DOCOMO Achieves Top Ranking in Business Customer Satisfaction for Mobile Phone and PHS Services | Press Center | NTT DOCOMO Global

TOKYO, JAPAN, September 16, 2011 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today that business customers in Japan report to be more satisfied with mobile phone or PHS services from DOCOMO than any other provider — the third consecutive year DOCOMO has achieved this top ranking — according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2009-2011 Japan Business Mobile Phone Service Studies SM.

Four factors were examined to determine overall satisfaction: responsiveness of the sales contact, service content, service quality and cost.

“It is an honor to receive top ranking for three consecutive years. We sincerely thank our business customers for continuing to acknowledge our high-level service. DOCOMO remains firmly committed to delivering excellent satisfaction to all business customers,” said Tsutomu Shindou, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Corporate Marketing Division.

Optus announces a more interactive mobile future with 4G rollout

Optus today announced its rollout of the next generation of mobile technology on the Optus Open Network called Long Term Evolution (LTE). LTE will give customers the ability to enjoy even higher speed multimedia applications while on-the-go.

From April 2012, Optus will deliver its first 4G LTE services to Newcastle, Port Stephens, the Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie areas. A 4G capital city rollout will begin next month with Phase One to deliver LTE services in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth from mid-2012. Phase Two of the rollout will see an expansion of 4G LTE services to other capital cities and selected regional centres with Optus to release further details shortly.

In a further demonstration of its commitment to a 4G-powered future, Optus today became the first Australian carrier to be awarded a licence to trial LTE services in the 700 MHz spectrum band. This spectrum band delivers greater reach and enhanced in-building coverage. The trial will take place in Bendigo, Victoria and will be the first time in Australia that the former analogue TV frequency will be used for 4G services and applications.

At a network briefing today in Sydney, Optus Chief Executive, Mr Paul O’Sullivan said, “Our customers demand - and deserve - an excellent network experience to support their digital lives. This rollout ensures we remain ahead of the rising demand for mobile data. Today, Optus is committing to a new era of mobile competition, creating the infrastructure to deliver an even better performance for our customers.

“Phase One of Optus’ rollout will provide extensive 4G coverage and is timed to coincide with a significantly expanded 4G device range, to deliver the best value and choice for customers.

Mr O’Sullivan continued, “Optus has invested nearly $2 billion in the past four years and we will spend over $500 million in this financial year alone on our mobile network. This investment will ensure our mobile sites and fibre transmission network can deliver a real choice in 4G services for Australian consumers and businesses.

“As customers rely more on their mobile to access high speed data, Optus is committed to ensuring that our network supports the phone’s move from the ear to the eye.”

Optus also announced today that, in partnership with Huawei, they will be the first Australian carrier to gain first-hand knowledge of the benefits of LTE technology at 700MHz.

Consumers and businesses to connect faster and smarter as Optus unveils new mobile network plans

Optus has turned up the heat on mobile choice and competition with a number of major initiatives that will significantly enhance Optus 3G mobile coverage and performance across Australia’s major metropolitan areas.

As smartphones and tablets become the must-have devices to simplify our daily lives, Optus Chief Executive Mr Paul O’Sullivan today announced Optus is increasing the speed, reach and capacity of its current 3G network.

“Customers demand the best experience from their mobile network. For Optus, it means investing in our network for today and tomorrow, making the best use of spectrum, rolling out advances in mobile technology and bringing our customers greater value and choice in mobile devices,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

“It’s also time to set the record straight about who is bringing real choice to Australian consumers and businesses. Over the past four years Optus has invested nearly $2 billion in its mobile network and independent testing is increasingly proving that we are delivering a strong and sometimes superior network performance compared to competitors.

“Today’s announcements will take Australia’s choice for mobile network to the next level with Optus embarking on a major boost to our 3G metropolitan coverage. With one of the world’s largest U900 spectrum migration programs Optus customers will receive significant benefits including better indoor coverage.”

Mr Günther Ottendorfer, Managing Director of Optus Networks, said “In 2008, Optus significantly increased its network investment in anticipation of the growing customer demand for data. With the rising popularity of smartphones and the explosion of mobile broadband, we have seen a doubling in smartphone traffic on our network over the past 12 months.”

