Week Round up

MTNL’s giveaway of free SIM cards to existing MTNL customers has
turned out to be a huge success for the company. Initially the
registrations were required to be done from their website but now are accepting registrations via SMS too. This move will give a spurt in the demand as many users are plain lazy or not that net savvy.

A major announcement this week was the introduction of Apple iPhone
2.0. Though many countries will be getting this masterpiece on July 11,
unfortunately India is not one of them. Our major operators have announced their intentions that it will land in India later this year.

We have featured
a new Vodafone plan for the corporates valuing Rs. 299 per month. This
is not a full value plan but the free calls are enough for an average
user. Next is the BPL Mobile’s 199 Full Value plan which is definitely better than the existing Full Value plans we have seen.

Finally, MTNL will be unveiling a Rs. 49 pack for its post paid users. This will enable the users to make local calls for just 50 paise.

Trump to go the 50paise way

MTNL’s Mumbai network Trump is about to launch a flat 50paise calling rate for its users. The recharge called as Trump Magic would be launched in a couple of days. The recharge would be worth Rs.49 and would have a validity of a month. All local calls would be charged at 50paise post activation.

The offering, which provides users to call at such a low cost is available only in postpaid plans and thus after the launch of Trump Magic, MTNL would become the cheapest among the lot. At least that is what the operator’s PR is boasting about. We see that MTNL is raising the bar and thus trying to woo users to changeover to Trump.

BSNL slashes STD tariffs by 50 %

The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) on Monday announced a 50 per
cent reduction in STD charges on its mobile and landline networks.
Effective from midnight on Tuesday, landline users would pay Rs.1.20
per minute as against Rs.2.40 for STD calls to all networks. Rural
customers would pay 80 paise per minute for STD calls.
The charges for intra-circle calls to BSNL network were also reduced
from Rs.1.20 per minute to 60 paise with an increased pulse rate of two
minutes.For mobile phone cu...

IT firm shuts shop

Yet another IT company downed its shutters in Hi-Tech City. The owner
allegedly ran away with Rs 1.2 crore that he collected from his
employees as security deposit. More than 10 employees of Heingh
Solutions lodged a complaint with the Madhapur police claiming that the
owner, Mr Amit Banerjee, is absconding. The firm in Kondapur closed
three days ago. The police registered a case of cheating and is trying
to locate him

MTNL’s free sim is just an SMS away

MTNL had announced issue of free sim cards to its
current users. The response was great and i guess the operator couldn’t
manage all of the online registration. This has led to MTNL diverting the registration process on to SMS. This would take off the extra load from the site to this new mechanised mode.

Just send “TRUMP” to 57007 and you would be contacted. I guess this would be a record breaker, with the operator making it even easier to order the sim cards. Well, we never know, MTNL may find an easier way too.

MTNL launches Investor Application

In this volatile market, one needs to be updated. To cater to such
needs, MTNL has launched this application which would provide the
following services:

• Latest stock prices through a personalised portfolio
• Market indices
• Financial market news

The service is being charged at Rs.20 per month. The application is easily downloadable from your GPRS enabled phone. A preview of the application is provided above. This is a step ahead of the SMS alerts that are provided to users, since this has a personalised porfolio and other added services too. Site.

MTNL all set to provide 3G services

3G, which is the next generation of mobile services, would now be launched by the public operator MTNL. The service, which would be provided to the users of Dolphin and Trump would allow them to make video calls and access to TV. The concept of IPTV without broadband has also been proposed.

The operator is waiting for spectrum allocation and once it gets the
nod, it would be on its way to provide cutting edge technology based
services to its users. MTNL hopes to compete on the prices, which it said would be lower compared to its competitors.

The official spokesperson also made a note about users being able to access data and video at the speed of 3.6 mbps. All such aspects would take the services to a whole new level, but would come at a high price too.

Tata Indicom with an all new website

Tata Indicom has got a cool makeover
of its site. The old website has made way for the new and appealing
look. The new look comes with a whole new set of functions and also
ease of access. Users can browse through cellphones and promotions on the homepage itself through a click.

All kinds of services now make their way into a section named Tata Zone. This zone has old and new services, being provided to users. One can also listen to all the caller tunes in real-time and preview stuff before downloading it.

Customize the website your way by changing the font size or choosing your circle by a cool drop down menu. The website also provides RSS Feeds which allow you to subscribe to the site and keep yourself updated.

The cell phone comparison and browsing
experience has been taken to the next level. Just click on a phone and
a larger image with details makes its way to the screen. Just drag the
phone to the compare space and by the click of a button the phones make
their way to the centre and the details drop down for easy comparison.

This has truly taken the site to a whole new level and thus makes Tata Indicom the best in terms of web presence, thanks to its colors, interface and ease of accessing and browsing.

WEBSITE

MTNL’s Loyalty Program

Rewarding loyal customers and expecting them to bring in new customers is a normal case in todays business. MTNL is following the same by providing it’s loyal MTNL users, who have been with the operator for over 5 years, with a new landline at no extra charge.

