MTNL Mumbai Intros 3 New 3G Data Plans – 25 GB 3G Data Usage for Rs. 499

India’s First 3G Mobile Service provider Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) announced the launch of 3 new 3G Prepaid Data Plans.
 

With more of a whimper than a bang, after the launch of longer validity Unlimited 3G Data Plans, MTNL introduces another path breaking, cheapest 3G Data Plan of Rs. 22 which offers free 3G Data Usage up to 250 MB plus 50 SMS (Local/National) to any network across India.

While 3G Data Plan-499 offers 25 GB Data usage and 150 SMS valid for 7 Days. MTNL also introduces one long validity limited plan for Rs. 1199 which offers 6 GB Data usage, 350 SMS and comes with the validity of 90 Days.The 3G Data Plans are launched initially in MTNL’s On-line Recharges System and subsequently it may be extended through paper coupon.

The Post Free Usage Data charges will be 1paisa / 10 KB (Home and Roam). MTNL 3G subscriber can enjoy Free 3G data Roaming in more than 900 cities across India with BSNL 3G network. For more details dial 1503 (toll free) /022-22221503 or 9869012345.

MTNL (Mumbai) New 3G Data Plans (Limited Plans) :

MTNL 3G subscriber can enjoy Free 3G data Roaming in more than 900 cities across India with BSNL 3G network. For more details dial 1503 (toll free) /022-22221503 or 9869012345.

Windows Phone ‘Mango’ Released To Manufacturing-Nokia Started

Yesterday the Windows Phone development team officially signed off on the release to manufacturing (RTM) build of “Mango” – the latest version of the Windows Phone operating system and the one that will power the first Nokia Device with WP.
 

This is really a good news to those who are involved in Nokia Microsoft eco-system so that they would be releasing their device soon this year.

A hundreds of new, more features are added to this Version of Windows –‘Mango’.

Few of the Highlight features include:

1) A unique new email Conversation View which helps us to efficiently participate in long email discussions with our friends and co-workers.

2) Threads that bring together all our text, IM, and Facebook chat all into one conversation.

3) App Multitasking, enabling us to efficiently work on our email, listen to music. Mango also connects apps to search results and deepens integration within the Hubs like Music and Video and Pictures.

4) Internet Explorer 9 for fast web browsing and support for new HTML 5 web sites.

Let us know what you’re excited to see with the first Nokia with Windows Phone smartphones? Hope Nokia stands as a Giant again with the latest Platform built this year!

BSNL Partners With IGNOU – Will Now Offer Telecom Training Courses

BSNL and IGNOU today signed an MoU to develop a special relationship with the objective of supporting various activities related to education and training in India.
 

BSNL is a state owned company, engaged in providing telecom solutions through its network, all across in the country except at Delhi & Mumbai’ and BSNL has its dedicated training infrastructure consisting of apex training centres at Ghaziabad, Jabalpur, and Hyderabad and some thirty five other training centres across the states of India.

These training centres associated with other technical facilities in field units have benefited more than one lakh persons through around one million man days of trainings imparted by BSNL in the last one year only.High end telecom learning and capacity building within the country and abroad is a targeted focus of BSNL.

To begin with, both parties are considering the following joint actions for the education sector in India in a mutually agreed time bound manner:

Offer BSNL telecom training courses for engineering colleges and offer the same as joint IGNOU-BSNL programs leading to certificates and diplomas.

Offer a range of Managed Education Services through deployment of Vedyadhara Open Learning Environment (V-OLE) suite of systems, streaming video and IP-TV services system. Vedyadhara is implemented for all IGNOU courses and employs (TEL) Technology Enhanced Learning practices, to integrate the growing volume of web-accessed rich content and resources, and managed social networking among the subject communities.

Jointly established on dedicated BSNL network, these services will be used for the educational needs of IGNOU, BSNL as well as offering the same for other universities, colleges.

BSNL Launches Voice & Video Telephony over Internet ProtocolBSNL Launches Voice & Video Telephony over Internet Protocol

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited today launched the first of its kind VOIP services in India.

BSNL’s Voice & Video Over Internet Protocol (VVOIP) technology uses the packet switching technology and makes communication possible over IP networks such as Internet. In this the Voice and Video signals are converted into data packets and sent to the destination, where the data packets are again converted back to voice and video respectively.

The main highlight of this service is that any customer can make audio and video calls at will on any landline, mobile or IP phone anywhere in the world (except India), provided both the ends have requisite video phone equipment and if video phone equipment is available at only one end, only voice call can happen. Within India, a customer can make only IP to IP calling within BSNL network.

The VVOIP service will cost 40 paise per minute for audio calls and Rs. 2 per minute for video calls within the country.For example, a call to US will cost Rs.1.20 p per minute to UK it will cost Rs.1.20 P on landline and Rs.7.20 P to mobile and Rs.1.20 p per minute to China. 

The detailed tariff charges for all countries are available on BSNL website monthly charges for VVOIP services will be Rs. 150.This service also provides all the industry standard Class 5 features like Call Hold, Call Transfer, Do Not Disturb, Call Forward, Mute, Caller ID / Name Display or Block, Call Waiting, Call Waiting Caller ID, 3-Way Conferencing, Call Log, Video Phone Book, Off Hook Auto Dial, Auto Answer, Early Dial and Speed Dial, Redial, Volume Control, Visual Message / Voice-mail Indicator, Downloadable Custom Music Ring Tones, etc.

