Reliance Communications To Launch Gsm Service By Fiscal Year (2008) End

[Honest 836]

Breakthrough in RCom interconnectivity spat likely

Source : CNBC-TV18

A breakthrough in the interconnectivity spat between Reliance Communications and GSM players seems likely. After Idea and Aircel the chances are, even Bharti and Vodafone may follow suit and interconnect with Reliance Communications GSM network.

Before the deadline of August 21 Bharti Airtel, Vodafone and BSNL could also be actually interconnecting with Reliance Communications (RCOM) GSM network. That could be a huge positive for RCOM. During the last couple of weeks, all the big GSM players has refused to interconnect with RCOM’s GSM network and that in a sense could have delayed the RCOM- GSM launch because an RCOM subscriber would not be able to call a BSNL or a Bharti or an Idea subscriber. So from an operation point of view they would not been ready to launch. The TRAI, last week, has ordered all GSM players to interconnect before August 21.

Yesterday, the COAI (Cellular Operators Association of India) , which was the GSM’s distribution body, met and decided to file a petition in the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) challenging the TRAI order. While the petition wasn’t filed, there were late evening talks between some of the leading GSM players. As interconnectivity talks are mutual agreements, so it is not between an association and an operator but it’s between two operators. Idea and Reliance Communications struck at a mutual understanding similarly Aircel and Reliance Communications struck a mutual understanding.

So now we are at a stage where even Bharti and Vodafone and BSNL are actually talking to Reliance Communications. So there is a possibility that it might happen. GSM operators don’t want to invite the ire of the regulator, who has made it very clear that if they don’t interconnect he will even look at imposing some kind of a penalty on that for not doing so or even ask the duty to take some kind of a legal action.

So it is a very sensitive issue and we could now look for the first time at a possibility of a breakthrough.

[vmsanghrajka 0]

Excatly!! If Airtel-Vodafone 'cartel' hold RCom's GSM entry to ransom, they should be penalized.. They are just frustrated, worried and afraid that their leadership position could be challenged by RCom.. These are the tactics to oppose / delay RCom's entry to GSM..

TRAI should seriously act against these 'anti-consumer' practices, heavily penalize operators and set a new benchmark..

[Himanshu Singh 19]

Airtel's days at the top are numbered. The countdown has begun.

[Himanshu Singh 19]

Bharti, Vodafone, BSNL agree to interconnect with RCOM

TOI reports:

A day before the expiry of telecom regulator Trai's directive, leading GSM players Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar and BSNL are understood to have agreed to link with Reliance Communications' GSM network.

Sources said while BSNL has decided to allow RCOM's GSM services on the existing points of interconnections, Bharti and Vodafone Essar have agreed to open up their mobile switching codes to the Anil Ambani Group company.

"We are in consultation with Trai and a final decision will be taken on Thursday," a spokesperson of Bharti Airtel said. Earlier in the day, five other operators - MTNL, Aircel, Tata Communications, Spice and Idea Cellular - have agreed to open their networks to RCOM. This development comes a day before Trai's deadline to operators to give interconnections to RCOM or face penalty.

With these latest developments, COAI, the GSM operators body which was planning to challenge Trai's directive on the interconnection in TDSAT, may not require to go to the tribunal as all the operators are learnt to have agreed to provide interconnections to RCOM.

COAI director general T V Ramachandran was unavailable for comments. The move would pave way for RCOM's smooth GSM network rollout as its subscribers would be able to connect with other mobile users.

On August 14, regulator Trai had asked GSM players Idea Cellular, BPL, Voadafone Essar and Bharti Airtel to interconnect with RCOM by August 21. It has also asked state-run BSNL to link up with RCOM. The GSM operators had earlier contested the claim by Reliance Communications to be provided interconnection for its GSM foray by reasoning that its GSM foray was part of a new licence and hence would require new negotiations.

But the regulator had refuted this by saying that RCOM's GSM foray was part of the UASL and hence does not require any new negotiations. The GSM operators had said that their present agreement is restricted to provide interconnection to RCOM's CDMA network.

Trai has cited it as a licensing condition for service providers to provide interconnection to other players, implying if a mobile operator does not give interconnection to another based on mutual commercial agreement, it is a violation of licence condition attracting penalty. Meanwhile, the Trai rejected any contention for renegotiation.

