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Broadcasting, Cable, Satellite & Entertainment |
TRAI releases Supplementary Consultation Paper for tariffs related to DTH services
December 24, 2009
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a supplementary consultation paper on Tariff related issues for DTH services that will specifically deal with the certain aspects of Tariff related issues as applicable to tariff dispensation for basic and add-on packages in case of DTH services.
Written comments on the issues raised in this supplementary consultation paper are invited from the stakeholders, who may furnish the same to Secretary, TRAI by 18th January 2010. Those stakeholders who have submitted their comments on earlier occasions regarding issues raised in the consultation paper dated March 06, 2009 may also submit their revised comments or supplement their earlier comments.
Turner planning to acquire NDTV Imagine
December 4, 2009
Turner International India Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned unit of Time Warner Inc's Turner Broadcasting System Inc, is planning to acquire a controlling stake in entertainment company NDTV Imagine, which runs three entertainment channels.
Turner International, part of the Times Warner group, the fourth-largest entertainment conglomerate in the world (after Walt Disney, NewsCorp and Viacom), already has presence in India through children’s channels like Cartoon Network and Pogo and world movie channel WB and news channel CNN.
It also has a joint venture with the Zee Network through which it distributes 35 channels in India, including the Zee and the Turner bouquet. Times Warner also has a content sharing and branding agreement for CNN-IBN. Turner also forayed into the Hindi general entertainment space through the channel Real, which is a 50-50 joint venture with Miditech.
Control over NDTV Imagine, which has a channel share of 8 per cent and is the fifth-largest channel in terms of viewership in the Hindi general entertainment space, will provide Times Warner a foothold in a fast-growing genre. Hindi general entertainment accounts for over 25 per cent of the Rs. 8,000 crore-plus TV advertising pie. Currently, Turner’s global competitors like Viacom (which has a stake in Colors channel with the TV18 group) and NewsCorp (through various channels like Star Plus, Star One) dominate this space.
Asia subscription TV figures higher than ROW combined: CASBAA
November 4, 2009
The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) has announced new data for subscription TV penetration across the Asia Pacific. As per the new CASBAA estimates, backed by global data, the Asia Pacific region now has 326 million pay-TV subscribers, up 26 million homes in 2009.
Subscription television in Asia Pacific now reaches more homes than the Rest of the World (ROW) combined. Digital pay-TV subscription households now account for over 115 million homes.
China and India have spearheaded much of the growth. India now has 19 million digital pay-TV households, while China represents 69 million digital video connections. Overall Asian digital penetration stands at 35% across 14 markets.
Intel working on ‘single-chip cloud computer'
December 17, 2009
Chip manufacturer Intel is working on its next-generation ‘single-chip cloud computer' - a futuristic chip that boasts of greater energy efficiency and increased design complexity suited for tomorrow's cloud computing environment.
The chip, which is in the research stage, aims to add “scaling features to future computers to spur new software applications and human-machine interfaces.”
Intel is working with research partners such as Microsoft, UC Berkeley and University of Illinois to develop new software applications and programming models.
Dell introduces Inspiron Zino in India
December 7, 2009
Dell India announced the mini-sized Inspiron Zino and Inspiron Zino HD desktops, which are versatile enough to handle tasks from basic computing chores to driving a big-screen, High-Definition video media center.
The Inspiron Zino desktops offer color choice and can be easily personalized. The Inspiron Zino is available starting this month, and the Inspiron Zino HD will be available in India next month.
Starting at Rs. 17,500 and measuring about 7.8 inches square and 3.5 inches tall, the Inspiron Zino is ideal as a household PC, which fits in tight spaces and make home networking simple.
The Inspiron Zino HD is a big performer with standard HD-capable integrated graphics, HDMI output and built-in networking that make it smart for typical home and student computing activities such as word processing, e-mail, organizing photos and music, and surfing the Internet. With optional additional memory, hard drive storage, combo Blu-ray disc player, wireless remote control and Windows 7 Media Player, the Inspiron Zino HD can be configured into a powerful home media center computer.
Low-cost technology and India-centric solutions will take SMEs forward
December 2, 2009
The issue of information technology usage and empowering of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in India got another push in the recently held 'Envisioning the Wired SME conference', organized by The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) and IndiaMART.com, at the Sheraton, Saket, in New Delhi on Saturday, 28th November '09.