Availability of Soft phone, which can be installed on a Personal Computer (PC), will further reduce the initial investment for subscribing to this service. The Soft phone will be provided FREE OF COST. DVD Quality pictures (30 fps) will ensure visual clarity at both ends. The controls will allow horizontal and vertical adjustments of the camera and zoom in and zoom out controls for better transmission of image.

Airtel Hikes its Prepaid Tariff

Bad news for Airtel prepaid customers across Delhi-NRC, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Mumbai, Madhya Pradesh & Chattisgarh and Kerala, Airtel today announced that it has hiked its prepaid tariff (Pay Per Min and Pay Per Second plan) for the above circles.
 

When we asked them regarding the tariff hike Airtel Spokesperson quotes that “Telecom is probably the only industry where despite increasing inflation, tariffs have been falling unabatedly. Continuously declining margins, high 3G & BWA auction prices, constrained spectrum and rural roll out aspirations leave us with little choice but to make some price corrections. We are committed to enhance value for our customers through continued investments in network, technology, customer experience and life enriching services.”

Now the subscribers who opted for per minute basic plna will now have to pay 60 paisa per minute for local and STD calls and 90 paisa for calls to landlines,  SMS would be charged at Rs. 1.5 Local and National SMS’s. While Per Second Plan users will be charged 1.2paisa per second for local and STD calls to all network across India. The new tariff will comes into place when the validity of the existing packs gets over.

Revised /Increased tariff for Airtel Advantage and Freedom Plan subscribers (effective from 22 July 2011) : The new tariff for own network (Airtel to Airtel) calls will be 60 paisa per minute (existing 50 paisa) in most of all telecom circles.However the call charges for Airtel to other network’s mobile calls will be slashed to 60 paisa/min from the existing 75 paisa/min.

Airtel to landline call charges will be increased to 90 paisa/min from the existing 75 paisa/min. Local SMS rate will be Rs. 1 and National SMS will be charged for Rs. 1.50.

All new customers enrolling in the Airtel Advantage/Freedom packs will be charged on the revised/Increased tariffs. While all existing subscribers will continue to avail the existing tariffs till the expiry of their tariff validity period.

The Indian telecom industry feels that increase in tariff is most important to sustain in the highly competitive market with almost 13 to 14 mobile service operators in all the telecom circles. According to industry sources, some other operators are like Vodafone Essar, TTSL (Tata Docomo and Tata Indicom) likely to follow the trend.

So now what do you think regarding the new tariff hike do you think other operators will also follow Airtel’s move what is your take do let us know via comments.

BSNL Launches Pyari Jodi Plan For Existing Subscribers

Pan India 3G mobile service operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) today announced the launch of its most popular “Pyari Jodi Plan” for all existing prepaid subscribers in all  telecom circles across India.

BSNL introduces new Plan Activation STV for Rs. 22 which offers all the benefits of “Pyari Jodi Plan” (also known as Anbujodi plan in Tamilnadu and Home Unlimited Plan in Kerala) on existing BSNL mobile number. Earlier the plan was available only of New and MNP subscribers.

With the Pyari Jodi Plan STV-22. subscriber can make Unlimited Free Local calls from their existing mobile number to their registered BSNL home land line (Only from Home LSA).

While all other local and STD Calls (except Home land line number) shall be charged as per ‘Pay-Per Second’ tariff. After the expiry of initial plan validity of 180 days, further validity can be extended by using any of the recharge coupons and continue to enjoy the Unlimited Free call facility forever. Pyari Jodi Plan Activation Voucher -22 will be available only on C top up in all telecom circles across India.

BSNL Pyari Jodi STV-22 Tariff Details :

Airtel Follows Foot Step of Vodafone – Now No Video Call Without Data Packs

Remember few months back we shared a story on Vodafone’s untrue video calling. Now the same foot steps is now followed by Airtel.

Now to make video calls from your airtel 3G you may now need to activate the 3g data packs without which video calls can’t be made.

Airtel recently hiked it’s prepaid tariff in Delhi-NRC, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Mumbai, Madhya Pradesh Chattisgarh and Kerala circles now it has also made it mandatory for the 3G customer that they need to activate the data pack to make video calls.

With these changes many customers have shown dissatisfaction toward the 3G services. Many customer who have activated the 3g services only for video calls now need to shell out extra pocket for data plans even though it’s not necessary needed for most of them.

So now Airtel Customer need to activate zero rental plan to make and receive video calls.Do note that These changes are done for those customers who were enjoying 3G speed on 2G Gprs packs.

Lets have a look on this issue:

Operators	Notes
Aircel /Idea Cellular	After activation of 3G you can enjoy 3G services incl. data and video calls. But if you like to use 2G data packs, you have to deactivate 3G.
Reliance GSM	3G come to everyone by default i.e. 3G data services and video calling is activated automatically. But if 2G data pack is recharged, speed will be capped till the validity period of 2G data pack.
BSNL / MTNL	BSNL /MTNL are offering video calls to 2G/3G users by Default with lowest tariff compare to all private operators. While to enjoy 3G data you need to activate 3G.
Vodafone/Airtel	Vodafone : For video calls (outgoing/incoming) you need to activate any 3G Data Pack with minimum recharge of Rs. 100 per month which comes with 100 MB 3G data. Following the recharge you can access Vodafone HSPA network to make video calls. Airtel : Need to Activate Zero Rental Plan To Make and Receive Video calls

What’s your take on this move do you think a step like this by Airtel will make subscribers to stay away from 3G video calling services do share your views via comments.