The loyal user just has to pay Rs.100 per month and he could avail himself of 50 free calls. There is no mention on the number of minutes, but the factor on which the scheme could be a hit is because of the installation and security charges being waived off.

At MTNL, it’s all about pleasing the customer and nothing else.

Results of the 2007 Voice and Data Survey

One of our loyal subscribers shared the official results of the Voice & Data Mobile User Satisfaction 2007-(April 2008 issue) with us. The results were quite shocking in some areas, and predictable in the others. The survey was broken into categories on which the operators were marked and analysed. Given below are the standings of the same.

• Sales and Pre-Sales: BPL Mobile with 95.7% satisfaction score
• Network Quality: BSNL with 91.9% satisfaction score
• Value Added Services: MTNL leads with a whopping 97.6% satisfaction score
• Customer Care: BPL Mobile with 89.4% satisfaction score
• Bill Integrity: Aircel with a 93% satisfactiob score

We can see that the overhyped biggies, namely Vodafone, Airtel, Reliance and Tata Indicom, who are always at the top of the mind haven’t made it to the toppers list. We guess that it’s all about serving the customer and not about being in the customers mind.

A quick look at the biggies, shows that they come close at a few point, but don’t manage to steal the show. Overall BPL wins the show with an average of 91.92 and right at it’s tail is MTNL with 91.20 average rating. With BPL boasting about it’s win in the race, MTNL would soon publicise about its second position.

Get the full report HERE

BPL’s 20-20 tactics

With IPL fever gripping the nation, Mumbai operator BPL tried and seized the opportunity. With BPL supporting the Mumbai Indians, it is trying to sway all users to support the team too. This is done by providing users with free SMS and talktime minutes each time Mumbai Indians hit a six, four or take a wicket. Here is how it works out:

Subscribe by: SMS ‘mum’ to 50505

Each six hit = 6 free local SMS

Each four hit = 4 minutes of local BPL2BPL

Mumbai team wins = the above offer gets doubled

Subscribe before the match starts

We say: With the performance of the Mumbai Indians not being upto the mark, the investment could be worthless, but since it’s about the 20-20 users can definitely gather some benefits, thanks to the runs scored. If not double benefits, the users can settle for something. Great idea anyways…

MTNL to offer TV channels on cellphones

Telecom operator Mahanagar Telephone Nigam on Thursday said from June onwards it would launch mobile TV for which it is carrying out field trials now.

"We have tied up with a technology partner, who is carrying out the field trials. We would provide 21 channels," MTNL Executive Director J Gopal said.

The company, on Thursday launched Express alert, a value-added service for its Dolphin and Trump mobile subscribers.

Subscribing to Express alert would give MTNL customers updates on astrology, cricket scores, news and stock.

Going ahead, MTNL would launch one value-added service every month. Telecom operators are seeing a fall in their revenues because the tariff is coming down.

So, they are launching value-added services that is popular among subscribers.

For the value-added services, telecom operators have tied up with a technology partner and both decide to share the revenues. The lion's share of the revenue goes to the operator.

India to become 2nd largest wireless network in the world

With the ongoing growth drive, India is set to become the second largest wireless network in the world. By the month of April the subscriber base of the country is set to cross the 300-million mark. The user base has already crossed the 250 - million mark.

Presently, China is the largest wireless network in the world and is adding up around 6-7 million subscribers every month. The US which is currently the second largest mobile market with 256 million wireless subscribers is adding up about 2-3 million subscribers in a month. But, India is expected to surpass this by April as it adds subscribers in the range of 8-9 million a month.

With this growing trend we can expect some more telecom players in the market bringing in pocket friendly schemes for the consumers and at the same time telecom players who already form a part of the pie would further innovate their services to surpass competition.

More users, more choices, more offers, more schemes, more money…. Future of our telecom market

Special Offer from Virgin Mobile

Virgin mobile brings in a special offer on the purchase of every Nokia 2505 phone with a Virgin Mobile connection. They are offering freebies worth Rs. 549 which includes

• Virgin Mobile Smart SIM card of Rs 99
• Free local calls of Rs 75 for first 3 months
• Free SMS worth Rs 75 for first 3 months

This offer has been well planned and launched considering the fact that their target audience is the youth. Free talktime and free SMSes for 3 months makes it an attractive deal but as such it is available only with the Nokia clamshell. Nokia 2505 is priced at Rs. 3760 and has basic features like a colour display and an FM radio. To know more about the phone click here.

MTNL knows to keep customers happy

There’s a reason to smile for Kalyan and Dombivali MTNL users. We know that you’ll have been deprived with GPRS services by MTNL in your area. But as per the latest update given to us, MTNL has started providing GPRS in Kalyan with Dombivali in the queue and the service will be live there too. But this is not we are referring to. As a goodwill gesture for the service delay, MTNL will provide free GPRS in these areas for a limited period of time.

Data transfers won’t be charged but downloading premium content from MTNL’s affiliated WAP sites can cause a hole in the pocket.

BlackBerry may be banned in India

I bet that this won’t happen anytime soon but apparently the home ministry is considering a ban on Research in Motion’s (RIM) BlackBerry service. No, they are not unhappy with the service delivery but it’s the threat it poses to country by encrypting the data.

