Uninor Hopes To Capture 8 Percent Market Share By 2018

Going with the tag line “Ab Mera Number Hai” Uninor unlike other entrants is not storming the Indian markets with its value added services, but primarily wants to primarily differentiate with quality of their voice services. They hope their differential focus will pay off!

Eyeing an eight percent market share by 2018, mobile services provider Uninor, a joint venture between realty firm Unitech and Norway-based Telenor, launched services in five telecom circles.

One of the most recent entrants in the Indian market, Uninor , has a slightly different take on how to build up its business: It will concentrate on the development and delivery of voice services, while other new entrants look to differentiate themselves with data service.

The company, which has licenses to start operations in all the 22 telecom circles of India, is now present in 13 service areas of the country. The company, which started operations in India in December last, launched services in Mumbai, Kolkata, Maharashtra and Goa, Gujarat and West Bengal this month.

And the operator is moreover not fazed by the intensifying competition in the country’s wireless services sector. Ever decreasing average revenue per user (ARPU) and an increasing number of operators in India’s mobile market are not deterring Uninor’s management, which is taking a long-term view as it plans its operational rollout.

One reason for Uninor’s seemingly measured approach to the market, which is growing currently at about 20 million new lines per month, derives from its main backer, Norway’s Telenor ASA , which plans to leverage its experience in nearby markets such as Bangladesh and Pakistan as it steers Uninor through the coming years. Uninor has been recently recognized as the ‘’Most Promising New Operator’’ in the Telecom Operator Award 2010 organized by tele.net, one of India’s leading telecom sector publications.

The selection was based on a survey conducted by the publication with over 160 industry experts and professionals where Uninor emerged as winner by a strong margin. Uninor is presently focused on further strengthening its presence in the 13 circles and launching additional circles this year.

“We are on our way; with a set of ideas, a unique way of doing business and most importantly, a philosophy that puts people first. Today’s recognition encourages us to get there even faster,” said UP East Hub EVP, Frode Haugen.

The company which has stayed away from bidding for the recently finished 3G spectrum has said that the company will offer value added services like Internet access, over their 2G network. “We are still launching 2G and want to do it properly before we get new technology. Incumbents could also use 3G for voice. We have a congestion free network,” said Stein Erik Vellan, MD Uninor.

Sprucing up its network infrastructure is also on the agenda of this company. It currently has 21,000 base stations and plans to increase it to 40,000. This includes infrastructure in new circles as well as for increased coverage in the circles it is already present in. The company has outsourced its entire telecom tower business to tower companies, and most of its 10 year contracts are with Tata Quippo

Vodafone India launches 3G Ready USB Stick for 1950 Bucks

  

Vodafone Essar, one of India’s leading GSM mobile service operator, today announced the launch of 3G Ready USB stick (Data Card) for its 2G Data service customers in Kolkata telecom circle priced at Rs 1950.

The 3G ready device comes with a 2 year replacement warranty. This pricing is in keeping with Vodafone’s constant endeavor to increase affordability of mobile Internet among customers.

The Vodafone 3G ready USB stick enables customers to stay connected on-the-go. Prepaid users can recharge with the Vodafone Mobile Connect packs, whereas postpaid customers can avail the one year advance rental plans.

The Vodafone 3G ready USB stick is available across all Vodafone Stores, Mini Stores and other retail outlets in Kolkata.

Airtel Catches Football Fever

Bharti Airtel today announced various innovative offers for its customers to stay connected and be a part of Football Fever while on the move.
Airtel will enable all customers to access and follow the Football World Cup 2010 services like football match alerts, football quiz, LIVE scores, latest news, gossip, FIFA anthem, music & video ringtones, follow your favourite player, static and animated wallpapers, animated themes, games etc will be available through SMS.
That’s not all; Airtel has also created a special WAP portal for the Football World Cup 2010 called Airtel Football Zone.
Customers will get all the news, LIVE scores, stadium details, statistics, line-ups, gossip and stories on footballers and much more. Through the above service, customers will also be able to access video clips on player quotes , fan reactions etc!
Airtel is also offering  football match-day alert to activate one has to dial *321*472# @ Rs 3 per match day
To activate hall of the fame feature one has to  SUB HOF to 54321 @Rs 1 per day
Airtel has also introduced a sms based quiz contest if you are a football fan and you know all about the teams , players , coaches etc the answer the questions correctly and get a chance to fly to the country you support during the world cup.That’s not all; there will be weekly winners who will stand a chance to win Nokia phones while daily winners can walk away with football merchandise!.