Now Check BSNL 3G Data Usage via SMS

Looks like India’s National Telecom backbone Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) and Pan India 3G Mobile Service provider is now working in full swing to make its operation customer friendly few days back BSNL introduced last FIVE Call Transaction for BSNL 2G and 3G users as we shared on TelecomTalk.

Now BSNL has come forward and introduced SMS and USSD Based 3G Data usage checking facility for its 3G customers in Chennai & RoTN Circle only.

Now BSNL 3G Data customers can get the data usage by sending SMS either from his Data Card or iPAD, if it supports SMS facility or from their BSNL / any other Operator mobile numbers by sending SMS, as detailed below 

Instrument from where SMS is to be given.	SMS keyword	SMS to be sent to	Remarks
From DATACARD / IPAD	DATA3G	53733	Free
From IPAD	*124*1#	Press call/ Enter button
From BSNL mobile number	DATA3Gmobile number of the DATA CARD/ iPAD  in 10 digit	53733	Free
From mobile number of any operator	DATA3Gmobile number of the DATA CARD/ iPAD  in 10 digit	9442253733	Chargeable as per the customer’s plan with his operator

It may be noted that the customer need not remove the SIM from Data Card/ iPAD and put it in his mobile/ iphone  to check the usage

It’s currently applicable for Chennai & RoTN Circle only and it may be worked in other circles.

HTC ChaCha FaceBook Phone Launched In India For Rs. 15990

HTC, a global leader in mobile innovation and design, today announced the launch of HTC ChaCha a QWERTY Android smartphone with a dedicated Facebook button for Rs. 15990 in India.

As an special bundled offer, Tata DOCOMO 3G prepaid customers can avail 3GB free data valid for a period of 90 days whereas 1GB free data is offered free each month to postpaid customers across all 3G circles valid for 90 days. All 3G customers will also get 3 hour of free Mobile TV that includes data access charges valid for 90 days.

While Tata DOCOMO 2G prepaid customers can avail 3GB free data and 300 Tata to Tata local calling valid for a period of 90 days whereas 1GB free data and 100 minutes Tata to Tata calling is offered free each month for 3 months to postpaid customers across all 2G circles.

The new 3G enabled devices feature Android Gingerbread 2.3.3, the latest version, and use the latest iteration of HTC Sense to integrate Facebook throughout the HTC Sense experience. When you make a phone call, the dialer screen displays your friend’s latest status and photos, and even tells you if their birthday is approaching.

The same updates are also displayed when you receive a call from a Facebook friend. You can also use your phone’s existing contacts to help you connect with them on Facebook or personalize your handset further with a number of new, Facebook-branded widgets.

With the HTC ChaCha one can capture special moments in crisp, High-Definition detail or video chat with your friends using the dual cameras, including a 5-megapixel color camera with auto focus and LED flash and a VGA front-facing camera. The 3G HSDPA, 7.2 Mbps enabled ChaCha smartphone also brings the Internet to your fingertips with a 2.6-inch, 480 x 320 resolution landscape touch screen.

Tata Docomo Shakes Hands With AIRCEL For All India 3G Coverage

In our earlier article we shared that most of the telecom operator is on mutual agreement for 3G  services.

Recently we posted the article that Tata Docomo recently launched its 3G services in Mysore and Mandya district in Karnataka the service was launched through ICRA tie-up with Aircel.

Good news for all those 3G lovers where Tata Docomo haven’t got spectrum for its 3G services.

All our reader can take a sigh of relief that Tata Docomo will be launching its 3G services in the Circles with mutual agreement with Aircel to provide intra circle roaming thru network sharing.Already it has launched the Intra circle roaming in three circles with Aircel network Karnataka, Kerala & Punjab.

Its has also agreed to provide 3G servcies in other circles Andhra Pradesh, Kolkata, Orrisa, Rest of Tamilnadu & CHENNAI, Rest of West Bengal , Uttar pradesh East ,Bihar & Jharkand.

 

We also believe that Aircel and Tata docomo might join hands with MTNL to cover Delhi and Mumbai circle for 3G services.

We hope with this tie up the enhancement of coverage of Tata docomo coverage will be at best.If any of the users from these region are able to use the Tata Docomo 3G services on Aircel network, kindly share your feedback on the same.

BSNL Offers 2GB 3G Data With Krish 3G Modem

BSNL with its overwhelming response for 3G data services has planned to join hands with different 3G data card vendors.

BSNL is already offering Micromax, Beetel, Capitel, Teracom 3G modems with bundled data in different circles.

Now BSNL 3G services also comes with Krish 3G Modems (USB Data Card). Krish KR3G-100 USB data cards are coming from Krishna Telenet Pvt Ltd, a Sonepat (Haryana) based company expertized in telecom products. Krish KR3G-100 is a HSPA plug-n-play modem which supports all GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA/HSPA networks – downlink upto 7.2Mbps and uplink upto 5.76Mbps.

It comes with preloaded drivers & UI installation for Windows and Mac.The device via its UI supports voice calls over computer along with other features like one click connect to internet, SMS, Phonebook and USSD. It also has a microSD slot to be doubled as maximum 16GB USB drive.

