2degrees resets the bar for smartphones with its launch of the IDEOS X5 powered by Android 2.2

2degrees resets the bar for smartphones with its launch of the IDEOS X5 powered by Android 2.2

2degrees mobile is set to launch a new Android™ powered 2.2 smartphone this month that will bring all the benefits of a top-of-the-range smartphone at a fraction of the cost – the IDEOS X5 from Huawei.

Following its international launch at the CES show in Las Vegas last month, New Zealand consumers will be amongst the first in the world to experience the IDEOS X5, which at just $549 (RRP) will challenge the market leaders on features as well as price.

Vodafone Aus acknowledges Privacy Commissioner’s Report

Vodafone Aus acknowledges Privacy Commissioner’s Report

Following the release of the Australian Privacy Commissioner’s report, which today confirmed that customers’ personal information was not publicly available on the internet, Vodafone has outlined the immediate action that was taken to strengthen data security.

Changes include improving login identification and authentication processes, more frequent password resets, limiting approved access points for stores and dealers and even more stringent monitoring and detection technologies. A number of other additional security measures are also being implemented.

“There were areas that needed improvement, which this incident highlighted. We responded quickly, took action with those employees involved who had shared passwords, and brought forward the implementation of a number of new security measures to better protect all customer information,” said Nigel Dews, CEO of Vodafone Hutchison Australia.

PCCW is the Host Fiber Broadband Service Provider for the APRICOT

PCCW is the Host Fiber Broadband Service Provider for the APRICOT

PCCW, Hong Kong's premier telecommunications service provider, has been appointed as the "Host Fiber Broadband Service Provider" for the APRICOT-APAN conference to be held in Hong Kong from February 15 to 25, 2011.

The APRICOT (Asia Pacific Regional Internet Conference on Operational Technologies) is a prestigious regional Internet summit for the ICT industry which began in 1996. It is expected more than 1,000 participants from all over the Asia Pacific region will attend. It is the second APRICOT to be held in Hong Kong after 14 years.

By deploying ADVA Optical Networking's latest FSP 3000 optical transport solution, PCCW will provide a total of 100Gbps connectivity for the conference, including a leading 40Gbps FiberNET connectivity dedicated to the live broadcasting of a 3D full HD surgery in Czech Republic and a 4K (4096 x 3072 pixel definition) super HD video demonstration to the conference participants in Hong Kong.

Proactive rollout of 3G networks in regions by GSM Kazakhstan/Kcell

Proactive rollout of 3G networks in regions by GSM Kazakhstan/Kcell

Kcell intends to continue its proactive rollout of 3G network in Kazakhstan regions.

In addition to the north and south capitals, where the subscribers may use third generation services the following cities are to be covered by the network: Shymkent, Aktau, Karaganda, Pavlodar, Taldykorgan, Kostanay, Kokshetau, Semey, Ekibastuz, Ust-Kamenogosrk, Talgar, Kaskelen and Kapshagay. In the short-term perspective the number of cities where 3G network by Kcell is present will be gradually increased.

Telenor Pakistan hits 25m subs

Telenor Pakistan hits 25m subs

Telenor Pakistan announced today that the company's customer base has crossed 25 million subscribers. The country's second largest mobile operator grew in 2009-10 by adding subscribers at a rate of 14%, the highest in the telecom industry for the year."

Telstra to launch 4G mobile broadband network by end 2011

Telstra to launch 4G mobile broadband network by end 2011

Australians will again be at the leading edge of mobile telecommunications with Telstra today unveiling plans to upgrade its Next G™ network with 4G technology later this year.

Announcing the plan at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Chief Executive Officer David Thodey said the company plans to upgrade its existing Next G™ network with Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology in the central business districts of all Australian capital cities and selected regional centres by the end of 2011. “Telstra is proud to again be a technology leader, providing Australians with leading-edge mobile broadband services on the world’s largest national mobile network.”


By the end of 2011 Telstra plans to sell dual mode LTE/HSPA+ mobile broadband devices that operate seamlessly across the 1800MHz and 850MHz spectrum ranges, giving customers the benefits of 4G where it is available.  However, there will be no change in the quality or coverage footprint for customers who do not wish to upgrade their devices.