ZTE Wins China Unicom Transmission Equipment Contract

ZTE Wins China Unicom Transmission Equipment Contract

15 September 2011, Shenzhen, China – ZTE Corporation (“ZTE”) (H share stock code: 0763.HK / A share stock code: 000063.SZ), a publicly-listed global provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions, announced today it has won a contract with China Unicom to provide more than 70 per cent of transmission equipment in 15 provinces across China.

The 15-province initiative includes projects in Shandong, Guangdong, and Henan and will make use of several infrastructure technologies such as OTN, WDM, and MSTP/SDH. The ZTE contract involves OTN solutions in metro area core layer and edge layer applications. ZTE competed for the project with several overseas and domestic mainstream vendors.

As a result of a rapid increase of WCDMA users and in-depth 3G strategic layout, China Unicom has committed to building a powerful PTN network for 3G and LTE. It also is committed to promoting next-generation optical networks such as OTN. The ZTE contract marks the first time China Unicom will make a large-scale purchase of OTN equipment.

As part of the project, ZTE will provide its ZXONE 8000 series OTN and ZXONE 5800 MSTP equipment to China Unicom. ZTE won 70 per cent of the China Unicom OTN and WDM contracts and over 90 per cent of its MSTP contract. This large-scale bearer network construction will allow China Unicom to further consolidate its network advantage and to maintain its leading position in the 3G field.

According to a report by industry analysis firm Ovum, global optical networks grew 17 percent in the second quarter of 2011 quarter on quarter with revenue reaching $4.1 billion. ZTE maintained its No. 3 position in the global optical network market, passing $500 million in revenue for the first time. In addition ZTE grew 45 per cent in terms of revenue in the global optics market, with market share rising to 12 percent, its highest level to date.

Tata Communications today announces the launch of a new cloud-based platform for the global contact centre industry

Tata Communications today announces the launch of a new cloud-based platform for the global contact centre industry. New Intelligent Call Routing (ICR) and Interactive Voice Response (IVR) products offer an integrated solution for routing and distributing calls across multi-geography and multi-site call centres. Routing takes place over a single, fully enabled IP platform, delivering business efficiencies and a superior customer experience.

Vodafone Fiji : Vodafone Fiji's Webbox Gives Internet on Your TV

Vodafone Fiji : Vodafone Fiji's Webbox Gives Internet on Your TV

Vodafone Fiji today unveiled Webbox, a revolutionary device that will change the lives of many Fijians by providing affordable and easy internet access through the customer's existing television set.

Webbox is basically a computer keyboard with a provision for a SIM card to access internet using Vodafone network. Webbox is a Vodafone innovation developed specifically for customers in emerging data markets, where technology and cost barriers for buying computers prevent many from enjoying affordable and easy access to Internet.

Less than 2 people per 100 of the population of Fiji are internet subscribers, and only 6 per 100 people own a personal computer. However, approximately 60% of all households have a television set making WebBox the ideal product to bridge the digital divide and increase internet penetration. With Vodafone ‘s 2G and 3G network covering 95% of Fiji’s population, Webbox effectively takes internet access to 95% of Fiji’s population.

"We are extremely happy to step up to the challenge of empowering rural access to the internet, as well as heeding the call from consumer watch dogs to make Internet access affordable so that families all over Fiji can benefit. This latest innovation is going to change the face of Internet connectivity in Fiji. Since Fiji has less 10% of its population accessing the Internet; this device will ensure that Internet access is available to many more Fijians who previously had limited or no access," said Pradeep Lal, Vodafone’s Chief Operating Officer.

It is a sleek, unique keyboard that comes with a SIM card and an inbuilt modem which provides a simple user interface, enabling users to navigate easily between services including Internet browsing, and email messaging, as well as FM radio, an online photo album, games and video and music players . The product works on both 2G and 3G modes, and therefore covers large parts of the population.

This product is also great news for students and teachers around the country. With many rural schools not having a proper library, this internet access through the Webbox offers students around the country the whole world information at the fingertips. This is product is destined to empower the rural population and open up a world of opportunities like never before.