Currently BSNL is offering this device at around Rs. 2000 with bundled data of 2GB for 2 months on its 3G network. Though it may not be available in all circles right now. Krish KR3G100 modems are also available in retail market at cheaper price tag of Rs. 1800.

AIRCEL Offers iPhone 3GS on Upfront Payment of Rs. 3333

AIRCEL the fast growing Pan India telecom operator in the country in a latest move has now chosen to offer iPhone 3GS 8GB at upfront payment of just Rs. 3,333 and customer can pay the rest in interest free 5 EMIs.

The 6 months interest free EMI option (including upfront payment) is available for Aircel subscriber having HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank credit card with zero processing fee. The payment of EMI is completely governed by the HDFC or ICICI banks as the case may be, For details on the terms and condition on the EMI scheme, the customer is advised to get in touch with the bank directly.

What’s more, Aircel’s also introduced exclusive money back plans, wherein subscriber can recover up to 100% of their iPhone 3GS cost over a period of 2 years. With these plans, you get a fixed discount on your monthly bills. This, when totaled over 2 years will add up to the cost of your iPhone 3GS.

Apart from the EMI scheme, iPhone 3GS 8GB is also available as a full payment of Rs. 19,990 at all leading stores as earlier we shared on TelecomTalk. Aircel customer can call on 121 or send an SMS “IP” to 5800 000 (Toll free) and fix an appointment to get a personalized demonstration of iPhone 3GS at the nearest Aircel Store.

Aircel iPhone 3GS Money Back Plans :

India Adds 8.5 Million GSM Subscribers in June – Airtel Leads

India’s largest Mobile Service operator Bharti airtel has added a total of 2.1 million GSM subscribers which are the highest number of new mobile subscriber additions followed by Vodafone Essar which has added 2.09 million new subscribers in June 2011. Airtel’s GSM subscriber base now reached 169 million, according to the COAI data.

Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) today released the GSM subscriber base for June 2011, the new additions continue at a bit less growth rates compare to previous months. The total 8.5 million new GSM subscribers being added in the June 2011 at a monthly growth rate of 1.45% taking the all-India GSM cellular subscriber base to 598.7 million.

Among the GSM Mobile Service Operators, Vodafone Essar added 2.09 million new customers, boosting its subscriber base 141.5 million. IDEA Cellular notched up 1.35 million new subscribers during the month, taking its total base to 95.1 million. While India’s national telecom backbone and Pan India 3G Mobile service operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) added up 0.84 million new users in June-2011, taking its total subscriber base to 88.4 million.

Aircel increased its base by over 9 lakh customers to take its subscriber base to 57.9 million. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) added just 1597 new users during the month, boosting its total base to 5.23 million at the end of June, 2011.

Uninor,has added 9 lakh GSM subscriber while Videocon managed 75,688 subscribers and STel added 1,51,470 new subscribers from five circles. Etisalat DB/Cheers Mobile added just 59,237 subscribers in 15 circles.

GSM Operator	Total Subscriber Base – June 2011	Market Share
Bharti Airtel	169,186,247	28.26%
Vodafone Essar	141,519,840	23.63%
IDEA Cellular	95,108,818	15.88%
BSNL	88,461,492	14.77%
Aircel	57,980,752	9.68%
Uninor	26,330,211	4.40%
Videocon	7,129,886	1.19%
MTNL	5,236,171	0.87%
Loop Mobile	3,150,308	0.53%
STel	3,317,414	0.55%
Etisalat DB (Cheer Mobile)	1,358,535	0.23%
All India (excluding Reliance and Tata)	598,779,674	100%

Please note : COAI GSM Subscriber base does not include the Reliance GSM base and Tata Docomo subscriber Base (same not submitted to COAI).

Uninor Customers Can Now Avail Free Movie Tickets

Now every Wednesday Uninor Customer can now avail a free movie ticket at any CINEMAX theatre in Mumbai.

To avail this offer one has to  dial  the code 50001 and follow the procedure a 13-digit unique code would be generated which has to be submitted at the theater ticket counter.

One can then claim the offer of buying 1 ticket and getting 1 ticket free! Super-Hit Wednesdays promises to break the monotonous routine of a weekly working cycle for Uninor’s hard working and well-deserving customers.

The offer has already been up and running since 1st June, 2011, which also happens to be the 1-year anniversary of operations in Mumbai for Uninor.

The offer has so far received a stunning 1st week response of 8000 calls followed by 6500 in the second week. These figures recorded were the highest as compared to any other circle for Uninor.

Tata Docomo Revises 3G Packs For Large Screen

In View of the competition from the other operator and in view to continue its best offers in industry Tata Docomo today revised its 3G packs for the large screen.
 

One new FRC’s have been launched with more data & Speed, making it look more easier for the customer to choose it.

It also revised the existing plan, and making with the low entry plan as low as Rs. 352/-. Customer can choose Different plans that has been designed based on the speed & Data.

MRP	Speed	Free Data
352	3.6 MBPS	350 MB
502	3.6 MBPS	650 MB
600	3.6 MBPS	1 GB
750	3.6 MBPS	2 GB
1000	3.6 MBPS	5 GB*
1250	3.6 MBPS	10 GB*

* Unlimited plans- Free usage policy applicable- Zero charges the speed will be reduced to 128kps,

Post Free usage the charges will be Re1/Mb instead of 1ps/20kb.