Protiviti, Managing Director, Mr. Mritunjay Kapur said, "Despite having a contributive share of 40 % in total industrial output, the SME sector has been lagging behind in the technology front. Unorganized transactions are what need to be controlled, if the SMEs are to make themselves more investor-friendly".
The issue of wiring SMEs with the help of IT needs more than software. Developing SME-focused software is not enough. Proper IT training is required to enable entrepreneurs to leverage the technology for business growth, stated Dr. Anil Wali, MD, Foundation for Innovation and Technology Transfer, IIT-Delhi. Bringing to focus the need of setting up IT institutes to encourage young entrepreneurs to come up with viable technology-driven business ideas, Mr. Wali urged the government to establish more business incubation centers across the country.
The journey from wireless to wired is an uphill task for SMEs. With technology changing every day, smart planning can go a long way in cutting down on unnecessary expenditure on soon-to-expire software, opined Dr. Mahesh Taneja, General Manager Finance and IT, Munjal Showa Ltd.
Astro –Vision becomes first Indian company to join BSA as a Member
December 1, 2009
The Business Software Alliance is the foremost organization dedicated to promoting a safe and legal digital world. BSA is the voice of the world's commercial software industry and its hardware partners before governments and in the international marketplace.
Kochi, Kerala based Astro-Vision Futuretech Private Ltd., regarded as one of the pioneers in Indian astrology software, has become the first company to join as a local member of the BSA in India to promote the use of genuine software and other related issues. Astro-vision offers services such as Horoscope, marriage compatibility, gem recommendations, numerology, astrology tips etc.
According to Astro-Vision Futuretech Pvt Ltd., Managing Director, Mr. Arjun Ravindran, "In a growing software market like India, especially where the awareness of Intellectual Property rights is just catching up, we feel that BSA can play a vital role in addressing the issue of software piracy. It will surely help Indian software product companies like ours to protect its IP rights and ensure growth in the national and international markets. We hope that other software product developers in India will soon join BSA and strengthen its campaign against software piracy."
Xpresslive.in launched to provide Remote IT support globally
November 20, 2009
Xpress Computers Ltd, one of Mumbai oldest IT support providers, has launched Xpresslive.in in a bid to revolutionise the IT support industry in India. Xpresslive.in will usher in a new generation of PC support technology for the first time in India, providing client one-click access to PC experts from any part of the world.
Xpresslive.has brought in the most sophisticated global technology in India which can remotely take over a client’s PC or server within seconds and perform diagnostics & support activities on it. The system installs a help button on the client’s PC which enables remote support for any user connected to a network. The company has also set up a toll free number for users who need support but cannot connect to the internet. Xpresslive.in allows users the freedom of getting support anywhere in the world including hotels, airports, etc unrestricted by geographies.
Xpresslive.in has initially launched three plans aimed at different market segments comprising home users, working professionals and small & medium businesses. The support system from Xpresslive.in offers customers remote support via the web and phone, besides offering on-site support on the next business day. The company also offers complete remote infrastructure management for the IT setup of an organisation.
Microsoft unveils Exchange Server 2010 for Indian Enterprises
November 18, 2009
Microsoft has announced the launch of its next generation e-mail messaging solution, Exchange Server 2010 to help businesses reduce costs, protect communications and delight e-mail users. Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 incorporates many features aimed at web and online services like database availability groups, which automate database-level disaster recovery; online mailbox moves, which give users access when mailboxes are moved; and new management tools, including role-based access control. According to a commissioned study of early adopters of Exchange 2010 conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Microsoft Corp., customers can see a payback period of less than six months when upgrading to Exchange Server 2010.
Further, Forrester Consulting has also found that organizations can realize benefits in the form of cost avoidance of storage, reduced cost of high availability, cost avoidance in voicemail, savings in backup systems, fewer help desk calls, cost avoidance of mobility, enhanced communication security, and simplified compliance and legal discovery.
Asia Pac IT spending to grow by 5 % to reach US$ 515.6 bn in 2010: Gartner
November 17, 2009
According to Gartner, Inc., the IT industry is expected to return to growth in 2010, with IT spending forecast to total US$3.3 trillion, a 3.3 percent increase from 2009.
