Batelco leads the way with Mobile Broadband
Batelco, the leading telecommunications service provider in the Kingdom of Bahrain, joins the rapidly growing list of worldwide operators launching live 3G (3rd Generation) and HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access -- 3.5G) mobile networks, by selecting Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) to enhance their mobile network, thus strengthening their commitment for providing the absolute best mobile end-user experience through continuous innovation and technology leadership.
The project will commence late 2006 with the target of providing nationwide 3G and HSDPA coverage with download speeds up to 14.4 Mbps, in 2007.
Ericsson will deliver the commercial HSDPA System enabling Batelco to mobilise their Broadband Bahrain initiative through the provision of wireless broadband services including a suite of advanced Multimedia solutions. Under the terms of the agreement, Ericsson will provide professional services to assist Batelco in launching and managing their network including a Go-To-Market programme.
Batelco Chief Executive Peter Kaliaropoulos stated that Batelco did not rush into deploying 3G network infrastructure till such time that more handsets were available in the market, significant content and applications were developed and Batelco's own operating needs necessitated a migration to 3G services.
"We have selected to deploy Ericsson's leading edge technology to enable a wide variety of rich value added services; aiming to inform, entertain and serve our customers in transacting for business and interacting with friends and family." [ read full article ]
Mobile carriers putting smart-phone sales on their wish lists
Mobile phone carriers are hoping for a smart Christmas.
Having become an invaluable tool for the road warrior, the nation's wireless carriers are now targeting everyday phone users with a blizzard of devices that send e-mail, surf the web and play music.
Cingular Wireless on Thursday will introduce its new BlackJack smart phone, one of several new models that integrate a host of multimedia functions. The major carriers now offer several models, which they are betting will be winners this holiday season.
At Verizon, Motorola's Q has a new low price while T-Mobile hopes its Dash and the BlackBerry Pearl will bring more customers through the door.
Now Cingular, which already has more than 10 different smart phones on its shelves, will put the BlackJack at the forefront of its marketing efforts.
"They are wallet-friendly and pocket-friendly," analyst Michael Gartenberg of Jupiter Research said of the new generation of smart phones. "They appeal to the mom who wants to keep in touch with her kids (through text messaging) or wants to play a casual (video) game while waiting for the kids to finish soccer practice."
Indeed, a combination of style, function and price have heated up the smart-phone sector in the third quarter, where sales of the devices have doubled over the previous quarter, according to analyst Neil Strother of the NPD Group. [ read full article ]
Samart sees 'virtual mobile' role in future
Samart Corp plans to re-enter the mobile phone market as a virtual mobile private network operator, according to company president Watchai Vilailuck.
As a virtual network operator, Samart would not have to construct its own network, but would use the networks of state-owned TOT Corp and CAT Telecom.
Samart sold off its Hello 1800 mobile phone service to Shin Corp in 2000. Shin subsequently closed down Hello 1800 and transferred its customers to Advanced Info Service, the flagship of the Shin group and the country's largest mobile operator.
Mr Watchai said that as a virtual mobile operator, Samart would face little investment burden, as call traffic could be routed through Internet protocol (IP) networks.
"In the near future, the launch of an interconnection regime will also facilitate such services. The Telecom Business Act also explicitly allows the lease of networks to offer virtual network services," he said.
Samart would have to apply for a licence from the National Telecommunications Commission, which is expected to open applications sometime next year.
Samart yesterday announced third-quarter net profits of 163 million baht, a slight decline from 179.9 million in the same period last year. Nine-month profits totalled 1.79 billion baht, compared with 432.25 million a year earlier. [ read full article ]