MRP	Speed	Free Data
752	7.2 MBPS	1.5 GB
1002	7.2 MBPS	3 GB
1275	7.2 MBPS	5 GB*
1500	7.2 MBPS	10 GB*

* Unlimited plans- Free usage policy applicable- Zero charges the speed will be reduced to 128kps,

* Post Free usage the charges will be Re1/Mb instead of 1ps/20kb.

If FRC SIM is used with a Non-Tata Docomo dongle is inserted into any other Brand dongle/device, speed will be reduced down to 128 kbps.

Vodafone Signed 3G Roaming Agreement With IDEA Cellular and Airtel

Vodafone Essar today said that it has signed (ICRA) agreements with Bharti Airtel and IDEA Cellular for 3G Roaming services,

With the 3G Intra Circle Roaming Agreements (ICRA) Vodafone, Airtel and IDEA Cellular now can offer commercial 3G Mobile and Data services to their subscribers in telecom circles where they currently don’t have 3G spectrum and licenses.

As earlier we shared on TelecomTalk that Vodafone has mutually tied up with IDEA Cellular and through the ICR Arrangement providing 3G services to its customers in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh (West) telecom circles.

Similarly India’s largest Mobile Service provider Airtel launched  3G service using IDEA Cellular’s 3G network via ICRA in Gujarat.While IDEA Cellular will offer 3G services in New Delhi, Kolkata and some other circle, via Vodafone’s 3G Network.

BSNL To Launch Trust Card

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) has partnered with Itz Cash Card Ltd to launch “TRUST CARD”, a co-branded prepaid card for online payment of various services.

It not only enables the customers to pay for BSNL’s telecommunication services like BSNL Postpaid bill payments, Prepaid top-ups and BSNL Value Added Services like Hello TV Subscription, BSNL Hello Tunes (Ring Back Tune) but also enables online bill payments of utilities like electricity, telephone, cooking gas, mobile, water, book rail/air tickets, renew DTH subscription, Citizen Services by Government or Government bodies and lots more.

The Trust Card will initially be available in denominations of Rs. 250, Rs. 500 and Rs. 1,000. To start with, the cards will be launched in Chandigarh, Kolkata, Pune & Chennai and gradually the cards will be launched throughout India.

The cards will be sold through ItzCash franchisees branded as ItzCash World and from BSNL retail outlets.

The introduction of the Trust Card will not only provide another channel to BSNL subscribers to pay for BSNL bills and services but will also smoothen the bill payment process for all its users for all kind of bills.

Tikona Introduces Bill Free Plan For Broadband Home Segment

Tikona Digital Networks today announced the launch of Bill Free Plan for the broadband home segment across India.

In this plan subscriber can get 2Mbps Bill Free Plan with upto 30,000 MB of bundled usage for a period of 30 months at a hassle free onetime payment of only Rs. 2999 (plus service tax).

Tikona Wireless Broadband connection comes bundled with  self installed Wi-Fi devices and a complimentary anti-virus worth Rs. 1500 per annum with every connection.Moreover with the option of ‘First Demo Then Pay’ one can call for a demo in their home or office before subscribing to the OFDM and MIMO 4th generation based technologies broadband service.

The Bill Free Plan is available from July 1 and is being offered either through an online subscription or a direct to home First Demo then Pay option.

2Mpbs Bill Free Plan
Details	ZMR2999
One-time non-refundable charges (Rs)	2999
Bundled Usage to be consumed within 30 months (MBs)	30,000
Charges Beyond Bundled Usage (Rs/MB)	0.10
Subscription Amount (Rs) (One-time Charges + Service Tax)	3308
Maximum PC registrations	6

Maxfone Mobiles Intros Z T1 Touch Screen Mobile Phone

Maxfone Mobiles today announced the launch of Touch Screen mobile phone ZT1 priced at Rs. 4860.

The new Maxfone Touch Screen is a full-touch handset that places users at the center of the social media revolution with a wide range of social network support, such as Facebook, Yahoo Messenger, E-buddy and Opera Mini.

The new range has sleek black design with Dual Sim capacity and with its Bluetooth technology that allows high-fidelity audio to be streamed from one Bluetooth device to another. One can easily share high quality audio like music from mobile phone to any wireless device.

It has shaker function, which makes easy to change music and pictures. Whether you’re sitting on the bus or walking down the street, you can now enjoy your favorite music videos by playing it in the video player and share it with your friend too.

The Device also equipped with JAVA and is GPRS and WAP enabled, with Bluetooth, Motion Sensor, Vibrate on Connect and MP3/MP4 player, making it a feature-rich yet affordable mobile phone.

In addition, the Maxfone ZT1 have an extendable memory Upto 8 GB. Maxfone ZT1 is an innovative dual SIM mobile phone featured with 3D user interface and 3.2”inch WQVGA touch screen display. It has dual camera and dual batteries. Complemented with exquisite photography features such as a 2MP, it’s an apt gadget to buy this season.

IDEA Cellular Leads In MNP Race

IDEA Cellular, the leading mobile service operator is emerging as the No. 1 operator of choice for mobile subscribers in terms of Mobile Number Portability (MNP).

As per the latest data available, IDEA Cellular leads with a huge margin, adding 1,993,684 new customers through MNP, resulting in a net gain of 859,798 in as on July 7th, 2011.

IDEA retains No. 1 position with further improving net gain lead of 99,888 subscribers over Vodafone Essar and 189,861 over Airtel.