To participate, SMS C to 543210

Tata Indicom launches BlackBerry Curve 8530 in India

Tata Teleservices Limited today introduced the BlackBerry Curve 8530 smartphone to CDMA customers on the Tata Indicom network.

The new BlackBerry Curve 8530 will be available at authorized Tata Indicom retail stores across India for a price tag of Rs 18990.Tata Indicom is offering free data services for two months along with the BlackBerry Curve 8530 customers can also enjoy watching free live TV for the first 3 months if they subscribe before 30th June, 2010.

The BlackBerry Curve 8530 is equipped with dedicated media keys, which are smoothly integrated along the top of the handset giving customers an easy, convenient way to control their music and videos. With high speed network access and its built-in Wi-Fi, customers can enjoy faster access to the Internet and extended data coverage.

In addition to providing the industry’s leading mobile solution for email, messaging (IM & SMS) and social networking, and an easy-to-use, full-QWERTY keyboard for comfortable, accurate typing, the BlackBerry Curve 8530 comes with powerful multimedia features, useful applications to help users stay organized and productive and full HTML browsing.

[Via. TelecomTalk]

Videocon Launches Truly Unlimited STV In Gujarat for 59 Bucks

After Tamil Nadu, its time for Videocon Customers of Gujarat to TALK TRULY UNLIMITED as Videocon Mobile Services today launches India’s most affordable Monthly On-Net talk plan in Gujarat at just Rs 59.

This pack enables customers to enjoy free unlimited calling and sms to any local Videocon Number. The USP of this pack is that this does not have FAIR USAGE POLICY whatsoever.

With Videocon expanding its truly innovative yet truly affordable plans slowly to all of its operating circles, we can only expect other operators follow the suit.

This truly unlimited pack which is priced attractively at just Rs 59 comes with a Validity of 30 days. Note, this offer can only be availed if E-Recharged with Rs 59.

Explore More, Working Tips n Tricks or Indian Telecom Updates. http://bit.ly/9QuYGg
Links : 
Subscribe to our SMS Channel : http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/DarkCore 
Join me on Orkut : http://tinyurl.com/yjxlgx8
Join me on Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/arunselvakumar
Follow me @Twitter : http://www.twitter.com/arunselvakumar

BSNL Offers' Double bandwidth for its' Unlimited Plans

In a bid to provide High Speed Broadband services at affordable price pont, India National Telecom backbone and largest Broadband service provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) today once again announced free Up-gradation of Broadband Speed for certain Home and Unlimited combo plans at free of cost.

Keeping plan charges same; BSNL increased or just doubled the existing broadband speed for selected plans forever. Earlier in March-2010 the Speed Up-gradation offer was for a limited period but this time its applicable for permanent or till the next announcement if any further up-gradation.

Now subscribers of BSNL BroadBand Home UL 750 and BroadBand Home Combo UL 750 users will be eligible for the 512 Kbps instead of its earlier speed of 256kbps, while the BroadBand Home Combo ULF 1350 users will get 2 Mbps speed up to 15 GB, beyond 15 GB the speed will be 512Kbps.


Explore More, Working Tips n Tricks or Indian Telecom Updates. http://bit.ly/9QuYGg
Links : 
Subscribe to our SMS Channel : http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/DarkCore 
Join me on Orkut : http://tinyurl.com/yjxlgx8
Join me on Facebook : http://www.facebook.com/arunselvakumar
Follow me @Twitter : http://www.twitter.com/arunselvakumar

Uninor to launch its services over Mumbai Shortly

Uninor, the telecom operator best known for launching some of the “uni”que value offers for the customers will soon expand its service offerings commercially to Mayanagari “Mumbai” very soon by June 1st week, to be precise on paper date for Uninor Mumbai launch is scheduled on June,02,2010.


