Dot Seeks Dilution Of Trai's Role

[Ramchi 0]

What I am talking about is GSM Phones are ready for new technologies. GSM providers may be contemplating going for EDGE Networks when there is a better options like 3G. Since TRAi is sitting ducks not taking any decision to open up the spectrum GSM providers are just doing the waiting game.

I use both CDMA and GSM phones. In my area there is no EDGE network available and I can not comment on the video dowloas thru EDGE networks.

GSM providers focus more on the customer support, expanding its network capabilities, improving its Networking technologies etc instead of wasting its effort on removing features from handsets!

[SexyGurl 0]

FYI .. EDGE is not 3G.

Your "international" GSM operators are already charging @ 1 rupee per second (i.e. Hutch, I don't know Airtel charges), for providing video services via EDGE.

Again FYI .... EDGE services are not at all popular .... given the HUGE prices:

1. EDGE-enabled GSM handset cost ATLEAST Rs. 7000/-

(If you don't agree, then please post the name any one of your "entry" level GSM handset and it's price).

2. Hutch charges @ 1 rupee per Second to watch streaming videos. This is over and above Rs. 50/- per month mandatory charge.

Services offered on Hutch are same or less than R-world Videos. Hutch TV offers: Aajtak + Clippings of popular TV serials.

I have already mentioned Reliance's charges for Videos.

NDTV 24X7 english news is ABSOLUTELY FREE. i.e. if you are a reliance subscribers .... you get the service free.

Aajtak .. unlimited, no per second charge. For Rs. 25/- per month. (25 per month is the membership charge ... where you get a range of data services, both text & video).

-- I use Aajtak, CNBC, NDTV 24X7 .... and a Punjabi religious video (Mukhvak, from Golden Temple) .... EVERYDAY, TWICE

(on my way to office & back).

Pay just 25 from my talktime.

I have owned a color handset, with speaker (LG 5130) ... and have NEVER bought a prepaid voucher more than the Rs. 199 value. (Sometimes 149 voucher also). Using the service for over a year.

LG 5130 is available at Rs. 3800/- with free talktime R-2-R of Rs. 1000 (buy someone on this forum bought it for Rs. 3500 too).

Black&White video enabled reliance sets are even cheaper than this .... but a watching videos in color with a speaker is a different experience.

I can just smile ... if someone suggests EDGE to me.

R-world is available all across the network. (works equally well in those villages, where the network is there) -- those 4 lac villages being covered.

I honestly advise you to wait SOME MORE TIME, till your "international" operators start EDGE services in your area. And please pray, in the name of COMMON INDIAN, that videos offered over the EDGE are available UNLIMITED and for just Rs. 25 per month.

After all your "international" operators do understand that some people just can't afford @ 1 rupee per second.

And pray that, once these "international" operators are given 3G licenses for FREE .... they will give you whery-whery-whery cheap service (off course cheap not in quality, but in price).

BEST OF LUCK.

[Ramchi 0]

SexyGurl,

I do not care whether is it an international or local provider so long the policy benefits the customers eventually.

Most likely I will not use 3G or EDGE facilities for video streaming [even if it is available] instead I would use it for broadband internet connections.

I do not use Rworld as it seems really expensive even to use its limited facilities [like PNR Status]. I have used WAP services over Airtel GPRS connections and I was able to send messages in Yahoo Messenger & MSN Messenger thru my mobile phone which was not charged extra. I can practically login to Y! or MSN Messenger from any where in the country over my mobile phone and start sending messages or even emails.

[SexyGurl 0]

I whole-heartedly recommend you to use EDGE for internet access.

(HUTCH charges 10 paise per kilobyte) = 100 rs. per MB

and ONLY Rs. 10,000 for 100 MB download.

(Rs. TEN THOUSAND ONLY for 100 MB DOWNLOAD).

I am generally not vindictive .... and can't help having a self-satisfied smile ... that people like you, MUST BE TREATED LIKE THIS.

YOU DESERVE THIS. (or maybe I should say, you deserve ATLEAST this).

I PRAY, THAT EDGE IS LAUNCHED SOON ENOUGH IN YOUR AREA, SO THAT YOU CAN USE IT FOR INTERNET ACCESS.

Edited November 18, 2005 by SexyGurl

[Ramchi 0]

I have already talked about Airtel GPRS service in one other thread (thread reads something like 'bring down RConnect charges'). I use UNLIMITED GPRS thru Airtel for Rs 250 PM which includes browsing WAP sites including Yahoo & MSN Mail/Messenger services.

If some one charges like Rs 10, 000 for 100 MB download/upload, does not matter which technology they use, they will run out of business.

Happily for me, I do not have to worry about any of these right now as I am able to use my Airtel GPRS service without having to worry about upload/download caps. It may not be the fastest but it serves my purpose for sure and the most cost effective.