IDEA Cellular is leading on net gains in Tamilnadu, Karnataka, Mumbai, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa. While in Kerala, UP (West), North East, Kolkata, West Bengal, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab circles it has 2nd position in terms of MNP.

On Port Out to Port In ratio, Idea strengthens and continues to performs better than all other operators i.e., for every 100 customer porting in, IDEA loses 57 customers, Vodafone Essar loses 67 customers & Bharti Airtel loses 72 customers .

IDEA Cellular was the 1st Mobile Service Provider who started MNP Campaign in November 2010 in India with its innovative television ads. IDEA ran a campaign called ‘No Idea; Get Idea’ with its brand ambassador Abhishek Bachchan urging all prospective mobile subscribers to subscribe to IDEA rather than wait endlessly for another telecom operator’s Call Centers to respond to their service query or to bring down their Monthly Postpaid bill, among other things as we shared on Technology World

MTNL Delhi Launches Friends and Family Plan

India’s First 3G Mobile Service provider Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) announced Friends and Family (FnF) Add-on Plan its Trump – Prepaid (2G and 3G) subscribers in Delhi circle.

Under this plan, MTNL’s Mobile customer can add 5 Local Mobile/Landline numbers of MTNL, which will allow subscribers to reduce the call rates at 10 paisa per min at monthly subscription charge of Rs. 50.

The FnF facilities can be availed and subscribed through IVR or by request to customer care at 1503 (toll free from MTNL).Customer may choose any MTNL Landline number or Mobile number (Dolphin/Trump).With the launch of new FnF facility MTNL expect to provide fillip to its MTNL Landline/Mobile services in Delhi and give a big reason to its customers to retain their basic/landline numbers.

The details of plan is as mentioned below:

	Friends and Family Plan
FnF monthly subscription charge	Rs. 50/-
Local MTNL Mob/landline numbers allowed to add under FnF	5
Free addition/modification	5 Numbers (Landline / Mobile)
Addition/modification charge per number beyond 5 times	Rs. 10
Local Call Charges to MTNL own net (GSM/3G/Landline/Garuda -CDMA)	10 paisa /min
Applicability	Pospaid and Prepaid Customers of all tariff plans

Note: The FnF Plan promotional basis and valid up to 6th December 2011. For more details dial 1503 (toll free) or 9868112345.

Vodafone Webstore on Facebook

Vodafone has introduced a new bench mark in the telecom space by introducing a one of a kind self help feature on  Facebook  named as Vodafone Webstore it features all the services required by customers on a day to day basis.

Now coming to the main point of why such an initiative. Well Vodafone wants to go beyond than just connecting with its customers and whats best other than Facebook?

As almost every netizen has a Facebook account it is easier to grab a pie of customers with this innovative service.Why log out of Facebook to recharge your Vodafone Prepaid Balance?

With this Webstore in Facebook customers don’t have to log out of their account neither do they have to run to the nearest store to get a top up done. The Webstore will help you topup your account, make bill payments and has a lot of VAS services like setting up of caller tunes, downloading full songs, cricket score, number portability, etc. Along with it comes the Vodafone M-Shop for buying deals through mobile.

It does make sense and managing your mobile activities thus makes a lot more easier. Hopefully other operators might just follow suit! Watch out.

MTS Showers Unlimited (With FUP) MBlazers

MTS India, country’s leading data and voice provider has started aggressive data pricing in the mobile broadband market.

Following HSPA roll out by 3G-GSM operators MTS India, country’s CDMA-only operator has dropped its ARPU for MBlaze customers.

MTS India which always emphasizes data over voice – ‘voice enabled data provider’ has recently launched NetCruise data services, rebranded with Vodafone in selected cities.

MTS also plans for upgrading its data network to EVDO Rev B to offer upto 14.7Mbps download speed.MTS now comes with some exciting data plans (for both prepaid and postpaid) with unlimited usage, though fair usage policy is applicable on all plans.

You can enjoy peak speed of upto 3.1Mbps for a certain usage, then speed will be as per 1X network – 153.6 kbps. Though these plans are not good for heavy users, these are most pocket-friendly plans for moderate users. Currently MTS has its EVDO coverage in more than 160 cities over the nation.

MTS Unlimited MBlaze Prepaid Plans:

Unlimited MSaver	Validity	Usage details
Rs. 96	24 hrs	3.1 Mbps speeds will be till 0.5 GB, after speeds will be 153.6 kbps
Rs. 298	7 days	3.1 Mbps speeds will be till 1 GB, after speeds will be 153.6 kbps till 4 GB, after speeds be further revised to 64 kbps after 4GB.
Rs. 647	30 days	3.1 Mbps speeds will be till 1 GB, after speeds will be 153.6 kbps till 6 GB, after speeds be further revised to 64 kbps after 6GB.
Rs. 798	30 days	3.1 Mbps speeds will be till 6 GB, after speeds will be 153.6 kbps till 10 GB, after speeds be further revised to 64 kbps after 10 GB.
Rs. 999	30 days	3.1 Mbps speeds will be till 12 GB, after speeds will be 153.6 kbps
Rs. 1198	60 days	3.1 Mbps speeds will be till 1 GB, after speeds will be 153.6 kbps till 6 GB, after speeds be further revised to 64 kbps after 6GB.
Rs. 1898	60 days	3.1 Mbps speeds will be till 12 GB, after speeds will be 153.6 kbps till 24 GB, after speeds be further revised to 64 kbps after 24GB.

