Philippines marching backwards to a duoply

PLDT voluntarily submits Digitel Sales and Purchase Agreement to the NTC

Across the world regulators are pushing for increased competition and advancements within the mobile space by offering licenses to increase the number of MNOs in the market. Now facing the NTC, National Telecommunications Commission, is a decision to allow SMART (PLDT) and SUN Cellular (Digitel) to become a giant MNO with 59 million subscribers (according to The MNO Directory 2011, Q310 statistic). This compares to Globe's 25 million subscribers, so unsurprisingly Globe have been mounting objections to the merger.

U Mobile signs with Pos

U Mobile signs with Pos

U Mobile Sdn Bhd (U Mobile) and Pos Malaysia Berhad (Pos Malaysia) today announced a partnership enabling U Mobile customers to pay their bills through the vast network of Pos Malaysia.

AXIS, Saudi Telecom’s Indonesian Subsidiary Completes USD 1.2 Billion Financing

AXIS, Saudi Telecom’s Indonesian Subsidiary Completes USD 1.2 Billion Financing

AXIS, the Indonesian subsidiary of Saudi Telecom Company announced on 23 May 2011, the signing of a USD 1.2 billion financing deal with a tenor of 7.5 years with local and international financial institutions. The deal comprises three facilities: a USD450 million Murabaha commercial facility, arranged by Deutsche Bank and HSBC and underwritten by Deutsche Bank and Saudi British Bank (SABB); a USD400 million facility for equipment purchases from Huawei, underwritten by China Development Bank; and a USD350 million facility for equipment purchases from Ericsson, arranged by HSBC and backed by EKN, the Swedish Export Credit Agency. All facilities have been structured in a sharia compliant manner.

Maxis clients to surf 6x faster with Opera Mini mobile

Maxis clients to surf 6x faster with Opera Mini mobile

Maxis and Opera Software ('Opera'), have partnered to launch an original mobile web browsing experience to 13.9 million Malaysians who are Maxis customers. The Opera Mini browser is renowned for its smart browsing, offering faster, more affordable Internet access on mobile devices including tablets, for all platforms including Java, Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, Windows Mobile and Symbian/S60.

From 27 May, Maxis customers will enjoy the full range of famed Opera Mini features for mobile browsing, including surfing at up to six times faster speed than native browsers*, combined with easy, integrated access to Maxis' content and services ecosystem on its WAP portal - all seamlessly delivered over Maxis' leading 3G network encompassing more than 5000 sites across East and Peninsular Malaysia.

Jean-Pascal van Overbeke, Maxis' Chief Operating Officer said, "We are pleased and proud to introduce the Maxis Opera Mini browser to further enhance and enrich the Malaysian and Maxis experience of the online universe from any screen, anywhere. This introduction complements Maxis' constantly expanding offerings of relevant content and services, with a unique version of the Opera Mini browser that is experienced in its full capability by any Maxis customer, over the entire range of device types. This also takes Maxis further towards its goal of connecting more Malaysians across more interactive Internet touchpoints, through partnerships that bring true value and innovation."

T Kugan, Maxis Vice President and Head of Product, Devices and Innovation added, "There are already more than 7.2 million Maxis customers accessing the mobile Internet. Therefore, we can only grow our commitment to greater internet access for all, in order to provide equal opportunity. The Opera Mini browser from Maxis will open up to expanding mobile participation in the Internet, better ways to experience enriched content categories such as have been aggregated on Maxis' recently launched MYLAUNCHPAD destination portal. As part of Maxis' commitment to being a key enabler of every layer of society, before this weekend, customers can begin downloading the Maxis Opera Mini browser application at no data charge."

Telstra switches on first 4G mobile towers

Telstra switches on first 4G

Next-generation mobile communications are a major step closer, with Telstra becoming the first Australian telco to deploy 4G technology into its wireless network.

Mike Wright, Executive Director Telstra Networks & Access Technologies said, "The first 4G base stations, using Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology, have been switched on in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane and 4G data has been sent over the network for the first time outside of field trials. The integration of 4G technology into our existing wireless network demonstrates Telstra’s intention to continue to deliver high quality services and meet ever-growing customer demand.”

Eighty per cent of Telstra’s mobile customers have migrated to the Next G® network enabling the reuse of the 1800MHz spectrum previously used to deliver 2G mobile services.

By the end of 2011 when the initial 4G LTE network has been deployed, Telstra will sell dual mode LTE/HSPA+ mobile broadband devices that will operate seamlessly across the 1800MHz and 850MHz spectrum bands, giving Telstra customers the benefits of 4G where it is available and seamless switchover to 3G HSPA technology across the expansive Next G® footprint.

PCCW Global provides video and media broadcast solution to Home2US Communications for its global expansion

PCCW Global provides video and media broadcast solution to Home2US Communications for its global expansion

PCCW Global Inc., a subsidiary of Hong Kong's premier telecommunications provider, PCCW Limited, is providing a turnkey video and media broadcast solution to Home2US Communications Inc. (Home2US), a leading U.S. satellite-based, direct-to-home Pay-TV service provider specializing in the aggregation and distribution of international content globally.

PCCW Global's video and media broadcast solution allows Home2US to manage the content elements of their business, focus on the end-user customer needs and manage their day-to-day operations more efficiently. The utilization of PCCW Global's worldwide MPLS network as part of the broadcast solution offering also enables Home2US to expand their footprint without having to substantially increase capital investments and operating expenses.

By understanding the customer's business and lending its expertise, PCCW Global also affords cost efficiency, speed of implementation, and diversity as additional benefits to Home2US and will assure efficient collection and transport of video content throughout the various points of the network.

Riding on PCCW Global's extensive fiber and satellite networks, the video and media broadcast solution is designed for broadcasters, content providers, and DTH (direct-to-home) operators for the seamless transport of video content throughout the world, end-to-end monitoring and proactive support for their customers.