An Indian telecom company is deploying simple cell phone base stations that need as little as 50 watts of solar-provided power. It will soon announce plans to sell the equipment in Africa, expanding cell phone access to new ranks of rural villagers who live far from electricity supplies.
Over the past year, VNL, based in Haryana, India, has reengineered the traditional technology of the dominant cellular standard, called GSM, in order to create base stations that only require between 50 and 150 watts of power, supplied by a solar-charged battery. The components can be assembled and booted up by two people and mounted on a rooftop in six hours.
One such station–dubbed a “village station”–can handle hundreds of users. Groups of such village stations feed signals to a required larger VNL base station within five kilometers. In turn that larger station, which is also solar-powered, relays signals to the main network. The village station can turn a profit even if customers spend on average only $2 a month on the service, instead of the $6 required to make traditional systems cost-effective, the company says.
The new battle ground for smart phones is Motorola Droid versus iPhone. The Droid is offered by Verizon Wireless in the US and runs on Google’s Android OS. Verizon and Google teamed up against a common rival to come up with the Droid, which is supposed to offer a number of features which iPhone lacks. Droid has been getting good reviews but iPhone remains a tough one to beat. I think the discussions around comparison of these and other smartphones will continue. At the end of the day this is a subjective discussion and the market will determine the winner.
A GSM version of the Droid is also available and its only a matter of time before it hits the market worldwide, including Pakistan.
The first one is a Verizon advertisement which pokes fun at the limitations of iPhone.
For those who are interested in details, read this review by Mossberg or watch this video after the break which compares Droid and iPhone:
According to this ad, Trafco provides vehicle tracking service in Pakistan, using Warid’s data and voice technology. Warid’s site mentions a short dial code (811) for Trafco vehicle tracking customer service. Last year Trafco Tracking announced an MoU with Warid and IBM Pakistan for the vehicle tracking solution.
Is Trafco the first major vehicle tracking service in Pakistan? Has any one used their or similar service in Pakistan?
Researchers at FAST National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, Islamabad Campus have reached the finals of the World Summit Youth Award (WSA) 2009. Their project “Remote Patient Monitoring with focus on antenatal care” has been shortlisted as the top 3 projects among 612 projects submitted from 102 countries. Congratulations to the research group and FAST Islamabad. The project is in part funded by National ICT R & D Fund, a good validation for their efforts over the years to promote grassroots research in Pakistan. See the Youth Summit Awards website for more information.
The Magic Jack is a USB stick This is the technology used by ATT, T-Mobile and the vast majority of mobile operators of US. The stick allows to plug into any laptop or PC. It also has a socket for a standard (landline) phone. You can make and receive phone calls using your landline phone, effectively replacing your existing landline phone service with your internet broadband connection. This has the potential to be a really disruptive innovation. The goals are very ambitious and we should wait for reports from trials and early launches. At this time, the Magic Jack is only sold in the US and Canada.
What really stirred my interest was the proposal to incorporate a GSM femtocell inside a slightly enlarged Magic Jack USB stick, with additional functionality enabling use with a standard GSM phone.
Some issues which need consideration:
Licenced Spectrum, Interference, SIM card. One needs licenced spectrum to run this service, even at very low power. Has Magic Jack done a deal with an existing network to use some of theirs? Will the power level be so low that the network isn’t worried about interference? Does it require you to switch mobile network and/or install a different SIM card?
Location Lock. Different networks have different licenced spectrum in different places. How will the system ensure that you are using the permitted frequencies, or block service where it is not available.
Frequency accuracy. The GSM system has some very tight tolerances for transmission frequency, which helps reduce the cost of handsets, avoid interference and poor network performance in the neighbourhood, and ensure a clean continuous quality. This needs a very good, accurate and stable clock reference within the basestation – typically requiring an expensive crystal oscillator that is calibrated for long term accuracy. You can’t just use the crystals found in handsets which cost less than a dollar.
Some user implications to bear in mind:
You have to have your laptop/computer switched on to make/receive calls
It’s GSM, not 3G, so primarily aimed at voice/text
Unlikely to be able to handover calls when entering/leaving premises
Might need a new SIM card for the specific operator
A good summary post by Shahid Saeed on the topic of automotive navigation in Pakistan appeared recently at Pakistaniat and other blogs. Last year I spent some time evaluating the feasibility of making the portable navigation devices ‘connected’ in US and EU. By including a SIM in these gps based devices, one could combine location based features with search and other internet functionality. The idea was good but the market was not ready for that – the main factors were the high cost of data and the competition from mobile phones, which now have almost the same functionality as a stand-alone portable navigation device. In the US the phone companies are making a lot of money by offering network based navigation (turn-by-turn directions) services on the phone.
These pictures are via Shahid’s post. He writes: these pictures show a drive from my home in Rawalpindi to Jinnah Super Market in Islamabad. The maps were of course not up to date, but will provide a relief to somebody new in the city.