MTS Unlimited MBlaze Postpaid Plans:

Unlimited PostPaid Plans	Monthly Rental	Usage Details
MSaver 799	Rs. 799	3.1 Mbps speeds will be till 6 GB, after speeds will be 153.6 kbps
MSaver 899	Rs. 899	3.1 Mbps speeds will be till 12 GB, after speeds will be 153.6 kbps
MSaver 1249	Rs. 1249	3.1 Mbps speeds will be till 15 GB, after speeds will be 153.6 kbps

Note that all postpaid plans are available in all circles, but prepaid plans are available in selected circles. For details call 955 toll free MTS Data Services Customer Care number from any MTS Mobile or visit your nearest MTS Store.

BSNL Mobile : Know Your LAST FIVE Call Transactions Through SMSBSNL Mobile : Know Your LAST FIVE Call Transactions Through SMS

India’s National telecom Backbone and GSM service provider Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) today introduces SMS Based Prepaid Call Details service.

With this Service BSNL’s Mobile subscribers (2G and 3G) can check LAST Call & LAST FIVE Call Transactions through SMS (toll free) which will include Date, Type, Charges, Prepaid Balance, Number and Call Duration.

To know the last 5 call transaction details BSNL Mobile Subscriber (2G and 3G) may Send SMS as follows :

1. “LAST” to 53733 – To know the last call details like Date, Type, Charge, balance, Number & Duration.

2. “LAST FIVE” to 53733 – To know the last five calls details like Date of call transaction, Type of Call, Charge, prepaid account balance, Number & Duration of call.

Please Note : Numerical 5 is also supported. i.e. “LAST5”. Latest last call transactions of the customers will be updated in the system at every 15 minutes interval and made available to the customer accordingly.

As of now, BSNL’s “SMS Based Last 5 Call Transaction” details over short code 53733 launched or available in Tamilnadu, Chennai, Kerala and it will be launched in other circles in coming

Tata Teleservices Launches Family Plan

Tata Teleservices has launched an exclusive ‘Family Plan’ for its new and existing Tata Indicom and Tata Walky postpaid customers.

This Family Plan comes with a host of benefits, available in a common “pool” like unlimited free local CUG and pooling of free SMSes and minutes.

What’s more? By opting for this plan, customers will be able to receive one single bill for the period of entire month.

This plan comes with a monthly rental of Rs. 499 for three family members. Customers can add up to 2 more members at an additional cost of Rs. 150/- per member. Under the monthly plan, they can avail the benefit of PPS (pay per second) tariff and can make all national calls at 1paise/second. All SMSes will be charged at 50 paise per SMS.

Moreover, all the family members can pool in Rs. 450 worth of local/STD calls and 100 local/STD SMSes every month.

Additionally, family members can enjoy free unlimited local CUG amongst themselves. This plan also offers usage control function so that customers can keep complete control over their spending.

Also, in addition to the above an inter family local CUG at Rs. 25/- & STD inter family CUG at Rs. 100/- per member can also be availed.

Optinno Launches smsBlocker for Android

With each passing day, the problem of spam SMS is getting severe. It is one of the major headaches for the mobile user to delete the unwanted pesky text messages.

Pune based startup Optinno Mobitech, has innovated a solution that assures the user a complete spam free mobile experience. Optinno launched their spam SMS blocking technology last year for Symbian based mobiles.

They have now launched it for Android based mobile phones, and the best part is it is absolutely FREE (The Symbian version is charged Rs. 199).

The unique spam auto-blocking technology has already received several awards, including one from MIT Technology Review 35. With over 125000 users across 110 countries for Symbian, this much awaited version will surely bring smile on face of android users.

Unlike any other existing SMS blocking app, in smsBlocker, you do not need to always feed in the number/title of the spammer. smsBlocker intelligently blocks the spam SMS on its own once you provide your blocking/allowing choices.

The features include:

• Inbuilt intelligence to detect and block automatically cunning spam SMS.

• ‘One-Click-Block’ to block in a single click from home Screen.

• Block counter in Notification Tray for quick reference.

• Fully customizable. Modify your blocking/allowing preferences as you want.

• Seamless Integration with phonebook, SMS inbox.

• Detailed log of all blocked SMS.

• Blocked SMS storage to review & restore at your convenience.

• Selective SMS block based on content, bulk spam SMS, sender’s title or a specific number.

This Award Winning app is a must if you want to get complete rid of unwanted & annoying spam SMS.

Search for “sms blocker Optinno” on Android Market.

Nimbuzz Soon To Introduce Push Notification Service For Aircel Subscribers

We happened to test the latest build of Nimbuzz back in our test labs using Aircel and found a big surprise that Nimbuzz Ping was working over its Network so we decided to dig out further.

We all know it was launched back in Indonesia via Telkomsel long time back which was widely accepted by masses.

Nimbuzz Ping was working with all Java and Symbian mobile phones in our test lab Nimbuzz Ping lets you receive free SMS notifications when Nimbuzz friends are trying to connect with you when you are offline. You will appear online to your friends even if you have Nimbuzz turned off on your mobile phone.

To make the push notification work you need to first make sure you have your phone number registered on Nimbuzz.

Then go to Menu> Settings> Nimbuzz Ping> Enable it and you are done you can enjoy the push service free of cost.

