel matches that.

With Mpower TV S239 the cam is just 1.3mp which improves to 2mp with Mpower txt M369. Internal memory from 85MB to 104MB The screen size from 2.2 to 2.4 Both got the hyped Mobile Tv application by Apalya, as is the case with EVDO Rev.0 connectivity. Having a QWERTY keypad is advisable for frequent texters. In my opinion, at 1000 bucks extra, Mpower txt M369 is a worthy upgrade.

The ARPU of a postpaid user is in reality, double that of a prepaid one. So telecos wont neglect them, in fact pursue them. This is proved by - door assistance provided only to postpaid user, faster grievance redressal times and mechanisms in place, option of premium numbers, covered from hikes in tariffs, etc.

Congrats Kamal bhai I would like to say at this point of time - you inspire me. He brings out the best in all of us, right guys? He lets in sunshine to the days that are cloudy here in our Rimweb. As a newbie his posts helped me believe in myself, encouraging me to do more. And, Although I have never met him in person, I know that he is beautiful from the inside out. < In private, are we not criminally forgetting something that the situation warrants for? >