Uninor customers from other circles can now roam in Mumbai by latching on to the network of uninor/IND 926 which was under some rigorous testing till yesterday to provide seamless coverage across every part of the city.


Sources also confirmed that, “Uninor is very well committed to provide services which are full of value to its customers and we are positive of scaling new heights in terms of quality, quantity and reliability. Uninor is also all set to expand its global gsm services in other circles also by this June”. Uninor will be operating with more than 1000 towers in Mumbai right from the launch.


According to the sources, Uninor will be launching 6 Special Tariff plans as listed below. The Sim-Kit is priced at Rs. 49 and is bundled with a talk-value of Rs 5. Apart from 6 Special tariff vouchers listed below, company is also thinking of launching its newest tariff option of “Dynamic Pricing” in Mumbai with the launch but it is still not confirmed that when they will be launching it and also “Talk More 29” & “Call More 29” Tariff plans will continue to be a part of its standard tariff option.


Sources also added that uninor will be launching its flagship stores in Mumbai with the commercial launch, the 2 stores which uninor confirmed that will be in Dadar(East) and in Satacruz(West).

Samsung Launches Star Nano 3G for 7320 Bucks

Samsung Electronics, leading mobile phone manufacturer, today announced the launch of its most affordable, full touch 3G enabled Mobile Phone, Star Nano 3G (S3370) at Rs. 7320.


The compact Samsung Star Nano 3G has a curvilinear design with advanced connectivity and seamless social communication.The Nano 3G Mobile Phone has been designed for Indian consumers to experience an array of benefits such as video streaming, faster data /audio downloads, faster Internet browsing as well as better sound clarity, once 3G services are available in India with more operators.


Speaking at the launch, Mr. Ranjit Yadav, Director- Mobile & IT, Samsung India Electronics Pvt. Ltd. said, “The launch of Star Nano 3G is significant as it represents our most affordable 3G touch screen handset as well as strengthens our portfolio of 3G enabled handsets as the country gears up for the roll-out of 3G services very soon.”


Designed aesthetically with a compact and curvilinear design, a large 2.6” screen and with a 4 page menu, the Samsung Star Nano 3G offers a great resolution and a sense of elegance to its user. The phone has advanced connectivity with 384kbps DL/UL (3G ready), Pop Up SNS and fast multimedia downloads. The Touchwiz 2.0 Plus in the phone ensures seamless navigation home screen widgets, Gesture control and an interesting UI.


The advanced SNS 2.0 feature of the phone offers users intuitive social communications and allows them to connect with friends and family while being on the move through social networking sites like Facebook, Myspace, YouTube etc. The pop-up SNS feature alongwith Mail, Photo and Profile Toolbars help users to frequently update their status and carry on conversation with their peer group.


The phone also has instant chat messenger facilities like GTalk, AIM, Palringo Chat and helps connect friends on one screen with unified messaging service. Users of Samsung Star Nano 3G can enjoy the Active Sync Google Push e-mail service and sync calendar and contacts with ease. The Full Screen Video playback facility ensures pure viewing pleasure.


Samsung Star Nano 3G is application rich and users can download free applications from Samsung Apps. Currently users can download from 26 JAVA applications and games that have been developed globally like weather forecasts and share market trends and India relevant Java based apps like Vocablite, Sudoku, OC2ps, Shorthand, Rocketalk, MBA lite etc.


The phone comes with 35MB internal memory which is expandable upto 16GB 1.3 megapixel camera, music recognition, FM radio, video recording, English dictionary, mobile tracker, fake call and mobile prayer features.


Samsung Star Nano 3G can store up to 2000 contacts on its phonebook and upto 800 SMSs. It comes with a 2GB memory card, stylus pen and leather pouch free.
[Via. Telecominfo]

Explore More, Working Tips n Tricks or Indian Telecom Updates. http://bit.ly/9QuYGg

Links : 

Subscribe to our SMS Channel : http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/DarkCore 
Join me on Orkut : http://tinyurl.com/yjxlgx8

Join me on Facebook :  http://www.facebook.com/arunselvakumar

Follow me @Twitter : http://www.twitter.com/arunselvakumar

Uninor Introduces New GPRS/EDGE Packs and SMS Packs

Uninor today announced the launch of three new sms packs, aimed at providing a highly beneficial option to all subscribers across Karnataka who are extensive users of voice, sms and internet.