Here is a video of the same available on the web

Steps:

1. Download and install the latest Nimbuzz build from anywhere on you Symbian handset and Aircel network

2. Popup will come to register your phone number for Nimbuzz Goto Options>Setting>Nimbuzz Ping

3. And then go offline

4. Now receive push notification via SMS on your Symbian phone by enabling Nimbuzz ping service

We have learned from our sources that Nimbuzz will be soon partnering with many other leading operators.

So now we ask you did you happen to test the same with Aircel or any other operator? How was the experience do share it via comments.

Vodafone’s EVDO Data Services NetCruise Launched in Selected Cities

Vodafone has entered into the EVDO based mobile broadband market with its NETCRUISE products.

At this moment Vodafone Netcruise is available Pune (Maharastra), Mysore (Karnataka), Jaipur (Rajasthan) and Coimbatore (Tamilnadu) as a Pilot Project.

If you are thinking about dual license of Vodafone, please let me clear it.

Vodafone and SSTL come into an agreement, by which SSTL’s EVDO products are to be sold under Vodafone brand, i.e. MTS MBlaze is got a new name Vodafone NetCruise! It is just like Tata Photon+ services are also available under Virgin branding as ‘vFlash’.

“Vodafone Mobile’ branded services is being offered by SSTL through a brand franchise with Mobile Commerce Solutions Limited (MCSL). MCSL will provide SSTL with designing, marketing and servicing of ‘Vodafone Mobile’ branded products being powered by SSTL.

Priced at Rs. 2050 Vodafone NetCruise wireless internet modem is a Plug & Play device which supports downlink of up to 3.1 Mbps and uplink of upto 1.8 Mbps (EVDO Rev A). It also includes a MicroSD card slot.

Postpaid Plans of Vodafone NetCruise:

Type	Charges (Rs)	Usage (MB)	Validity
Postpaid Starter	699	1280	30
Unlimited	799	3.5 GB (FU)	30
Unlimited	999	6 GB (FU)	30
Unlimited	1299	9 GB (FU)	30

Overage 40p/mb

FU = Fair Usage with Throttling @ CDMA 1x Speeds post Bundled usage

FREE browsing on* : www.yahoo.co.in | www.wikipedia.org

Prepaid Plans of Vodafone NetCruise:

Type	Charges (Rs)	Usage (MB)	Validity (days)
Starter Plan	498	650	60
Medium usage	499	700	30
Medium usage	699	1280	30
Unlimited	799	3.5 GB (FU)	30
Unlimited	899	4.5 GB (FU)	30
Unlimited	998	6 GB (FU)	30

Overage 50p/mb.

Vodafone NetCruise comes with online prepaid recharge and bill payment facility with BillDesk.For more details call NetCruise tollfree helpline 1800 120 1111.

Verdict: As a long time MTS MBlaze user, I can say Vodafone NetCruise plans cannot beat MTS MBlaze plans. MTS MBlaze unlimited (throttling at 12GB) plan comes at Rs. 999 on prepaid and Rs. 899 monthly rental on postpaid. So better you go for MTS Mblaze which is pocket friendly.

May be SSTL likes to take advantage of Vodafone’s long term branding in India and earn new customers!

I also think about another second option, that MTS is going to roll out EVDO Rev B (speed upto 14.7Mbps) in these circles at initial phase and MTS’s current EVDO Rev A product range will go rebranded as Vodafone NetCruise.

Aircel 3G Brings Micromax 3G Modems with Bundled 3GB Usage

India’s leading telecommunications company Aircel brings new 3G data cards for its subscribers.

We already informed our readers than Aircel brought Huawei HSPA USB stick at Rs. 3499, which is comparatively costly than its competitors like Airtel, Reliance, Vodafone, BSNL offering data cards with similar specs at around Rs. 2500.

Aircel now brings Micromax 3G data cards – 310G, 350G and 352G. 310G and 350G are 3.6Mbps supported WCDMA USB modem which are priced Rs. 2099. All come locked with Aircel SIM.

Interestingly Idea sells Huawei E1550 modems with similar specs at Rs. 1400 only. Well spending 700 bucks extra comes with 3GB data usage free of cost for next 30 days.

Details of the 3G modems from Aircel:

	Downlink/Uplink	Price
Huawei 3G USB Dongle	7.2 Mbps/5.7 Mbps	Rs. 3499
Micromax 310G	3.6 Mbps/384 Kbps	Rs. 2099
Micromax 352G	7.2 Mbps/5.7 Mbps	Rs. 2199
Micromax 350G	3.6 Mbps/384 Kbps	Rs. 2099

Offers and T&C:

1)3 GB data comes free with any 3G modem bought from Aircel. This 3GB data can be used within 30 days.

2)Activation is done by FRC priced Rs. 3. In most circles no FRC is required.

3)There are three monthly dongle plans: Rs. 505 for 650 MB; Rs. 750 for 1.5 GB; Rs. 1275 for unlimited (FUP of 5GB,post 5GB speed will be as per 2G networks).

4)Double Data on first 3 recharges/ 2nd to 4th billing cycles of Rs. 505 or Rs. 750 dongle plans.

5)Default data rate 3p/10kB.

6)Charges after bundled usage 1.5p/10KB.

7)Topups are available for prepaid users.

8)In those circles Aircel does not have 3G spectrum, users will get 3GB data on 2G, extra usage will be 10p/10kB. PI pack 97 or 98 will be applicable.

For more details and circle specific offers, contact Aircel customer care 121 from your Aircel Mobile.