Edited August 21, 2008 by sachinrocks

[ani_meher 42]

Can someone pls explain the matter in plain language? What's the meaning of 'to interconnect'? How does it affect to us end users? Does this in any way mean that RM will start GSM services and CDMA users will be able to retain the same numbers on RM GSM?

[Honest 836]

^^^

@Ani

My dear friend, just go through the post number 16 of this thread and you will get the answer to your querry.

Regards.

[Honest 836]

All GSM cos to connect with RCOM's network

21 Aug, 2008, 2014 hrs IST, PTI

NEW DELHI: The deadlock between GSM operators and Reliance Communications was finally settled today with all the operators agreeing to provide interconnection to RCOM's GSM network.

"There is no row.. they (GSM operators) have agreed to provide interconnection to the company (Rcom) .. they will honour the TRAI directive", Nripendra Misra, chairman, TRAI said.

Although the truce was brought about by TRAI, Misra said the regulator "did not mediate.. we just discussed the matter with them... heard their grievances and they have agreed to provide the interconnection."

This means Bharti and Vodafone will now connect their GSM network with RCOM's upcoming network in the same technology platform, averting a full-blown legal battle.

Earlier, the country's largest telecom operator BSNL agreed to provide interconnection to RCOM's GSM network. "When others are doing it (giving link to RCOM), we will also do it. We have no choice. We always follow TRAI's directives," BSNL Director Finance S D Saxena said.

COAI Director General T V Ramachandran said, "We are happy that we are moving towards a resolution under the good offices of TRAI on the matter in a fair and equitable manner. Since there seems to be all-round efforts to resolve the issue, there is no need of going to TDSAT over the matter."

Five other operators - MTNL, Aircel, Tata Communications, Spice and Idea Cellular - have already agreed to open their networks to RCOM.

TRAI had alloted time till today to give interconnection to RCOM or face penalty. The move would pave way for RCOM's smooth GSM network rollout as its subscribers would be able to connect with other mobile users.

Misra said, "We are clear that interconnection is fundamental right of all companies and any problem among them has to be settled on this issue. This has been settled."

[hritik123 4]

good , hope reliance starts its services soon, i am eager about new tariff plans

[Honest 836]

^^^

Yes my dear Hritik, now their is no roadblock for Reliance to launch its GSM service throughout the country.

Lets hope for the best and the cheapest tariffs from Reliance GSM.

Regards.

[raccoon 53]

You guys will be disappointed again....

Forget wow tariffs... RCom is just increasing its tentacles, and now they will reach into GSM users pockets also... and the mystery of the vanishing balance will afflict more hapless users...

And I dont have to be Nostradamus to predict that...

[vmsanghrajka 0]

I disagree, Wow tariff are in for sure.. Lot of operators are looking at subscriber acquisition very aggressively including RCom.. Also, dont forget MNP is just around the corner..

[KumaarShah 143]

^^^

I also agree with raccoon, RCOM will not provide wow tariffs for GSM as there is no such scope now. All other operators are almost matching the tariffs of RCOM already. I will go one step ahead and say, RCOM-GSM will be a sure flop. Because with the kind of controls they have put in CDMA, they will find it very difficult to open up for GSM also. They will simply replicate the tariffs of CDMA in GSM and god forbid, they will also copy SMS charges, no SMS schemes, WAP/GPRS at exorbitant charges, etc. Of course onnet will be there as in CDMA, they still think everybody should have only RCOM connections and no other. They have a very strong monopolistic mentality right from DHA's days and this continues in all they (ADA and also MDA) do.

[ravi_patent 28]

Another hurdle for reliance gsm launch has been removed.....

Delhi High Court dismisses COAI's petition against dual technology

Press Trust Of India / New Delhi August 22, 2008, 15:26 IST

Delhi High Court dismisses GSM industry body COAI's petition against dual technology and subscriber-linked spectrum allocation norms.

The Court has imposed fine of Rs 50,000 each on six GSM industry players while dismissing their petitions.

[raccoon 53]

^^^

I also agree with raccoon, RCOM will not provide wow tariffs for GSM as there is no such scope now. All other operators are almost matching the tariffs of RCOM already. I will go one step ahead and say, RCOM-GSM will be a sure flop. Because with the kind of controls they have put in CDMA, they will find it very difficult to open up for GSM also. They will simply replicate the tariffs of CDMA in GSM and god forbid, they will also copy SMS charges, no SMS schemes, WAP/GPRS at exorbitant charges, etc. Of course onnet will be there as in CDMA, they still think everybody should have only RCOM connections and no other. They have a very strong monopolistic mentality right from DHA's days and this continues in all they (ADA and also MDA) do.