These high value packs have been designed to aid Uninor customers to make the most of their mobile service combined with our unlimited voice plan these 3 packs represent.


Talk Unlimited Plans:


Uninor brings good news for its customers whose usage of voice services is on the higher side. ‘Talk Unlimited Plan’ is available at Rs.198 offers 1,20,000 Uninor to Uninor seconds and 42,000 local seconds. This carries a validity of 30 days from the date of recharge.


SMS Special Tariff Vouchers:


SMS STV 7


The STV 7 SMS Pack offers all Uninor to Uninor SMS at 1 paisa per SMS. All SMS messages from Uninor to any other network locally and nationally will be charged at 11 paise per SMS.


SMS STV 13.


The SMS STV 13 pack offers 1,00,000 FREE Uninor to Uninor local SMS. All other local & national SMS will be available at 11p. Post 1 lakh sms, local uninor SMS will be available at 1p per SMS. The STV and its benefits are valid for 30 days.


SMS STV 16.


SMS STV 16 pack offers 100 local and national SMS free everyday. Post free usage, all SMS would be available at 50 p. The STV and its benefits are valid for 30 days.


Special Internet Packs:


MyConnect 9 (Rs. 9) – This Internet pack offers unlimited free net browsing on Facebook and Linkedin with 60 MB free internet browsing providing 3 days validity.


My Connect 90 (Rs. 90) – This Internet pack offers unlimited free net browsing on Facebook and Linkedin with 3 GB free internet browsing with 30 days validity.


Post the free usage, the charges will be at 10p / 10KB browsing The activation for both the packs can be done through e-load by providing keyword – STV.


Ann Hofvander, Executive Vice President, Uninor Karnataka says, “We believe in empowering our customers to enjoy their mobile usage, the way they like. We have designed these services of Voice, Data and SMS in a way that is extremely cost effective and highly beneficial by giving the most value to our customers for every recharge”.

BSNL to launch 3G Services in Maharastra and Goa

After a long delay finally Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) announced that it will launch much awaited 3G mobile and data services in Maharashtra and Goa telecom circle in the second week of June.


Mr.V K Mahendra, General Manager, BSNL Maharashtra circle said “There would be no postponement this time. The testing of the 3G/UMTS instrument is going on and we are sure that we can launch the 3G service in Maharashtra circle by June.”


He also quoted “BSNL 3G Services will provide High quality multimedia features like video calling, high speed Internet browsing through Mobile phone/Data Cards and also subscribers can enjoy Live Mobile TV, Video SMS, & VoIP services on our 3G Compatible mobile phone. One can call in the US and see the other person on mobile screen while talking to him/her. However, the other person should also have 3G enabled handset.”


Recently BSNL crosses One Million 3G GSM Mobile and Data service subscriber mark and offers it next generation 3G services in more than 434 cities across India except Western Zone.

Videocon Launches Truly Unlimited STV In Tamil Nadu For Just Rs 59

If you have ever thought that Videocon has silently stopped thinking over your voice then you have to think again.

Now, Videocon Mobile Services Customers in Tamil Nadu can enjoy FREE calling benefit between any local Videocon Number courtesy a new STV launched by Videocon today which is dubbed as “TRULY UNLIMITED 59”.

By simply E-Recharging your Videocon account by Rs59 customers can enjoy TRULY UNLIMITED Local On-Net calls & Local On-Net SMS for a period of 30 days. Kindly note, this offer can only be availed if E-Recharged with Rs 59.

Videocon also added that, “We are committed to provide customers with more value centric offers for customers in the days to come”. With the launch of this offer, Videocon has become India’s most affordable Unlimited On-Net calling plan mobile service provider.

For More, Call 121 (Toll Free) from your Videocon number or 9068012345(Tolled) from any other phone. Alternatively, you can also log on to www.videocon.com for more details.

[Via. TelecomTalk]

Uninor Introduces New GPRS, SMS Packs in Andra Pradesh

Uninor the GSM mobile service operator today announced the launch of  two new GPRS Packs dubbed as  MyConnect 9 & MyConnect 90 and two new SMS Special Tariff Vouchers (STV) at Rs.19 and Rs.23 for its prepaid subscribers in Andhra Pradesh telecom circle.