Although the Webbox is not a Personal computer, it fills the void for customers who find investing in a personal computer financially challenging. The product uses conventional RCA connector cables to plug into a Television, thereby doing away with the usual entry barriers to internet connectivity for customers. This device sits perfectly between a PC and Smartphone, empowering customers with the best of both worlds.. Webbox’s mobility receives a high rating when it comes to accessibility anywhere. The device has an inbuilt Mobile battery and, with no set-up required, the plug and play keyboard converts any standard domestic television into an internet portal.

The value addition Webbox will add to homes, schools and small business is immense. The wealth of knowledge that is available on the Internet can now be accessed by thousands which will add greater value to our economy," says Pradeep Lal.

The WebBox is elegant and conveniently portable. It also has the Opera Mini web browser which compresses data by up to 90% providing much faster and more affordable Internet browsing.

The device will be available at all participating Vodafone shops and selected Premier dealers at hire purchase programs to make it even more affordable. The Webbox will retail at $199. VIP which will include 500 MB of Data on a prepay service and 2GB SC Card. Customers can request for post paid contract if they wish at any of the Vodafone Retail Stores.

DOCOMO to Introduce Two Prepaid Data Billing Plans | Press Center | NTT DOCOMO Global

TOKYO, JAPAN, September 14, 2011 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC. today announced it will introduce two prepaid billing plans, “Prepaid Data Plan 20h” and “Prepaid Data Plan 100h,” for 3G data communication in Japan this coming December. The plans will first be implemented for Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.’s next generation portable entertainment system, “PlayStation®Vita (3G/Wi-Fi model),” which will be launched in Japan, on December 17.

Prepaid Data Plan 20h will cost 980 yen (incl. tax) for 20 hours of access to the DOCOMO 3G network (max. 128 Kbps downlink / 64 Kbps uplink) over a 30-day period.

Prepaid Data Plan 100h will cost 4,980 yen (incl. tax) for 103 hours of network access (max. 128 Kbps downlink / 64 Kbps uplink) over a 180-day period, which includes three hours of access at max. speeds of 14 Mbps downlink and 5.7 Mbps uplink in FOMA™ HIGH-SPEED areas of the DOCOMO 3G network.

To begin using either plan, or to resume using prepaid billing after allowing either plan to expire, a fee of 2,100 yen will be charged for issuing a new DOCOMO UIM card. In the case of PlayStation®Vita (3G/Wi-Fi model), however, this fee will be waived for first-time users and a DOCOMO UIM card will be preinstalled in the system, as a special campaign from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Renewal must be carried out within 44 days (30 days of service use, plus 14 additional days) for Prepaid Data Plan 20h, or 194 days (180 days of service use, plus 14 additional days) for Prepaid Data Plan 100h. If the user’s plan is not renewed within this period and is allowed to expire, resumption of prepaid service at a later date will require the issuance of a new UIM card for a fee of 2,100 yen.

DOCOMO will launch a special website where users can subscribe to, renew or change their plans, as well as check their remaining access time and days.

Telecom NZ set outs new potential board

Telecom NZ set outs new potential board

Telecom has today announced the changes that will occur to its board if the proposed demerger is approved, including a new independent Chairman.

The information was released as part of the demerger scheme booklet published today, which provides shareholders with the information to enable them to vote on the demerger proposal.

Should the demerger proceed, professional director and former corporate lawyer Mark Verbiest will succeed Wayne Boyd as Telecom Chairman from the date of the demerger. Mr Boyd indicated last year that he would step down once the demerger transaction is concluded.

Mr Verbiest is also the Chairman of Transpower, along with being a director of other companies, including listed companies AMP NZ Office Limited and Freightways Limited.

In addition, he is a member of the board of Trustees of the Government Superannuation Fund Authority, and is a board member of the Financial Markets Authority.

“The board believes that Mark Verbiest is the right man to lead the stewardship of the interests of shareholders as Telecom addresses the opportunities and challenges after a demerger,” said Wayne Boyd, Telecom Chairman.

Vodafone Fiji : Auckland initiates launch of M-PAISA through Lotus Forex

Vodafone Fiji : Auckland initiates launch of M-PAISA through Lotus Forex

A partnership between Vodafone Fiji and Lotus Foreign Exchange saw the expansion of the popular locally Fiji-based M-PAISA money transfer across the borders. The international money transfer (IMT) service through mobile phone was initiated in Auckland City and was the first such initiative in this part of the world.

