What is the difference between LTE-A and Broadband LTE?
Even though the Indian eco-system is lagging to take forward the Telecom reforms, the rest of the world has moved away from 3G and LTE towards LTE-Advanced. The network competition has now shifted to high-speed LTE from LTE. There are two types of high-speed LTE, which are LTE-A and BroadbandContinue Reading
DoT / Kapil Sibal Will you Accept Descending Price Spectrum Auction ?
We have already seen that DoT has raised questions on TRAI’s recommendations to cut spectrum auction reserve prices – even asking the latter to ‘reconsider’ its proposals. We know that the telecom commission (TC) is the final ‘bureaucrat’ level decision making body on spectrum prices. Next, the matter will beContinue Reading
DoT’s Agenda Driven Decision on Spectrum Paralyzes Indian Telecom Sector
In my recommendation to the TRAI in Jan-2012 I had recommended that the Telecom Spectrum Auction be conducted under the Direct supervision of the Honorable Prime Minister of India as the DoT and Ministry of Communications is filled with Bureaucrats & Politicians full of own agendas while deciding the fateContinue Reading
Patent Wars – Samsung Mobile Gets the boot in USA on some Obsolete Models
In early August, the U.S. International Trade commission ruled that Samsung infringed upon patents 7,479,949 and 7,912,501. The former relates to multi-touch detection on touch screen displays, and the latter applies to the phone detecting when a headphone / headset is plugged into the jack. Samsung argued that the banContinue Reading
Why Vodafone Moves to Raise Stake in Indian Venture with 100% FDI in Telecom, Avoids IPO
Vodafone Group Plc has applied to the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) for permission to raise its stake in Vodafone India Limited (VIL, Indian telecom operator) from 74% to 100% for US$2.7bn. This would be the first deal (if it goes through) post the Indian government allowing 100% FDI inContinue Reading
3 Years after 3G Auction, A-Vo-Id Operators light 35% of their Towers with 3G & Carry 14% of Voice Traffic
Three years after the auction of 3G Spectrum in India, popular Telecom enthusiasts perception is that 3G in India so far has been a failure, with 3G data revenues accounting for less than 3% of mobile operators’ revenues. While 3G data revenue uptick is one of the most important endContinue Reading
Mobile Internet Traffic Tops 15% of Global Internet Traffic
A decade ago, one would have felt disconnected without a mobile. Today, it would be socially embarrassing not to have a smartphone, especially among the youth. Android & iOS based Smartphones have revolutionized user experiences, extending basic features (voice and messaging) to internet access. Thanks to the popularity of mobileContinue Reading
Spectrum Auction 1800MHz to be Successful, 900Mhz Non-Aggerssive, Govt Prefers Mukesh Ambani over TRAI on Spectrum Charges
The PAN India 1800Mhz Spectrum and 900MHz Spectrum in Delhi, Mumbai & Kolkata will go under the hammer in the next couple of months. In discussion with Analysts and Telcos [incumbents] we get the following sense that 1800Mhz Auction will be successful, 900Mhz had differing opinion but the consensus isContinue Reading
Indian Mobile Operators Hike Tariff for Improved Realization in Weak Quarter
An analysis of the pre-paid mobile tariffs data suggest that operators across circles continue to withdraw discounts/ free minutes. The trend is visible across the board – New Entrants like Aircel, Tata DoCoMo as well as incumbents like Airtel,Vodafone and Idea have shifted their attention to Revenue Market share. TheContinue Reading