Alcatel-Lucent has signed a contract worth USD 52.87 million with China Mobile Pakistan Limited (CMPak), a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Mobile, to expand its existing GSM/EDGE network. The expansion will allow CMPak to provide enhanced commercial services in northern Pakistan by the end of the first quarter of 2009. Alcatel-Lucent will enable CMPak to increase its network capacity and coverage, bringing enhanced mobile services to a greater number of people in the region and improving the end-user experience.
Alcatel-Lucent will have the full responsibility for building the network, providing design, deployment and integration services. The company will also provide project management and maintenance services to help CMPak lower its network operational costs. This is consisent with what I wrote a few days ago about outsourccing from mobile companies to cut costs.
Alcatel-Lucent press release adds:
Alcatel-Lucent, through its flagship company in China Alcatel-Lucent Shanghai Bell will supply CMPak with its industry-leading multi-standard GSM/EDGE radio access solution including its latest Base Station Controller platform and TWIN transceivers, along with microwave transport solutions for enhancing interconnection among base stations and providing mobile traffic backhauling capabilities. Alcatel-Lucent will also provide a comprehensive suite of network integration services such as network optimization, system support and general project management, to enable CMPak to introduce new technologies and services in the future.
For buyers of new SIMs, 789 is the number to remember. I sure hope that the process goes smoothly as the mobile market is already in a delicate situation. Any experiences to share would be welcome.
Telenor took a big step seven years ago when it decided to expand in international markets. At that time Telenor was just another midsized European incumbent telecom operator. That strategy of international investment paid off and now Telenor is the 7th largest mobile company in the world. The impressive part is that Telenor has not sacrificed margins in the race for growth. Many of Telenor’s competitors – Vodafone , Deutsche Telekom – have started to emulate its strategies. Let’s take a look at the critical success factors and what can be learned from this.
Forrester Research did a case study on Telenor and praised its strategy and execution. The key take points include: right time, targeting of emerging markets, policy of full management control (avoided joint ventures) and deployment of a repeatable methodology (for example the djuice brand).
Over the past seven years, Telenor — the incumbent telco in Norway — has transformed itself from a small operator with limited opportunities in a tiny country into a major global telecommunications group. How? By leveraging repeatable strategic methodologies and pursuing an innovative twin-track geographic strategy. While rivals were investing in developed economies, Telenor focused on making money in emerging markets — and timing this investment when they were experiencing explosive growth in mobile. Telenor has been so successful that competitors are now copying its approach. Vendor strategists can learn from Telenor that size need not be an inhibitor: What matters most is the right strategy, at the right time and precision in execution.
How did Telenor decide to invest in Pakistan? According to a presentation by Telenor it identified 5 criteria before entering Pakistan:
1. High growth potential
Forward looking telecom policy
Investment friendly climate
Good regulatory execution
Acceptable political and economic situation
These are all excellent points and are stated very well. Luck was on its side as well. Telenor came to Pakistan in 2005, during the telecom boom and the growth exceeded its own expectations and projections.
Telenor sees many opportunities, now that it has network and grasp on the market. It is working on new strategies which include a focus on mobile Internet, mobile broadband and diversification in new directions and regions. It has acquired a microfinance bank, which will be an interesting development to watch. Telenor has also entered the Indian market by taking a stake in Unitech Wireless.
Here’s the outlook for Pakistan by 2010-2011 shared by Telenor with its investors:
SIM penetration over 70%
Market share above 25%
EBITDA in mid thirties
Capex/sales belwo 25%
A word of caution though – the network quality is something Telenor needs to keep working on.
CM Pak is one of the biggest investor of telecom infrastrucutre in Pakistan. This base station deal with ZTE has been in the making for a few months and it was announced to the general media today. According to PTA annual report, operators added around 8,000 new cell sites during 2007-08 . Ufone added the highest number of cell sites: 1827. Next was Mobilink which added 1,817 cell sites, taking its total sites to 7,339, the largest number among all operators. Total cell sites in Pakistan reached 21,518 up significantly from13,752 in 2006-07. Here is the detail of cell sites in Pakistan by operator, source: PTA report.
More info about the ZTE BTS here. The press release:
ZTE announced that it has clinched a US$100 million deal with CMPak, a unit of China Mobile Ltd, on the infrastructure extension construction of GSM network in Pakistan.
Under the terms of the agreement, ZTE will provide CMPak with its M8206 base station using a unified total IP hardware platform, focusing on the central Pakistan with the highest GDP and more than half of the population in the country.
Nokia started off with their sales in Pakistan way back in 1998-99. The only models available at that time were analog and the Nokia 282 was one of Nokia’s first mobile phone to enter Pakistani markets. Nokia’s real hit in Pakistan was the Nokia 3310 and it established the Nokia brand in the market and gave Nokia a large market share. Soon after this hit, there was a rush of different mobile brands such as Sony Ericsson, LG and Samsung. These brands came with competitive pricing and penetrated the markets. But Nokia on other hand had the customer preference more then the new brands and held a stable position in the market. The handsets manufactured by Nokia are much more favored in the market because of the compatibility and robustness. Nokia’s quality control and over all reputation makes it the top choice for customers choice in Pakistan and other Asian countries.