In the Asia Pacific region, IT spending is expected to grow by 5 % to reach US$515.6 billion in 2010.
According to Gartner, senior vice president and global head of research, Mr. Peter Sondergaard, “By 2012, the accelerated IT spending and culturally different approach to IT in Asia will directly influence product features, service structures and the overall IT industry. Silicon Valley will not be in the driver’s seat anymore.”
However, growth varies considerably by country, vertical market and IT sector. Mr. Sondergaard said that while software would post the strongest growth in Asia Pacific, telecommunications still represented the largest area of IT investment.
NIIT partners with Hitachi to offer cloud computing services
November 11, 2009
NIIT Technologies Limited, a leading global IT solutions organisation, announced its partnership with Hitachi Information Systems, Ltd. a leading provider of IT infrastructure services in Japan, to offer services in Cloud Computing.
Cloud Computing is an emerging megatrend, which is standardized IT capability delivered via the Internet in a pay-per-use and self-service manner. With Cloud Computing gaining impetus, both companies will be able to offer the complete portfolio of services around the Cloud infrastructure to cater to the changing IT landscape.
To begin with, Hitachi Information Systems would leverage NIIT Technologies’ data centre in Bangkok and create the first hub outside Japan, networked to their existing infrastructure. Drawing on the benefits of scale, shared infrastructure and standard applications, this partnership will drive down costs while increasing the speed and agility of deploying applications.
The operations are expected to begin by the first quarter of the next fiscal.
Asia Pacific Enterprise Software Spending to Grow 10.2 % in 2010: Gartner
November 9, 2009
According to Gartner Inc., Asia Pacific's enterprise software market revenue is forecast to reach US$ 22.1 billion in 2010, posting 10.2 % growth. This revenue represents an increase from the expected 6.6% growth in 2009.
The Asia Pacific region has a positive outlook despite the slowdown. Over the five-year forecast period from 2008 through to 2013, the region is expected to achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8%.
According to Gartner, research director, Mr. Yanna Dharmasthira, “Asia Pacific will have a more positive outlook compared with other regions such as Europe and North America and as a result, major vendors will continue to target higher-growth markets in the region. However business customers continue to have strong bargaining power in the region. Some Asia Pacific markets have been traditionally more price-sensitive, a situation that is even more pronounced in the downturn. We expect to see more intense vendor competition in Asia Pacific, from multinational vendors as well as prominent local country vendors.”
Microsoft launches new consumer led initiative to fight software piracy
December 3, 2009
Microsoft India announced the launch of new consumer led education and enforcement initiative to reduce the menace of piracy in the country. The initiative is aptly called the 'Consumer Action Day', and it aims to protect consumers from the risks and perils of pirated/counterfeit software and to educate, enable and empower consumers to fight and reject piracy by reporting instances of software piracy and counterfeiting by the resellers and instances where they have been the victim of piracy.
Today, consumers who are victims of piracy or those who are aware of pirated products which have been sold to them by fraudulent means can register a complaint with Microsoft. Online resources like http://www.microsoft.com/howtotell/ provide detailed information and examples of unlicensed/counterfeit software to help consumers identify if their software is original, while Microsoft Genuine Advantage(WGA) and Office Genuine Advantage (OGA) help consumers validate whether their software is original or not. Further, Microsoft's supported e-commerce website www.buyoriginalms.com provides easy access to original products from Microsoft.
Microsoft has taken steps to help consumers who have provided full support, information and evidence to Microsoft's anti-piracy team. Additionally, basis these complaints, Microsoft sent several caution notices to those resellers identified by the customers, and initiated few civil legal actions on the errant resellers based on the consumer reports.
Study says data loss impacts 1 out of 6 Indian enterprises
November 3, 2009
The study organized by Symantec Corp. reveals data loss as the largest information security concern of Indian Enterprises in the present time. The study conducted by IDC (India) revealed that 79 % of organizations highlighted data loss to be their most serious information security concern followed by other threats like virus and denial of service attacks and spam.