The new GPRS Packs by Uninor which guarantees faster speed also offers free browsing capacity at the lowest price. The SMS STVs @ 19 and 23 are valid for 30, without paying any rental thus making it the best offer in the market.


MyConnect 9 (Rs. 9) – This Internet pack offers unlimited free net browsing on Facebook and Linkedin with 60 MB free internet browsing providing 3 days validity.


My Connect 90 (Rs. 90) – This Internet pack offers unlimited free net browsing on Facebook and Linkedin with 3 GB free internet browsing with 30 days validity.


Post the free usage, the charges will be at 10p / 10KB browsing The activation for both the packs can be done through e-load by providing keyword – STV.


The 19 SMS STV-:The 19 SMS STV pack offers 1,00,000 FREE Uninor to Uninor local SMS. All other local & national SMS will be available at 11p. Post 1 lakh sms, local uninor SMS will be available at 1p per SMS. The STV and its benefits are valid for 30 days.


The 23 SMS STV-:The 23 SMS STV pack offers 100 free SMS a day. These 100 SMS will be free to any network, local and national. Post free usage, all SMS would be available at 50 p. The STV and its benefits are valid for 30 days.

Aircel Launches GSM Services in Haryana

India’s 5th largest GSM service provider AIRCEL has rolls out its 2.5G EDGE enabled GSM Mobile Services in Haryana telecom circle.

However according to the official statement from the company, still the services are commercially not launched in Haryana, though they have already listed the tariff plan details and customer care numbers on their official website and Prepaid connections are also available in Yamuna Nagar and Ambala of Harayana circle.

We also spoke with Ms. Shalini Sethi Head- Corporate Communications, Aircel Limited and according to her  ”Aircel GSM services is commercially not launched yet, the testing of GSM network and services are going on. She also said that company is all set to launch GSM services in Haryana and some other telecom circles but till today its not officially launched in Haryana circle.

Aircel has its GSM services in 18 telecom circles and Haryana will be 19th circle on the Company’s Pan India operation. Aircel will become the 8th GSM operators in the circle. The Customer care number for Aircel Haryana is  98020-12345 and 121 from Aircel.

Aircel entry promises to create some excitement for customers with affordable tariff plans and a claim to be a superior network. With new entrants pouring into the market, Aircel going to launch specially tailored tariff plan for Haryana with telescopic billing to serve lowest Local/STD call charges of 40 paisa per minute.

The Life Time Valid prepaid connection is available in Haryana for Rs 49 with Starter Kit and subscriber can choose their suitable plan at Rs.43 and Rs.93 for Per Second Plan with FRC. The operator also introduces Telescopic Billing FRC at Rs.46 and Rs.96 where in subscriber can make local and STD calls as low as 40p per minute.

Aircel began its outward expansion in 2005 and met with unprecedented success in the Eastern frontier circles. It emerged a market leader in Assam and in the North Eastern provinces within 18 months of operations. Till today, the company gained a foothold in 18 circles including Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Assam, North East, Orissa, Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, Kolkata, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Delhi, UP(West), UP(East), Maharashtra & Goa and Mumbai.

BSNL Introduces Bouquet of 3G STVs, Local Call to Any Network 30p

India’s National telecom backbone and 3G mobile service operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched never before calling rates by launching Bucket of New Special Tariff Vouchers (Add-on Plans) catering to 3G GSM Mobile customers across India.


Keeping its stride to provide Better Recharge or Tariff plans for its 3G subscribers in all the telecom circles, BSNL introduces  Any Network Local call @30p, Night Talk Plan-17, Free Video Call Plan-57, SMS@1 paisa, Unlimited Local and STD Call Plan-30 and lots more.


The Unlimited Own Net Calling Pack of Rs.30 allows BSNL 3G Prepaid customers to make unlimited Local and STD calls to any BSNL mobile and Land line numbers anywhere in India for One Day.


The ALL Local Call@30p Pack for Rs.61 provides the benefits of lowest call charges for local calls to any network any time of the day at 30 paisa per minite, valid for 30 days.


[Via. Telecom Talk]