It's All About Updates

In its endeavour to increase Broadband customers, Bharat Sanchar Nigam is offering serveral freebies to its existing as well as new Broadband customers. Here is what BSNL is offering :

1) All the customers registering their new Broadband connection upto 31.07.2010 under any limited or unlimited BSNL Broadband plan of upto 2 Mbps speed shall be provided unlimited free download at 2 Mbps for first 15 days irrespective of the speed of the plan applied for. The customers applying for Limited Plans shall not be charged for their download for first 15 days of activation of their Broadband connection and those applying for unlimited plans with download speed less than 2 Mbps shall get the benefit of increased download speed of 2 Mbps.

2) Installation charges (Rs. 250) for all the customers registering their Broadband connection upto 31.07.2010 has been waived off and installation of Broadband at the customer’s premises shall be done free of cost.

3) Security deposit for Broadband (as applicable for opted plan) and Modem security deposit (In case modem is taken on hire basis) shall be taken in three equal monthly installments starting from first bill for all the customers registering their Broadband connection upto 31.07.2010.

4) In an effort to win back the customers whose Broadband connection has been disconnected due to non-payment of disputed bills, BSNL has extended the special relief scheme “SAMADHAN” for settlement of disputed bills with respect to Broadband usage for the benefit of existing and ex-customers of Broadband service upto 31st March 2011. Under the scheme, Home as well as general User customers are provided substantial rebate to settle their disputed bills.

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Affle, a mobile media company today announced the launch of Pinch, its smartphone messaging product in India as well as globally. Pinch aims to redefine the way users discover friends, message them and access a host of location based value services.

Pinch is a Smartphone messenger which discovers friends through the phone contacts, Facebook, Twitter, Blackberry, Android and email contacts and offers contact & group management services. It is location aware and allows selective sharing of location. It enables cross platform support for animations and over 475+ emoticons. A distinctive feature of Pinch is that it enables smartphone users to send messages over data across platforms without incurring any SMS/MMS charges.

Pinch is priced at $0.99 (Approx. INR 45) (Special Introductory Offer @ 75% Discount till 19th July). Supported mobiles and Platforms of Pinch include iPhone 2G, 3G, 3GS, iPhone 4G (iOS4), iPod Touch, Android 2.x, Blackberry 4.x, Symbian and PC.

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Two London based entrepreneurs have come up with a new software - SwiftKey - for touchscreen phones. SwiftKey utilises patent-pending language technology to predict whole words as a user types. The beta, currently available on smartphones running the Google Android platform. TouchType, the start-up behind SwiftKey, claims that it can increase writing speeds by up to 50% with its powerful prediction engine. It uses complex language models that understand how words are combined within sentences.

The technology that powers SwiftKey is called the Fluency Prediction Engine. It draws on recent breakthroughs in Natural Language Processing from the University of Cambridge and provides the best text prediction experience on the market. SwiftKey features include:

* Support for US/UK English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese and Swedish
* Next‐word prediction engine based on word context
* Rapid and comprehensive learning of individual writing style
* A third of next words predicted without any character input
* Relevant, personalised predictions
* Advanced error correction designed for small mobile keyboards
* Inline spelling and grammar correction
* Automatic accent insertion (for non‐English character entry)

To download SwiftKey Click Here

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Lemon Mobiles today announced its partnership with mig33, the world’s largest mobile community. Under the agreement, Lemon Mobiles will pre-install mig33 on all its new Internet-enabled mobile devices.

mig33 is a global mobile community that provides chat and social entertainment services to more than 40 million registered members worldwide. Reaching into 200 countries the various options available are member chat, photo sharing, sending virtual gifts, play games, post on each others profiles, join groups, create avatars and much more. India is one of mig33’s fastest growing markets. In 2009, mig33 partnered with five of the eight Indian Premier League cricket teams, to develop and introduce mobile fan clubs for millions of supporters. Celebrities like Preity Zinta, Rahul Dravid, Adam Gilchrist, Glenn McGrath used this mig33 mobile chat platform to connect with many of their fans around the world.

“As a leading mobile handset brand in India, Lemon Mobiles is committed to delivering the most relevant and popular applications, which are affordable, simple and easy to use. We believe in changing the mobile experience of our customers and hence to keep them socially connected we have collaborated with mig33 which has a long track record of success in mobile-first markets including India. We further hope this partnership will enliven our customer aspirations,” said Rohit Arora, Head Product – Device & Services, Fastrack Communications Pvt. Ltd.