I'm not sure they will even provide unlimited free on-net calling... as GSM is at a definite disadvantage there... being less efficient at spectrum management, I doubt they will be able to offer unlimited on-net calls.

[kesav 127]

All GSM cos to connect with RCOM's network

21 Aug, 2008, 2014 hrs IST, PTI

NEW DELHI: The deadlock between GSM operators and Reliance Communications was finally settled today with all the operators agreeing to provide interconnection to RCOM's GSM network.

"There is no row.. they (GSM operators) have agreed to provide interconnection to the company (Rcom) .. they will honour the TRAI directive", Nripendra Misra, chairman, TRAI said.

Although the truce was brought about by TRAI, Misra said the regulator "did not mediate.. we just discussed the matter with them... heard their grievances and they have agreed to provide the interconnection."

This means Bharti and Vodafone will now connect their GSM network with RCOM's upcoming network in the same technology platform, averting a full-blown legal battle.

Earlier, the country's largest telecom operator BSNL agreed to provide interconnection to RCOM's GSM network. "When others are doing it (giving link to RCOM), we will also do it. We have no choice. We always follow TRAI's directives," BSNL Director Finance S D Saxena said.

COAI Director General T V Ramachandran said, "We are happy that we are moving towards a resolution under the good offices of TRAI on the matter in a fair and equitable manner. Since there seems to be all-round efforts to resolve the issue, there is no need of going to TDSAT over the matter."

Five other operators - MTNL, Aircel, Tata Communications, Spice and Idea Cellular - have already agreed to open their networks to RCOM.

TRAI had alloted time till today to give interconnection to RCOM or face penalty. The move would pave way for RCOM's smooth GSM network rollout as its subscribers would be able to connect with other mobile users.

Misra said, "We are clear that interconnection is fundamental right of all companies and any problem among them has to be settled on this issue. This has been settled."

This is called policy enforcement.

Kudos to TRAI.

Other central departments can learn few things from this and become stronger in enforcement.

If all central departments can show this kind of enforcement capability, I'm sure the same thing can be replicated by our state departments in near future.

[abkumar 11]

Can anyone suggest when rcom will launch its gsm services in capital exactly as per industry reports..?

Thanks in advance

AbK

[Honest 836]

Telcos to mutually settle linking issues

25 Aug, 2008, 0140 hrs IST, ET Bureau

NEW DELHI: Following the resolution of the interconnect issue between GSM operators and Reliance Communications (RCOM), all telcos have now signed an agreement to resolve all other pending issues related to linking their networks. The agreement was signed in the presence of telecom regulator TRAI over the weekend.

The agreement envisages that telcos mutually settle all other interconnect requests (outside the recent controversy) by October 15. It also envisages that telcos settle pending payments for existing interconnect agreements within the next seven days. Besides, all operators have also agreed to renew all interconnect agreements that have expired. More importantly, operators have also agreed that in case of similar disputes in their future they will adhere by Trai’s decisions on the issue.

Last week, the interconnection row between RCOM and GSM players was settled in closed door meetings in the presence of TRAI officials . Interconnection is the life line of telcos as without it the subscribers of one operator cannot make or receive calls from customers of another telco.

Traffic from one operator passes on to that of another at specific junctions called Points of Interconnect (PoI). The number of PoIs between operators depends on the volume of traffic flowing between their networks. The larger the number of PoIs, the lesser the congestion in the networks. Call drops, failure to connect on the first attempt and poor voice reception of calls happen when the traffic flowing between the networks of two operators is larger than what the PoIs can handle.

“When we resolved the interconnect row between GSM operators and RCOM, we came to know that there were several other outstanding issues related to interconnection. Several requests for interconnect have been pending for the last 18-24 months. We have got them to sign a comprehensive agreement where all pending requests will be completed before October 15,” a top Trai official told ET.

“As per this agreement, all operators have agreed to cooperate with each other on interconnection under the overall supervision and control of TRAI,” the official added. However, if operators fail to settle pending payments for interconnection within the next one week, or cannot settle issues bilaterally, Trai will step in again. In such a scenario, telcos will have to abide by TRAI’S settlement.

With telcos such as RCOM, the Tatas and others gearing up to offer mobile services on both platforms, TRAI has also a constituted a committee to determine the methodology to calculate the total revenues.