Too soon you have started smiling back at yourself.

Edited November 18, 2005 by Ramchi

[SexyGurl 0]

I'm glad you have airtel in your area.

Honest and without smiles. Or actually, a sympathetic smile.

Probably Rs. 250 per month of GPRS is giving you sufficient value .... like I value the services I get for Rs. 25 per month.

I wish your services were also for Rs. 25 per month. (even if only, for WAP). Yahoo messenger is covered for me within my Rs. 25/- per month (using R-surf .... which is part of the membership plan).

But, Rs. 250 is surely more decent that EDGY-thing ... too much talk, and empty container.

[Ramchi 0]

Sympathy is reserved!

I pay Rs 250 PM not just for WAP browsing alone! I use this for my Internet connection thru my PC with no Upload/Download cap attached to it. This plan is available for any new customers as well in my area.

I do use RIM Postpaid Joy499 plan. Whenever I use RWorld I get charged heavily! I do not see this as free, atleast for me. As far as RConnect is concerened just forget it.

I think the topic is all about how TRAI is sitting its fat ... and not moving a little bit in addressing customer issues.

[SexyGurl 0]

That was solely, because when you had nothing left to say of TRAI ... you started talking about "Reliance, Tata being against 3G licences", which was not true ... HUH !

So, really it is 250 rupees unlimited internet via PC. That is surely useful. Use it a lot & burn the sh*t out of Airtel.

And I'll support you in broadcasting it publicly, left, right and center ....

[Ramchi 0]

TRAI is an useless body is beyond any one's doubt. I did not say Reliance and TATA are against 3G licences instead they did not like this to be opened up for many providers. They just wanted exclusive rights for very limited number of providers[in simple terms, two-three].

Btw, mine is not just just internet via PC alone, it includes unlimited WAP browsing as well.

[SexyGurl 0]

TRAI is vital to keep Political Interference out of Telecom Industry, is beyond anyone's doubt.

You are enjoying what-ever you are (including 250 rs. internet), is thanks to Reliance / Tata / BSNL.

Reliance has been central to the growth of telecom industry.

3G licenses should be given by open bidding ... and everyone should be allowed. No exclusivity of existing telcom players, as demanded by COAI.

The future of data services (esp. video data services) seems to decided in favor of CDMA operators.

GSM is declining technology .. with not much future left.

Subsequent to our discussion, this is very clear. For facts, read All past posts.

Edited November 18, 2005 by SexyGurl

[Ramchi 0]

TRAI never addresses consumer related issues. Normally, any controlling authority must protect its citizens rights first.

Let me thank Airtel and no one else for providing affordable internet/WAP service.

As I mentioned earlier all GSM providers are already ready for 3G transition; it is just TRAi which is still not able to make any decision. Obviously, GSM providers can not implement a technology which is not approved by TRAI.

CDMA is the technology which is handset dependent. GSM has over come that long back so transitiion from the customer's point of view is not that difficult. Providers like Reliance must be wondering how to engage themselves stripping the capabilities of 3G compatible phones instead of addressing customer centric issues.

Edited November 18, 2005 by Ramchi

[SexyGurl 0]

Airtel and Hutch can be thanked only for Rs. 16 per minute tariffs, before Reliance entered the market.

TRAI has also been instrumental in bringing down ADC, which reduced STD tariffs a lot.

TRAI has ensured that political instuments don't come to play (such as current minister Dayanidhi Maran is trying to do, by reducing TRAI).

Video Data Services are already being provided by CDMA and GSM. But CDMA provided services are (1) Superior, (2) Cheaper, (3) Better Content, (4) Being used by Common Man.

GSM technology is already being phased out of Europe ... being replaced by WCDMA .. which is a derivative of CDMA technology.

The ultimate 3G standard EVDO is a CDMA standard.

CDMA data services area rage in Japan and Korea (which are at the cutting edge of Mobile Data Services), all over the world.

Reliance has successfully replicated, the Korea / Japan model in India.

Old-technology GSM players are now charging astronomical charges for EDGE technology, which has completely failed to take-off in India.

The future of telecom sector is clearly being demonstated trends and numbers. Clearly in favor of CDMA, the spectrum efficient technology.

[linuxguy 0]

I too am with SexyGurl on this one. CDMA is the future. Nobody can deny that. The only upper hand GSM has right now is, the widespread network (that doesnt hold true for India. RIM is virtually everywhere!) and secondly, the easy portability between operators. Just wait for CDMA handsets to catch up... Time will tell which is going to stay and which is going to perish!

[adwait 0]

Lol........finally something linuxguy and sexygurl agree upon!!

[linuxguy 0]

hey we agree on a lot of things!