Nokia is known for understanding their markets all over the world. The customer preferences for Nokia varies from place to place all around Pakistan. Nokia has introduced a variety of models to capture all market segments. The prices range from Rs. 2,500 to over 50,000. While conducting a survey of Lahore to measure Nokia market share and customer satisfaction, I observed that the demographics of the area play an important role. for e.g in DHA (Defense) people prefer quality and brand reputation matters, whereas price is not a major factor for such customers. On the contrast if we take areas like inner city for instance the demographics and preferences for phones totally changes. The majority of customers are attracted to the lower prices rather than anything else.
In my opinion, the pricing strategy of Nokia can be improved. Lets look deeper into the classifications of the models. Although prices have appreciated a lot because of the devaluing rupee value. Some handsets like Nokia 6120 have the SymbianS60 operating system, N series and E series also have the same. The 2 mega pixel camera in N80 and E51 does not provide the quality of that in 6120 although the prices of both are higher then that of 6120. While selecting a handset some people have different ideas as I mentioned earlier, but still people somehow correlate the quality and the function of the phone to its price. Before buying a handset we should focus on our needs and the functionality it offers. That is why Nokia has come up with tools for comparing handsets on their website.
Popular Nokia phones in Pakistan
Nearly every GSM Nokia model is available in the market. Now a days the customers are demanding more and more compatibility in the user interface of the handset, no matter Nokia has got the most friendly user interface. Nokia has also very clearly done the market research for Pakistan as people go for cheap and still want the best possible. I have used nearly every handset Nokia ever introduced in Pakistani market. The hits and flops section of this post is written with the point of view of general popularity among the public but of course it is a subjective listing. The mobile prices listed below are based on United Mobile are in Pk Rupees and of course, subject to change.
5310 (music series most popular because of its high quality TFT screen and sleek design although battery time is not that impressive) – Market price 16,900
6120c (the most commendable phone present in the market, there are many many reasons for buying this handset, camera quality, video quality is better then any other phone in its competition,the TFT display, video call, USB port, music quality is good, battery time rocks!) – Market price 18,900
6500 (slide)(favorite among public because of its looks, stainless steel with brush proofing on the screen as well, 3.2 MP camera with Carl ziess lens, too expensive for its range) – Market price 26,500
N70 (first phone N series launched, customers made it a hit in starting few months, it has got a new look and a flash of tomorrow) – Market price 13,000 (out of stock these days)
N95 8Gigs(software mobility, camera5 mega pixel, TFT, 16M colors 240 x 320 pixels, 2.8 inches) – Market price 48,000
E51 (business class phone, Symbian s60, 3G HSDPA, 3.6 Mbps, WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11g, VoIP over WLAN) – Market price 23,000
E65 (GPRS Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots), 32 – 48 kbps, HSCSD, EDGE Class 10, 236.8 kbps 3G 384 kbps, WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11b/g, VoIP over WLAN) – Market price 26,500
The Flops:
1650 (teasing keypad), 3110c (looks and extra large keypad), 5610(wear and tear), 7900 (prism), N76, N73 (Software hangs very often),6300(battery timing) N78 (handset with the size of a brick and keypad that has got its own explanation), N81 (the sliding gear collapses after 500 hours, the company has got no explanation for that, the keys for accepting and rejecting the calls are too far off the keypad).
Editor’s Note: Please join me to welcome Omar Aijaz. Omar is an undergraduate business student who has a keen interest in technology and telecommunication and he will be contributing to this blog on a regular basis.
The trend of open mobile Internet on mobile phones is relatively recent, even more so in Pakistan. However the growth, fueled by better browser software and falling data prices, is noticeable. All mobile companies want to offer more reasons for people to use data services, which results in higher ARPU. Mobile Internet is most popular among business persons and innovative people like students, technology enthusiasts etc, who want quick access to Internet right from their cell phone any where. Opera mini is one of the popular mobile web browsers.
Opera Mini powered by Telenor is a good business move by Telenor to encourage more people towards using mobile web services. Opera mini is fast and compresses the data to about 95% so its very easy to download music, visit blogs, check your emails etc. Telenor GPRS (more about GPRS technology toward the end) and EDGE technology (2.5G) was introduced in late 2006. EDGE provides decent speed and performance and offered by others (Mobilink, Zong, Ufone) as we don’t have 3G yet. Online forums are full of discussions about which service has the best speeds etc.
As a reader pointed out in comments, Telenor has planned its market strategy from the beginning around mobile Internet (all their SIMs are preactivated for data). Opera mini service is an extension of Telenor’s push for more data usage.
Note that you should be able to use Opera with other mobile network operators as well — its just that Telenor makes it a bit easy to get it through SMS.
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