[Arun 795]

Reliance Communications to launch GSM services in Bangalore by December

Business Standard - September 24, 2008, 0:39 IST

Reliance Communications, an integrated telecom operator, has commenced testing of its soon-to-be-launched GSM (global system for mobile) network in Bangalore.

The company is in the process of launching nationwide GSM services in addition to its CDMA services which are available across 20,000 towns and 450,000 villages in the country.

In the first stage of testing, RCom has issued over a thousand GSM SIM cards to its employees. The second phase of its "soft trial" is expected to start within six weeks from now where the company will start offering services to its channel partners and select subscribers before commercial launch.

Reliance Communications has pumped in Rs 300 crore in setting up its GSM network in Bangalore where it has installed 1,600 tower sites.

Airtel, the largest operator in Bangalore, with close to 2 million GSM subscribers has 1,200 cell tower sites presently. The total number of GSM subscribers in Bangalore is estimated to be around 5 million.

Reliance Communications has also installed Indoor Building Network solutions in over 250 buildings in Bangalore including airports, 5-star hotels, shopping malls and major business hubs. The indoor solutions would improve the network coverage quality and coverage within the buildings.

Reliance Communications spokesperson said, "The nationwide GSM rollout of Reliance Communications is progressing as planned and is presently in its advanced testing stages. The nationwide GSM launch is slated to commence from end-2008."

[Honest 836]

^^^

Thats the great news my dear friends.

Atleast their nationwide Gsm rollout is going as planned.

Regards.

[vmsanghrajka 0]

I am keenly waiting for Reliance's GSM services in Mumbai.. One Question: Will the use same 'brand name' aka Relaince Mobile for its GSM launch? If yes, then what will be the differentiators between GSM and CDMA? I had read earlier that they were planning to use (licience) 'Orange' brand name.. Any updates on that..

[Honest 836]

^^^

My dear Vaibhav, I think that Reliance will launch its Gsm services under "Smart" brand name. But still not confirmed.

Regards.

[Sadikk 301]

I will not amaze if they come up with BIG Mobile which is unlikely.

i am expecting that they will not use Smart brand name for this GSM roll out.

as Reliance Mobile is more strong brand name they already own.

[vmsanghrajka 0]

I hope they have 'good' marketing campaign for their launch unlike BIG TV which was not even close to good..

[vmsanghrajka 0]

RCom starts soft launch of GSM services across major cities

Reliance Communications (RCom), which had earmarked around Rs 6,000 crore for GSM operations, has commenced a soft launch of its GSM services across major cities in the country. The company is slated to officially launch the services in the next eight-ten weeks, starting with Mumbai and Delhi circles.

The Anil Ambani group company has soft-launched the services in Mumbai, Delhi, Gujarat, Punjab and some of the southern cities, including Bangalore and Chennai. The company has provided GSM phones to employees, who are using it to test the services, according to sources close to the development.

The largest circles in terms of mobile usage - Mumbai and Delhi – went live on Sunday with the company issuing around 10,000 test GSM SIM cards to employees. RCom has installed over 2,500 towers in these two circles and has invested around Rs 800 crore each.

To ensure quality of services, the company has also set up in-building solutions in over 500 buildings in Mumbai. The locations include airports, malls, cinema halls, commercial business districts, while another 1,000 will be added over next 6 months.

Likewise, RCom has also started testing in cities like Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Surat, Lucknow and Ludhiana among other places on Sunday afternoon.

The company’s first phase of testing has commenced in cities, which comprise 45 per cent of the Indian telecom subscriber base. In the next phase, the company would soft launch in cities with the next 35 per cent of country’s subscriber base over the next three-four weeks and the remaining 20 per cent within six-nine weeks, sources said.

When contacted, an RCom spokesperson confirmed that the network trials are on advanced stages and the commercial rollout is on the targeted schedule.

In the next stage of launch the company will get provide test kits to associates and vendors for further robust testing. Around 1 lakh temporary workforce is working on the GSM project.

The company was expecting commercial launch to start by year-end across 3,000 towns and increasing presence to 20,000 towns within 6 months.

Source: http://www.business-standard.com/india/sto...mp;autono=47276

[@mitJ@in 256]

RF Frequency is still pending from Delhi and Mumbai BTS. Or they would have hide the RF. As searching for RFs from GSM mobile dont show Reliance yet.