Symantec India, managing director, Mr. Vishal Dhupar says, "The need to protect sensitive information like source code, intellectual property, employee and customer accounts has made businesses realize that data loss can turn into a catastrophe and become a competition, compliance and credibility black hole. It is imperative that as part of their overall security strategy, enterprises protect their information proactively and know where confidential information resides with them, how this information is being used and how its loss can be prevented".
Government might delay plans to introduce uniform license fee
December 14, 2009
The government is expected to delay its plans to introduce a uniform licence fee for mobile phone operators as it may bring down its revenues by as much as 12%.
Under the proposed uniform licence regime, the government may lose 15% of revenues from the four metros and circle A regions, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, AP, TN and Karnataka. These regions, which pay licence fee at 10%, together contribute Rs 6 out of every Rs 7 of licence fee revenue, shows an ETIG analysis.
The government would be able to collect 6% more revenue from the circle B regions (Kerala, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal) under the uniform licence fee scheme. The likely combined impact of both circles A and B would be a fall of 12% from the current licence fee revenue, analysis shows.
Government to auction only 3 slots of 3G spectrum
December 10, 2009
The government, which had earlier planned to auction spectrum to four private bidders, in addition to the state-run firms, has said that the 3G telephony spectrum available with it for sale currently could accommodate only three operators. One slot has already been awarded to state-owned MTNL (that operates in Delhi and Mumbai) and BSNL (rest of India). The decision came in the wake of the Ministry of Defence's reluctance to vacate the designated spectrum (air waves) for commercial use and could deprive the telecom ministry of over Rs. 5,000 crore in revenue.
MNP to be implemented by 31st December
December 7, 2009
The government has decided to introduce Mobile Number Portability (MNP) in the country. MNP allows subscribers to retain their existing telephone number in the same service area when they switch from one access service provider to another irrespective of mobile technology or from one technology to another of the same or any other areas service provider. Necessary Licence Agreements for MNP Services have been signed in April 2009.
In the first phase, MNP is likely to be implemented by 31st December 2009 in metro cities and Category ‘A’ Service Areas (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu including Chennai, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Service Areas) and in the rest of the country thereafter by March 2010.
Govt. takes measures to reduce disparity between urban and rural tele-density
December 7, 2009
The Indian Government is taking firm steps to remove the disparity between the rural and urban teledensities in the country. India’s rural tele-density is 18.97% as compared to urban tele-density or 101.38%, as on 30.09.2009.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is laying cable up to 5 Kms. of exchange against the earlier standard of 2.5 kms. BSNL has deployed Wireless in Local Loop (WLL) network in rural areas to meet the demand of scattered and far-flung rural areas where connection of telephone is not techno-commercially feasible on landlines. It now plans to further expand its WLL network (Mobile Switching Centre based).
Remote and far-flung areas, where coverage through terrestrial technology is not possible, are planned to be covered with Digital Satellite Phone Terminals (DSPTs).
Support is being provided from Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) for provisioning of Rural Direct Exchange Lines (RDELs) in all the 1685 net cost positive Short Distance Charging Areas (SDCAs). As on 31.10.2009, about 67.85 Lakh RDELs have been provided with subsidy support from USO Fund. A scheme has been launched by USO fund to provide subsidy support for sitting up and managing 7437 number of infrastructure sites (towers) in 500 districts spread over 27 states, for provision of mobile services in the specified rural and remote areas, where there is no existing fixed wireless or mobile coverage in the country. As on 31.October 2009, 6648 towers have been set up under this scheme.
Communications Ministry says 3G auction plan on track
December 4, 2009
The Communication and IT Minister, Mr. A. Raja, specified that there was no change to the existing timetable for 3G spectrum auction.
As per the schedule announced by the Department of Telecom (DoT), the auction of spectrum for providing 3G services will take place on January 14, 2010.
Affordability and functionality drives Asia’s mobile growth
December 1, 2009
According to a report jointly released by the Mobile Marketing Association, a global organization leading the way in promoting the development and sustainability of mobile marketing, and Solidiance, a marketing & innovation strategy consulting firm, functionality and affordability are the two leading factors driving mobile adoption in Asia.
Affordability has been driven not only by the availability of affordable handsets for low-income consumers, but also by lower service prices resulting from highly competitive market places. China, India and Indonesia are the top three markets offering the most affordable handsets in Asia. With regards to functionality, the market for smartphones has been growing across Asia Pacific.