Mohit Gundecha, Director of Business Development for mig33 said “India has enormous growth potential and we’re excited to be working with our new partner Lemon Mobiles. This partnership will help us grow our mobile community in India, as we deliver our chat and social entertainment services to wide set of mobile devices.”

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Triggering another price war in the High Speed Wireless Internet (3G and EVDO) space, state-run telecom major and India’s first 3G service operator Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) today enhanced its 3G Wireless Broadband service portfolio with the introduction of two new 3G data plan for its Postpaid and Prepaid customers in Delhi telecom circle.

MTNL Delhi today launched two new 3G Plan at Rs.850 and Rs.1099 with 5 GB and 10 GB data cap.With the these new data plan subscribers also get talk time worth Rs.53 and Rs.63 along with free 25 and 50 minutes of Video Callings respectively.

Apart from the new 3G plans, MTNL also announced the massive reduction in existing 3G Data Plan of Rs.750 and Unlimited 3G Plan of Rs.2500. Now MTNL Delhi’s 3G Plan 750 comes at price of Rs.650 and Plan-2500 will cost just Rs.1800 with Unlimited 3G Data Downloads.

MTNL Delhi New 3G Data Plans (Postpaid and Prepaid)
Monthly Rental/ RCV	Rs.850	Rs.1099
Free Data Usage	5 GB	10 GB
Talk value (own net)	Rs.53	Rs.63
Free Local Video Call (Own N/W) in Minutes.	25 Minute	50 Minute
Beyond Free Data Usage	1 paisa/ 10 KB	1 paisa/ 10 KB

Revised 3G Data Plans-MTNL Delhi (Postpaid and Prepaid)
Existing Monthly Rental/ RCV	Rs.750	Rs.2500
Revised Monthly Rental/ RCV	Rs.650	Rs.1800
Free Data Usage	2 GB	UNLIMITED (up to 100 GB )
Free Talk value (In Prepaid)	Rs.7	Rs.11
Free Video Calls	25	50
Validity	30 Days	30 Days
Data Charges beyond Free Usage	1 paisa /10 KB	1 paisa/10 KB

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IDEA Cellular today announced that it has crossed the 1 crore subscriber mark in Maharashtra & Goa circle.

In the next phase of growth, the company plans to offer high end data services through an enriched VAS portfolio for urban consumers, and basic mobility services and Marathi VAS content for the rural audience.

Idea’s strong growth in the Indian telephony market comes from its deep penetration in the non-urban and rural markets. The company has the highest share of rural subscribers as a percentage of total subscribers, amongst other GSM players. In fact, two out of every three new subscribers now come from non-urban markets.

With over 380 exclusive showrooms, and more than 80,000 multi-branded outlets selling Idea’s products and services, the company’s reach remains unmatched in the circle. Mr. P. Laxminarayana, Chief Operating Officer – Maharashtra & Goa, IDEA Cellular said, “Ever since the beginning, IDEA Cellular has been dedicated to the growth of telephony in this region. We have constantly strived to cater to the growing communication needs of the people of this state, and are proud to be the first mobile operator to reach the 1 Crore mark. This successful journey is a result of the strong faith expressed by our 1 crore customers, and our dedicated efforts to reach out to establish mobile connectivity in the remotest corners of the state”.

In Maharashtra as well, Idea has strongly focused on penetrating deeper into the rural markets through various initiatives such as being part of Nokia Life Tools program; and the more recent ones being participation in Agri fairs like ‘Swabhimani krishi Mahotsav’ in Jaisinghpur, and Grameenon Ke Beech’ a series of fairs in small towns and villages across Maharashtra with 10,000 to 20,000 populace.

Always innovating, Idea has constantly delighted consumers with products and services that offer more value and are affordable. The most recent offerings are – ‘Full Talktime’ Recharge which offers 100% value for all recharges in a month; and ‘Talktime Share’, a first-of-its kind in the country, which enables Idea subscribers to transfer talktime to their friends and family members.

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India’s first 3G Mobile Service operator Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) today launched never before calling rates by launching Bucket of New Special Tariff Packs and catering to its prepaid (Trump) customers in Delhi – NCR telecom circle .

Keeping its stride to provide Better Recharge or Tariff plans for its GSM subscribers in Delhi, MTNL introduces Trump Weekly Freedom-98, Night Talk Plan-95, Trump Local Package-47 and Chota Vidyrthi-110.

Apart from these plans MTNL Delhi also revised its Postpaid Tariff Plans by reducing call charges as low as 20p/minute. The operator also rationalised its prepaid SMS Pack-30 wherein subscribers will now get 600 Local and 400 National SMS free for 30 days.