The subdued beep of mobile phone’s text message sent from the heart of Auckland city to a remote village in Fiji created history and aims to be a milestone on money transfer to other countries. Such money transfer heralds improved landscape of international money transfer for the Pacific and developing nations across the globe.

That is exactly what happened when a Gisborne, New Zealand based Fiji rugby player, Apisalome Ratuniyarawa sent money via innovative money transfer M-PAISA text message through mobile phone to his village in Fiji. On hand to help Ratuniyarawa launch this innovative across the border service was Knut Ostby, Fiji-based Resident Coordinator for United Nations and UNDP. On the historical day of 2011 Rugby World Cup in Auckland on 9 September, Ratuniyarawa sent money via text message from Auckland city’s Lotus Foreign Exchange outlet to Mr Bai’s general store in rural Vunidawa, in the heart of Naitasiri Province in Fiji. Attorney General of Fiji Sayed –Khaiyum, was present during this launch in rural Naitasiri with representatives of Vodafone, UNDP and Lotus Foreign Exchange. As gesture of goodwill, money transferred was donated to Vunidawa District School and Vunidawa Indian School.

Ratuniyarawa who had specially flown from Gisborne for this launch was overjoyed that this was a great service that he could use to send money to his village by using his mobile phone, very easily, safely as well as cheaply. “Many Fijians like me who live and work abroad will now benefit from this service, and this opportunity will see many more people sending money home without hassles. Similarly, people in rural areas in Fiji will not have to travel far to cash, “Ratuniyarawa told the audience in the Auckland launch. He was grateful to the Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme and UNDP for this innovation and the opportunity for him to send money through this convenient and economic medium. He also thanked partners Vodafone and Lotus Foreign Exchange for enabling such international transactions effectively and efficiently.

Knut Ostby of UNDP told the guests that through Pacific Financial Inclusion Programme (PFIP), UNDP, UN Capital Development Fund, AusAid and the European Union worked together, among others, on projects involving access to financial services and development. “We are committed to helping Pacific Islanders have access to more affordable, safe and convenient financial services and help save for a rainy day,” Knut said during the launch.

He explained that the success of sending money through mobile phones required three prerequisites to be fulfilled. These needed successful marriage of technology, with international financial mechanism within telecom companies which has to be enabled by the regulatory part which allowed such transactions to operate legally across the borders. The latter concern was alleviated by assurance from the Chief Guest in the simultaneous launch at the recipient end in Naitasiri, Fiji. Attorney General Aiyaz Saiyed-Khaiyum said that the system was compliant. “I would like to report and assure you that the Central Bank has fully evaluated and tested this service against the backdrop of its payments systems and forex market rules and objectives, “Khaiyum told the guests in Fiji.

Knut’s concern in New Zealand was the high cost of remittance. “In the Pacific, the average cost of sending $200 is close to 20 percent and that does not include the cost of getting into town to pick up your funds, “he said. However the solution to this has been provided by Lotus Foreign Exchange, which according to its managing Director Pravin Kumar, remains one of, if not the cheapest in New Zealand. He assured that at Lotus Forex rate of any value transactions at $10 each, a $200 transfer would incur only 5 percent cost, while a $1000 transfer will incur only 1 per cent in remittance fee. Pravin was on hand in Naitasiri at the Fiji launch. This saving with Lotus Forex was reiterated by Kashmin Kumar, Director in Auckland launch, who was grateful for this opportunity to partner with UNDP and Vodafone to be of service to the people of Fiji in the innovative technology in transferring money at the cheapest rate to Fiji.

While Auckland City was teeming to launch the opening ceremony of Rugby World Cup, a small event in the heart of the city was destined to make history in bringing joy not only to rural population in Fiji like Vunidawa, but was going to be a forerunner for such innovative cheaper facilities in other Pacific countries. Indeed the launch of UNDP-Vodafone- Lotus Forex partnered M-PAISA in Auckland on 9 September 2011 would be fondly recalled like the opening ceremony of the 2011 Rugby World Cup on the same day in the same city.

Jason Paris joins Telecom NZ

Telecom Retail chief executive Alan Gourdie announced today that he has appointed Jason Paris to his senior leadership team.

Further details of management teams can be found in the Asia Pacific Mobile Handbook.