Saturday 16 April 2011

Smart introduces world’s fastest mobile broadband technology

Smart introduces world’s fastest mobile broadband technology

Cellular leader Smart Communications has introduced to the country what company officials describe as the world’s fastest mobile broadband technology.

Called Long Term Evolution (LTE), this is the latest stage in the development of mobile broadband technology and is popularly referred to as the fourth-generation 4G mobile phone technology.

“LTE promises to raise the quality of mobile broadband services several notches higher compared to earlier technologies,” said Smart’s chief wireless adviser Orlando B. Vea. “This will us help deliver our commitment to bring the Internet – indeed super-fast Internet – to more and more Filipinos.”

Friday 15 April 2011

Celcom partners LG for 1st dual-core Android smartphone


Celcom Axiata Berhad, the first and foremost mobile telecommunications provider in the country, is proud to work hand in hand with LG Electronics to be the first telco to launch the LG Optimus 2X, the world’s first and fastestandroid smartphone with a dual-core processor.

“We are pleased to be partnering LG to be the first telco to offer our customers the experience of this world’s first dual-core smartphone. This partnership further cements our commitment to continuously introduce new products to our extensive range of smartphones, providing customers with more choices and ensuring that they find one that perfectly suits their usage and lifestyle. With the advent of this new Android smartphone by LG coupled with Celcom’s undisputed network coverage, this becomes a perfect combination for those living life in the fast lane, helping them maintain a successful work life and an exciting social lifestyle all at the same time,” said Chee Pok Jin, Chief Marketing Officer of Celcom Axiata Berhad

Telecom NZ sells Yahoo7 stake

Telecom NZ sells Yahoo7 stake

As part of their continued relationship, Telecom NZ and Yahoo!7 have today announced changes to the ownership of Yahoo!Xtra.

As part of the changes Telecom has sold its shares in Yahoo!Xtra to Yahoo!7. Yahoo!7 therefore owns 100 percent of Yahoo!Xtra. Prior to this agreement Telecom New Zealand owned 49 percent and Yahoo!7 owned 51 percent. The current commercial partnership for Yahoo!7 to support Telecom’s broadband customer base will continue.

The Yahoo!Xtra business will rebrand to Yahoo! New Zealand with all Yahoo!Xtra staff remaining employed by Yahoo! New Zealand.

Alan Gourdie, Telecom Retail CEO, said in the coming months customers will notice changes to the branding on the site, however Yahoo!7 and Telecom remain firm partners. Yahoo! New Zealand will continue to deliver Telecom customers the same services as today such as Yahoo! Mail, Flickr and My Yahoo!

“The Yahoo!Xtra business has been extremely successful over the past few years. The internet is a fast moving industry and it makes sense for both businesses to evolve the ongoing relationship,” says Mr Gourdie.

According to Greg Brown, Chief Financial Officer, Yahoo!7: “Yahoo!Xtra is already New Zealand’s favourite homepage and is a profitable company. Telecom customers and all New Zealanders will be able to continue to access the great local and international content along with the Yahoo! services that they have come to love.”

This sale is not material for Telecom NZ and does not result in any change to guidance.

Thursday 14 April 2011

Maxis extends 3G to 80% of population

Maxis extends 3G to 80% of population

Maxis Berhad, (Maxis) Malaysia's leading integrated communications service provider, today announced a major milestone in the Malaysian Broadband industry by becoming the first service provider to surpass 5,000 sites spanning both East and West Malaysia. With this, Maxis now delivers High speed Wireless Broadband and Mobile Data capabilities to 21 million Malaysians covering over 80% of the Malaysian population. This industry breakthrough was made possible through the massive expansion that Maxis embarked on in 2010, with a capital expenditure of over RM1.4 billion. With its end-to-end smart network, Maxis provides better data experience for its customers, from simple voice usage to meeting the growing demand for data-intensive applications delivered across an exciting range of smart devices.

Sandip Das, Chief Executive Officer, Maxis said, "We are very excited with this achievement. Over the last 2 years we have worked hard at revamping our system, modernising our network, creating new transmission and building our IP networks to prepare ourselves for the surge in demand for data and broadband. This ticks another leadership box for Maxis. The strength and quality of our coverage will help bring to life the rich content, applications, downloads and relevant services that Maxis can offer, across a wider footprint than any other service provider in Malaysia. This leadership position in Wireless Broadband complements Maxis' leadership in fibre footprint and strategically positions us as an integrated player. It provides us with the capability to offer seamless experience regardless of the delivery and access network to our customers."