Tata Indicom - Emergency Management Service- To the rescue

Tata Indicom is playing Savior this time. With an objective of being there for its customers in times of emergencies, Tata has launched its ‘Free Emergency Management Service’. This service allows you to get in touch with your close ones in cases of emergencies (What we understood as being unable to call someone during tough times or NO BALANCE).

How it works: One has to register for the service by calling customer care. Once that’s done, you record a message, which is heard to the people you select as your special numbers. In case of an emergency, the user would have to dial *44 and the recorded message would be delivered to your near and dear ones. This would make them call you instantly.

Great thing about the service is that you don’t have to shell out anything. It’s more of a responsibility for Tata than a business opportunity. This great thought by the operator would bring relief to parents who want to make sure that their child is secure.

Virgin Mobile - Phones & Plans

Virgin Mobile has already made a hatke entry into the Indian market as a CDMA service provider in association with Tata Teleservices. Now lets check out how people can get started with Virgin Mobile.

First of all it’s a CDMA service provider, so you cannot just buy the sim card and get started with it. You need to purchase a handset provided by Virgin Mobile to subscribe to its services. The handsets are available exclusively at “The Mobile Bazaar” (a mobile store within Big Bazaar) and “The Mobile Store”.

Just explore the cellphones and the plans provided by the company…..

Website Review: Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile is here to give CDMA a revamp. The UK based service provider is clearly targeting the youth and it shows. If one visits the site, you’ll be mesmerised. Believe us, you will think of changing over to this operator. The website is lively and shouts out “it’s time to think Hatke”. The lingo and the appearance used is appealing to the youth, with the content being straight forward.

Why should you choose CDMA? Why do I change over to Virgin? What are the benefits? All these questions answered by just one click. The content challenges the users to demand more from their service providers and tags them to be “unexciting” and “crappy”. No Nonsense is the theme, that the operator focuses on and the website can keep you busy for quite some time.

Be sure to visit it and do let us know your views about it.

Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile enters India

Virgin Mobile, which had plans to step into India, has finally made its entry in its own unique way. The uniqueness was in the launch where Richard Branson, the owner of Virgin group, performed a sky walk in front of the huge banner. Here’s some Gyaan on Virgin Mobile:

• Franchisee Agreement with Tata Teleservices
• Here to provide CDMA services under the brand name: Virgin Mobile
• Will mainly target the 400 million youth population of India
• Will start off with 50 cities initially and operations in 17 circles.
• Will provide call rates @ 50paise and cellphones in the range of Rs.2000-5000
• A user will be paid 10 paise for an incoming call that is more than a minute long

What’s in store for you: The service provider has a good track record and can help raise the bar in terms of service offerings. Targeting the youth is a very smart option that the company has made and we hope to see better handsets being provided with the CDMA connections.

With the byline reading Think Hatke, let’s hope it really is Hatke.

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MTNL Phone + Connection Pack

MTNL’s Garuda has brought in a new phone + connection pack for Rs 1499. This pack includes a Garuda colour camera phone and a Garuda prepaid connection with free talktime of Rs 1500. However, there are two conditions imposed on the usage of this free talktime, and they are, that this free talktime can be used only on MTNL networks and it has to be consumed within a period of 10 months.

Now talking about the call charges and the incoming validity, this pack offers a free incoming validity for 2 years. Calls on MTNL Mumbai Garuda network will be charged at 10 paise/min, on other networks of MTNL Mumbai and Delhi will be charged at 60 paise/min and on all other networks of Mumbai and Delhi it would be charged at Re 1/min.

This pack seems to be very attractive and pocket friendly simply because you pay Rs 1500 and you get an equal amount of talktime free, so in a way you get the camera phone for free. Secondly, it offers two years incoming validity at no extra cost and lastly, the call charges on the home network are very low which is an added advantage to users making more calls on MTNL Mumbai and Delhi networks.

TRAI for cable players' foray into Internet TV

Cable TV operators can register under the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act, 1995, to provide Internet Protocol Television services without requiring any licence, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has said.

Samsung's P2 gets certified for Vongo

It's not like we haven't seen PMPs certified for Vongo before, but considering just how sexy the P2 really is, we think the aforementioned video provider did itself a favor by teaming up with Samsung. As of today, P2 owners can surf on over to Vongo's website and begin using the subscription-based service for $9.99 per month, and for P2 owners to-be, you can look forward to a "trial membership" with an unspecified length. Huzzah!

MTNL celebrates new year in a different style

Happy New Year to all you guys! And getting back to business, MTNL is inviting 2008 by showering Gold to lucky Dolphin/Trump users who shower them with SMSes. The offer commenced from yesterday and will run till 20th of this month which will give 14 winners different denominations of Gold after a lucky draw.

To be eligible in this contest, a user has to send ‘MTNL GOLD’ (without the quotes) to 54321 and increase their chances of winning by sending more and more SMSes. But before you pick up your phone to send it, each SMS will be charged Rs. 5.

GSM players may have to cede excess spectrum

GSM operators may face the music as DoT considers the decision of taking away excess spectrum.