Category: Telecom

Reliance Jio brings new recharge plans for JioPhone users

MUMBAI: Reliance Jio has launched new 'All-In-One' monthly plans for JioPhone users. The new plan will give JioPhone user unlimited plans with all services in a single plan. It also offers a new bonanza for data users by doubling users data by paying only ₹30.

In a release, Jio said the ₹75 recharge plan is the cheapest one in the market that comes with unlimited voice and data. According to Livemint report, Jio had recently launched a similar 'All-In-One' plans of ₹222, ₹333, ₹444 and ₹55wo5 which offers both data and voice calls.

The report said, “During the Diwali festival season, Jio has reduced the price of its JioPhone model by over 50% to ₹699. Those buying a new JioPhone under the Diwali 2019 offer and recharging it with at least ₹99 will get free data benefits valued at approximately ₹700. For the first seven recharges, Jio has promised to offer ₹99 worth of free data.”

October 26, 2019
Vodafone Idea business services and nokia partner to launch sd-wan to help businesses drive digital transformation

MUMBAI: Vodafone Idea Business Services (VIBS), the enterprise arm of Vodafone Idea Ltd., the country’s leading telecom operator, today announced its partnership with Nokia to roll out software-defined networking in a wide area network (SD-WAN) services for start-ups and enterprises. Through SD-WAN deployment, VIBS will offer advanced networking and connectivity solutions and enable enterprises to dramatically increase the speed of deployment, flexibility, and control. It is a software-defined network for digital business to securely access applications in a multi-cloud environment.

Benefits of Vodafone Idea SD-WAN

•   Simplified configuration of multi-site WAN network using online portal
•   Seamless connectivity to IaaS, SaaS Clouds using secure network
•   Dynamic application-aware routing on optimal path
•   Real-time network, application analytics through customer portal
•   Choice of multi-transport ILL, MPLS L3, Broadband and 4G LTE
•   OpEx-based pricing for Managed SD-WAN network
•   Solution consulting, implementation, 24X7 support with SLA
•   Centralised, automated control of network policies

The services will be offered in partnership with Nokia and is built on Nokia’s Nuage Networks Virtualized Services Platform (VSP) that will provide enterprises with an application-driven network that seamlessly and constantly adapts to the real-time demands of cloud computing, mobility, and digitization. This will further allow connections across the business and cloud to be intelligently and dynamically programmed from a centralized location. By using centralized software to manage the network, it becomes easier to control, more agile and ready to adapt to future connectivity requirements.

Commenting on the partnership, Nick Gliddon, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Vodafone Idea Business Services, said: “We are glad to partner with Nokia to roll out SD-WAN services and help our customers in their digital transformation journey. This partnership enables us to offer an industry-first, multi-tenant, Managed SD-WAN solution which enables enterprises of all sizes to access applications securely across multiple clouds. The enterprises will be able to leverage a more reliable, multi-transport Wide Area Network solution managed through a centralised portal that will provide greater control, agility, speed of deployment with reduced operational cost.”

Nitin Dahiya, Account Director, Nokia India, said, “The Virtualized Services Platform by Nokia’s Nuage Networks will enable Vodafone Idea to boost customer connectivity and aide their digital transformation journey. This partnership allows Vodafone to offer advanced networking and connectivity solutions, as well as enabling their customers to optimize business and cloud services. With the Virtualized Services Platform, Vodafone Idea gives control of the network back to the customer, making them more agile, adaptable and flexible. “

The launch of SD-WAN augments Vodafone Idea Business Services’ established vision of being a trusted and valued partner for business in a digital world, transforming cloud experience for millions of SMEs and large enterprises

October 15, 2019

India Ratings and Research says R-Jio’s tariff hike to support industry ARPU

MUMBAI: India Ratings and Research (Fitch Group) believes Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd’s (R-Jio; ‘IND AAA’/Stable) decision to start charging Rs 0.06/minute through top-up vouchers on outgoing voice calls to other networks would improve its average revenue per user (ARPU) by about Rs 9 and EBITDA by 15 per cent to 18 per cent in FY20, assuming that usage/calling pattern remains the same and the zero interconnect usage charge (IUC) regime is postponed beyond its scheduled date of 1 January 2020. However, the levy of additional charges by R-Jio will discourage users to call other operators from R-Jio, possibly leading to lower voice traffic on R-Jio network and hence could constrain the telecom giant’s actual EBITDA benefit at 8 per cent-10 per cent.