CSL Wins Best Mobile Carrier at TelecomAsia Awards

Telstra Subsidiary CSL Wins Best Mobile Carrier at TelecomAsia Awards

CSL, Hong Kong's leading mobile network operator and Telstra subsidiary, has been named the ‘Best Mobile Carrier’ at the Telecom Asia Awards 2011, held at the InterContinental Hotel in Singapore on Tuesday.

The awards, now in their 14th year, are the largest telecom awards in Asia and recognise outstanding performance by service providers and industry executives. Winners are based on independent nominations and the judging panel comprises 20 financial and industry analysts, industry professionals and editors.

“CSL’s long-term spectrum strategy and vision have put the company in a unique position to take a flexible approach to next generation broadband,” said John C. Tanner, Global Technology Editor of Telecom Asia and Wireless Asia. “We singled out CSL for the execution of that strategy, demonstrated by its network revamp and spectrum re-farming, as well as its decision to focus its subsequent strategy on the customer experience.”

Flexi Awarded The Most Favourite CDMA Operator by Forsel Magazine

Flexi Awarded The Most Favourite CDMA Operator by Forsel Magazine

Fixed Wireless Access service, Flexi, of PT. Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk (Telkom) has gained a Forsel Award 2011 for the category of "The Most Favourite CDMA Operator".

Head of Corporate Communication and Affairs (HCCA) Telkom, Eddy Kurnia, received the award from Andra, editor of Forsel Magazine, at Grha Citra Caraka Jakarta, Wednesday (13/4).

Eddy Kurnia, in his welcoming speech, said that the award has made Telkom proud, and able to motivate to continuously give the best to subscribers. “We surely are very proud of this recognition, where now competition of CDMA operators is very tight, and this is a challenge to Telkom,” he confirmed.

Tuesday 12 April 2011

New Managing Director to lead Optus Networks

New Managing Director to lead Optus Networks

Optus announced today the appointment of Günther Ottendorfer as Managing Director of Optus Networks.

Mr Ottendorfer is a telecommunications executive with over twenty years international experience in a number of Europe’s premier telecommunications companies, including Deutsche Telekom and max.mobil.

Paul O’Sullivan, Optus Chief Executive said, "We welcome Günther to Australia’s challenger telecommunication company - it is great to have a passionate customer centric leader join the organisation in such a pivotal role."

Monday 11 April 2011

Australia’s relationship with the home phone set to change with new Femtocell technology

Australia’s relationship with the home phone set to change with new Femtocell technology

Optus announced today that it had commenced the first Australian commercial pilot of a new wireless technology that is set to change Australia’s relationship with their home phone. Australia’s first commercially available Femtocell device for consumers has arrived with the launch of Optus 3G Home Zone.

Gavin Williams, Optus Consumer Marketing Director said, "Increasingly customers are abandoning their fixed line in favour of mobile plans which offer incredible value, such as the Timeless plans which Optus pioneered two years ago. As more customers use 3G mobile devices as their main service in the home or small business office, Optus has been investigating ways to ensure customers receive the best experience possible from their mobile service, both from a value and a network perspective. Australia’s first commercial Femtocell pilot will provide valuable feedback from our customers on the multiple benefits of this technology. The device will be initially available in selected Optus stores in Sydney, Brisbane, Wollongong and the Gold Coast."

3Macau Launches Local and Cross-regional Protective Measures for Data Services

3Macau Launches Local and Cross-regional Protective Measures for Data Services

“3Macau maintains close ties with DSRT and has implemented protective measures for users of comprehensive telecommunications services to fully protect customer interests. We launched our first ‘EasyPlus Flexible Local Data Plan’ in 2008 to enable our customers to enjoy local data service without worrying about excessive fees, and plan to join hands with telecom carriers in other areas to launch roaming services at a daily or monthly rate. We strive to provide new services so our customers can mobile surf anytime, anywhere at a reasonable cost and facilitate the development of mobile data services in Macau. We will continue to work closely with DSRT to ensure maximum protection for our customers,” said Mr. Ho Wai Ming, Chief Executive Officer of 3Macau."