The four key emerging mobile functionalities that are driving growth in Asia include mobile payment, mobile gaming, mobile healthcare and mobile music.
According to Mobile Marketing Association, Asia Pacific, Managing Director, Mr. Rohit Dadwal, “Undoubtedly, the mobile device is the most personal technology in use today, a fact that presents immense potential for engagement through mobile advertising and marketing. The increase of function-rich smartphones in the market with larger screen size, better web browsing capabilities and longer battery life, combined with ‘all you can eat’ data packages is driving the growth of mobile Internet making it a ready channel to connect with customers,”
Solidiance, Managing Director, Mr. Damien Duhamel said, “Currently, Singapore and Hong Kong are the most mature electronic payment markets in Asia. With a focus on services/product innovation, mobile operators and value added services providers are aggressively working on payment options through mobile platforms – which will be the most lucrative segment in the medium term across Asia.”
Informate Mobile Intelligence – Metering the Third Screen
November 24, 2009
Informate Mobile Intelligence, a specialized telecom research agency, launched the Informate Mobile Metrics Report earlier this month, highlighting the emerging trends in consumer mobile usage that provides integrated solutions for comprehensive consumer intelligence for the mobile industry in India. Informate aims to establish itself as a dominant currency information supplier in the mobile space (the third screen).
Highlights of the report:
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Time spent on Calling is comparatively high but shows downward trend
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On an average 25-30 minutes of active time is spent on voice calls
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Almost 15-20 minutes of the active time is spent on Messaging
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Time spent on chat shows upward trend
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On an average 40-45 minutes is spent on Entertainment activity
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Time spent on Multimedia activities is almost 5 times as compared to time spent on Games
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Media player & Gallery constitute major portion of the Multimedia time. It also shows upward trend month on month
3G winners can use spectrum after June 2010
November 21, 2009
The Department of Telecom (DoT) has stated that it would ensure that ‘winners in 3G auction would start using this spectrum only after June 2010’.
The DoT has stated this in a communication to the Defence Ministry, while asking the armed forces to vacate 25 MHz of third generation airwaves by December ’09 for the upcoming auctions.
The reason for this delay is that the armed forces would need some time to shift the operations of their equipment from the (spectrum) bands they vacate and this can be possible only by June 2010.
3G bid process commences with special meet
November 16, 2009
The process for auctioning third generation (3G) radio frequencies or spectrum commenced in Delhi on November 16, with the pre-bid conference. 3G spectrum is regarded as vital for telecom companies to offer services such as high-speed Internet and data services on mobile phones.
During the meet, officials from the Communication Ministry met to clarify as well as address all queries regarding the 3G and WiMAX auctions, which are scheduled to begin in mid-January.
In this pre-bid conference, the DoT was supposed to inform all telcos that it will release a new list by December 8 with details about the availability of the number of 3G slots, as well as exact sub bands in which these airwaves are present.
Telecom operators seek extension of licences
November 16, 2009
Private telecom service providers are lobbying hard for a long-term extension of their mobile licences at a nominal fee as the licences of all the leading private telecom operators is coming to an end within a couple of years.
The telecom operators have expressed their concerns in responses to Trai’s latest consultation paper. All these leading operators have sought stability with regard to regulatory framework on extending their licences, rather than being faced with a policy on this issue in the future.
Telecom industry crosses 500 mn users
November 5, 2009
As per figures released by telecom regulator TRAI, the Indian telecom industry surpassed the target of 500 million mobile and landline subscribers in September, a year earlier than expected.
The target was achieved despite both the mobile and landline segments recording a drop in monthly additions in September compared with the previous month August. Telcos added 14.98 million new users in September.
As per the TRAI data, the total wireless subscriber base now stands at 471.7 million as compared to 456.74 million in August 2009.
Govt. wants reduction in mobile termination charges
November 4, 2009
The government has expressed its desire for a reduction in the termination charges paid by telecom operators to each other for calls from one network to another. The telecom minister, A Raja said that this reduced fee must be passed on to users as lower tariffs.
Termination charges are paid by one operator on whose network the calls originates to the other operator on whose network the call terminates. Domestic termination charges have already be cut by a third earlier this year.
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