MTNL Trump Weekly Freedom
MRP	Rs.98/-(Inclusive of tax)
Tariff Validity	7 Days
Free talk value	Rs. 19/-
Voice call rates	FREE Unlimited to MTNL own  N/W (Mumbai & Delhi) Local call to Other N/W-50p/minute. STD Calls 60p/minute
Video Call rates	MTNL own N/W- 20p/ min. Other N/W-50p /min. STD-.75p/min.
SMS Rates:	Local- 25p, National 50p and International Rs.2.50
National Roaming Charges (BSNL/Network)	All Incoming and Outgoing Calls- 70p/minute
GPRS/3G Data Charges	1 paisa for 10 KB

Trump Local Package
MRP	Rs.47/-(Inclusive of tax)
Tariff Validity	30 Days
Free talk value	Rs.10
Voice call rates	All Local Calls to any Network- 30p/minute STD Calls- 60p/minute
Video call rates	MTNL own N/W- 20p/ min. Other N/W-50p /min. STD-.75p/min.
SMS Rates:	Local- 25p, National 50p and International Rs.2.50
GPRS/3G Data Charges	1 paisa for 10 KB

Trump Night Pack
MRP	95/-(Inclusive of tax)
Tariff Validity	30 Days
Free Talk Value	Rs.2
Night Voice call rates (11PM to 7 AM)	Unlimited Free during 11PM-7 AM (On MTNL Network)
Voice Call rates (Day Time)	To MTNL Network- 20 paisa /minute To Other Local 30 paisa / minute STD 60paisa / minute
Video call rates	MTNL own N/W- 20p/ min. Other N/W-50p /min. STD-.75p/min.
SMS Rates	Local- 25p, National 50p and International Rs.2.50
GPRS/3G Data Charges	1 paisa for 10 KB

Trump Chota Vidyarthi
MRP	110/-(Inclusive of tax)
Tariff Validity	10 Days
Free Talk Value	Rs.34
Voice call rates	Unlimited Free on MTNL Local Network Other Network- 50 paisa /ninute STD- 60 paisa /minute
Video call rates	First 30 min Video Calls to MTNL N/w- FREE Beyond Free Usage-: MTNL own N/W- 20p/ min. Other N/W-50p /min. STD-.75p/min.
SMS Rates	Local- 25p, National 50p and International Rs.2.50
GPRS/3G Data Charges	Free Up to 30 MB after that 1 paisa for 10 KB

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Tata DOCOMO, the GSM mobile service brand of Tata Teleservices Limited (TTSL), which was launched in Andhra Pradesh on July 16th last year, launched its “Celebration 1″ campaign to commemorate its First Anniversary. Considered to be the first of its kind offer for its prepaid GSM customers were offered a chance to win assured gifts.

To avail the offer subscribers needs to call the Tata DOCOMO toll free number 52222 and participate in a lucky draw contest to win host of prizes.

Daily 3 customers will be declared lucky winners of getting 2 lakh free minutes. 2 other grand Bumper Prizes viz. 100 grams gold (for 1 winner) and LCD televisions (for 10 winners) will be declared post the campaign ending on 15th August 2010. Speaking on the first brand anniversary in AP circle, Mr. NV Subbarao, Regional Head – South East, TATA DOCOMO said, “Tata DOCOMO completes 1 year of successful service in Andhra Pradesh and launching a grand “Celebration 1” offer is way of expressing our gratitude to our esteemed prepay customers. The genesis of the brand with its pay per second offer was a runaway success followed by BuddyNet, Daily Plans, MySong, Voice Free for the data users amongst others and as we continue to offer innovative products and services.

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Continuing with its endeavor to make next generation mobile telephony affordable, Pan India 3G Mobile Service operator Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) today introduces new Life time valid 3G Prepaid pack with per second billing benefits for its GSM customers in Andhra Pradesh Telecom Circle.

BSNL New 3G prepaid Pack dubbed as 3G-Vennela Super plan is priced at Rs.198 (Rs.59 for U-SIM and Rs.139 for FRC) comes with Initial talk time of Rs.50, Free Data download up to 25 MB, 2000 Local and National SMS and 25 minutes of Free Video calling.

With 3G-Vennela Super plan subscribers can enjoy per second calling rates for all Local and STD Voice calls at 1p/Sec for BSNL network and 1.2p/sec for other network calls. Video Call will be charged at per minute billing as low as 30p/minute.

