Dialog 4G-LTE Pilot Network Goes Live in Colombo

Dialog 4G-LTE Pilot Network Goes Live in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s premier telecom service provider, Dialog Axiata, announced the commencement of its 4th Generation LTE pilot Network in the City of Colombo. The pilot network will initially cover several key zones within the city and is billed to be the first exposition of a 4th Generation LTE network in the South Asian region.

Director General of the Telecommunications Regulator Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) Mr. Anusha Pelpita officiated at a demonstration of LTE network capabilities featuring the achievement of data speeds in excess of 100 MBps in indoor demonstration mode, and 40-50 MBps in outdoor mobile usage scenarios within the city.

The DG-TRCSL Mr Anusha Pelpita in congratulating Dialog on embarking on the bold initiative of setting up a Pilot LTE network said, “Sri Lanka has consistently been at the helm of technology introduction in the region. The TRCSL is very proud to note the achievements of the mobile sector in delivering mobile voice and broadband services to a Sri Lankan consumers on a very affordable basis – this has driven penetration of voice service to close to 80% and broadband services are now enjoying rapid growth. Dialog’s initiative to set up a Pilot LTE Network – introducing the next generation of broadband technology to the Sri Lankan market will no doubt add further impetus towards the achievement of the Government’s objective of making quality broadband services available to all citizens”.

Regional Australians to receive early access to NBN following $200m deal with Optus

Regional Australians to receive early access to NBN following $200m deal with Optus

Australians living in regional and remote parts of Australia will gain access to the National Broadband Network from as early as 1 July 2011 following the appointment of Optus to supply managed services for NBN Co’s Interim Satellite Service.

The five-year agreement is valued at approximately $200 million, subject to final design and the implementation of the fully expanded network. The network will be capable of peak download speeds up to 6Mbps enabling consumers to obtain high speed broadband Internet services through participating retail service providers.

Vicki Brady, Managing Director, Optus Wholesale and Satellite said, “We’re delighted to have been selected for this critical project. Optus is Australia’s leading satellite owner and service provider with over 25 years’ experience in delivering high-quality services to customers nationwide.”

Gary McLaren, NBN Co Chief Technology Officer, said, “Optus has the experience, and proven track record within the Australian marketplace of delivering quality satellite services to consumers in regional and remote Australia. We are excited to see this project kick off and to start delivering high-speed broadband to some of the most isolated people in Australia.”

Mobile termination decision – it’s safe to talk now

Mobile termination decision – it’s safe to talk now

The way New Zealanders use their mobile phone will change for good following this morning’s Commerce Commission decision on Mobile Termination Rates.

2degrees Chief Executive Eric Hertz says reductions in the wholesale fees operators charge each other are fundamental to real price competition for consumers in the market.

Telstra International Group appoints new COO

Telstra International Group appoints new Chief Operating Officer

Telstra International Group today announced the appointment of Mr Martijn Blanken to the role of Chief Operating Officer of Telstra International.

Mr Blanken joined Telstra in 2009 and has led a major restructure program focused on growing the Network Applications and Services business. During this time, Telstra has strengthened its position in these markets significantly by achieving double digit growth for sales and simultaneously improving profitability.

Every consumer cloud has a silver lining with Optus Smart Safe

Every consumer cloud has a silver lining with Optus Smart Safe

Optus today launched its first consumer cloud service, Optus Smart Safe, to enable customers to back up, and store content from their mobile handset or PC and Laptop and access it easily online.

This innovative digital service is available free of charge to select Pre-Paid and Post-Paid consumer and SMB mobile customers from today and fixed broadband customers in the coming months as part of the starter pack, with access to 500MB of cloud storage.

Austin R. Bryan, Director, Optus Digital Media said, “The smartphone is fast becoming the go-to device for customers in terms of accessing, capturing and playing back media and storing important information. This product enables our customers to safely back up that content, access it on their PC, and share it online. Utilising the cloud to create innovative and compelling offerings for our customers is something we’ve been working towards for some time. We’re very happy to be bringing Optus Smart Safe to our customers – which is the first of many new exciting consumer offerings we’ll be launching in the digital space in the coming months.”

Telstra International Group appoints new China Chief Executive

Telstra International Group appoints new China Chief Executive - Ms Xiaowei Chen

The Group Managing Director of Telstra International Group, Mr Tarek Robbiati, said Ms Chen’s appointment was the result of an extensive international search for the right person to drive continued growth and shareholder value from Telstra’s business interests in China.

Born in China and educated in China and America, Ms Chen has more than 15 years experience in the media and information technology industry. Prior to joining Telstra Ms Chen was CEO for Orange Sky Entertainment Group, an integrated entertainment company including production, artistic management, advertising and new media. Ms Chen will be based in Beijing and will report into Mr Robbiati.