What’s more you also get Free 250 Local SMS per month up to 12 months from the date of activations, ‘Friends N Family‘ and ‘Night Calling’ facility without any DAILY RENTAL or hidden charges.

BSNL (Andhra Pradesh) Life Time Valid 3G-Vennela Super plan
M.R.P. (for 3G SIM Kit and FRC)	Rs.198
Account Validity (Minimum Top up of Rs.200/ for 6 months will be applicable)	Life Time
Tariff Validity	One Year
Local / STD / Roaming Calls (Voice Call)	1 paisa / Second on BSNL Network 1.2paisa / Second on Other Network
Video Call (Local/STD) Note- 30p/minute video call tariff will be valid up to 30 September 2010 after that Video call charges will be as per 3G General Plan.	30 paisa / minute on BSNL Network Rs.1 per minute on Other Networks
Free SMS	250 Local SMS per month  for 12 months
SMS Charges (Beyond Free Usage)	Local  20p National  60p International Rs.5/-
Rent Free Friends & Family (FnF) Facility	30p/min to any 5  BSNL AP numbers
Night Calling (from 9:30 PM to 7:30 AM)	20ps/min (to all BSNL AP nos).
3G/GPRS Data Charges	1 paisa for 10 KB
STV Applicability	All STVs are allowed

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MediaTek today announced that it has joined the Open Handset Alliance.

Open Handset Alliance is a partnership of more than 71 global mobile industry leaders aimed to accelerate innovation and offer consumers a richer and connected mobile experience.

Building on the success in delivering feature-rich multimedia experiences on various mobile platforms, MediaTek enables cost-effective Android -based smart phones by delivering high-quality; full system solutions that further reduce the barrier to entry for broader world-wide penetration of smartphone products that serve the growing appetite for connected devices.

Jeffrey Ju, GM of MediaTek Wireless Communication Business Unit for Smartphone quoted as an OHA member, MediaTek strives to provide device makers and partners with multimedia-rich chipset solutions, efficient services and experienced technical teams that differentiate our Android based solutions.

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Bharti Airtel, India’s largest GSM mobile service operator with 136 million subscribers, announced the launch of 3G US Modem (Data Card) priced at Rs.3799 for its postpaid and prepaid customers across India.

However, before you jump with joy, let me make it clear Airtel has not launched 3G services and the above plug and play 3G Data Card can be used for wireless Internet access over Airtel 2G/2.75G GSM services across India.

The Airtel 3G Plug and Play device comes with 1 year replacement warranty. It enables customers to stay connected on-the-go. The device supports EDGE/GPRS as well as UMTS/HSDPA up to 3.6 Mbps speed and compatible with Windows 2000/Windows XP/Windows Vista/ MAC (OS).

Airtel Prepaid users can recharge with the Airtel data packs, whereas postpaid customers can avail the any data plans at monthly rental ranging from Rs.49 to Rs.999 plan.

Airtel Postpaid Data Card Plan	Standard Plan	Plan I	Plan II	Surf Unlimited
Monthly Rent	Rs.49	Rs. 350	Rs. 599	Rs. 999
Free Bundled Usage	NIL	500 MB	1 GB	Unlimited
Additional Data Usage (per MB)	Re.0.10p/10 KB	Rs. 5/-	Rs. 3/-	NA
Free SMS per Month	NIL	NIL	100	100

Airtel Prepaid Data Card Plan	Standard Plan	Plan I	Plan II	Plan III
Recharge Value	NIL	Rs.349	Rs.599	Rs.899
Free Data usage (1 month validity)	NIL	500 MB	1 GB	2 GB
Additional data usage charges	20paisa/50KB	20paisa/50KB	20paisa/50KB	20paisa/50KB
Note-: 1. In Andhra Pradesh telecom circle 15 MB and 100 MB usage plans are available at Rs.28 and Rs.94 valid for 7 Days and 30 Days respectively. 2. Data Balance can be checked online using *123*10#

Airtel Data Card Customer Care Email- adcsupport@airtelindia.com Helpline No. From Airtel- 7070
Telecom Circle	Helpline Numbers
DELHI	9871427070
KARNATAKA	9845907070
ANDHRA PRADESH	9866007070
MUMBAI	9892307070
PUNJAB	9872007070
CHENNAI	9840007070
KOLKATA	9831717070
MAHARASHTRA & GOA	9890107070
GUJARAT	9898547070
TAMIL NADU	9894407070
KERALA	9895377070
UP WEST	9897137070
MADHYA PRADESH	9893327070
HARYANA	9896407070
HIMACHAL PRADESH	9816107070
RAJASTHAN	9829207070

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