Also, Vodafone Idea Ltd (Voda-Idea; ‘IND A+’/Negative) and Bharti Airtel Ltd (Airtel) may see lower incoming calls on their network, which may impact their net interconnect user charge (IUC) income, which stood at 3 per cent and 10 per cent of total revenue for Airtel and Voda-Idea, respectively. Furthermore, Voda-Idea and Airtel may continue to lose their subscribers to R-Jio as the pricing arbitrage (i.e. outgoing voice calls to other network being free on R-Jio and chargeable for other operators) is removed. On the flipside, R-Jio’s tariff-hike may give Voda-Idea and Airtel an opportunity to increase their tariffs and repair their balance sheets. However, Ind-Ra believes the benefits for Voda-Idea and Airtel would be short-term and the marginal recovery of around 10 per cent in ARPU may not help in addressing the unsustainable debt levels, and improve credit metrics. Ind-Ra has maintained a negative outlook on the Indian telecom sector due to intense competition, elevated debt levels and continued reliance on capital infusion for debt servicing and capex.

Network Imbalance Higher for R-Jio: In Q1FY20, outgoing calls as a proportion of total offnet minutes of usage (MoU) for R-Jio, Voda-Idea and Airtel stood at 64 per cent, 41 per cent and 45 per cent, respectively. Also, of the total offnet voice traffic, net incoming MoU as a proportion of total offnet MoU stands at negative 29 per cent for R-Jio whereas the same is 9 per cent and 19 per cent for Airtel and Voda-Idea respectively, implying that network voice traffic imbalance is significantly higher for R-Jio compared with peers. Hence, R-Jio remains a net-payer of IUC expenses, whereas Voda-Idea and Airtel are net-receivers of IUC receipts. The move by R-Jio to start recovering IUC from customers would address R-Jio’s concerns that the zero IUC regime may get postponed by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India beyond its scheduled date of 1 January 2020.

Eventual Benefit Contingent on Many Variables: Estimating the impact of R-Jio’s levy of IUC charges on ARPU and EBITDA is tricky given that it may lead to a change in usage and calling pattern. The impact on Airtel and Voda-Idea’s financials is yet to be seen given that they have not yet announced their strategy in response to R-Jio’s move.

Broader Impact on Industry Tariffs: R-Jio’s tariffs have been 25 per cent-30 per cent lower than those of Voda-Idea and Airtel since the last two years, which has kept the competition intensity high. However, after falling steadily over the last 2.5 years, data tariffs (expressed in terms of GB per user per month) rose 11 per cent-17 per cent during October 2018-February 2019, and have been stable since then. Ind-Ra believes the industry-wide debt levels are at unsustainable levels and a marginal recovery of 10 per cent in ARPU may not help in improving the credit metrics. Telcos will continue to rely on external funding to support their debt servicing and elevated capex requirements. Any investment in spectrum acquisition or 5G technology may derail this fragile recovery.

Estimation of Impact on IUC Changes
	Bharti Airtel	Voda-Idea	R-Jio
MoU (million minutes, total offnet and onnet)	737,108	676,259	785,970
Outgoing calls ( per cent of offnet MoU)	45	41	64
Incoming calls ( per cent of offnet MoU)	55	59	36
Net incoming MoU ( per cent of offnet MoU)	9	19	-29
Access charges – Net reporteda (INR million)	2,500	3,800	-8,510
Offnet MoU as per cent of total MoU	60.1	50.4	63.3
EBITDA (1QFY20, INR million)b	84,926	36,500	46,700
IUC charges (as per cent of EBITDA)	3	10	-18
a Access Charge data for Airtel taken from Bloomberg. b EBITDA for Voda-Idea not adjusted for AS-116 benefit of INR22.2 billion. Source: Ind-Ra, Company and Bloomberg

October 12, 2019

Vodafone Idea and Kia motors india enter partnership for uvo connected car services

MUMBAI: Vodafone Idea, India’s leading telecom service provider and Kia Motors, have signed a partnership for the India debut of UVO connected car system with the new Kia Seltos – a technologically advanced and refined mid-SUV equipped with a range of market and world-first features designed to make driving safer and less stressful.

The partnership between the companies will enable Kia Seltos to function with Advanced Connected Car Functionality. Vodafone Idea’s expertise in automotive IoT will additionally help Kia deploy a strong, connected solution in the Indian market through integration of eSIMS with Voice, 3G/4G data, SMS, Secured APN service and API integration. The solution empowers Kia to locate its cars, enable real-time exchange of data and power a whole range of telematics enabled connected car services to its customers.

Speaking about the partnership, Nick Gliddon, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited said, “Connected Cars, once an aspirational concept in the Indian market, has become a reality now. As industry and consumers adapt to this digital disruption, it gives Vodafone Idea Business Services an opportunity to introduce end-to-end IoT solutions to our automobile partners. Our global expertise and deep understanding of Indian consumers helped us to work closely with Kia Motors and make connected cars a reality for Kia Motors in India.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Manohar Bhat, Vice President and Head – Sales and Marketing, Kia Motors India said, “We are excited to be associated with Vodafone Idea – India's leading telecom service provider, to offer a seamless connectivity experience of our ultra-modern UVO connected system in the Seltos. Kia Motors India aims to enhance the in-cabin and driving experience of our customers and we are confident that this partnership will enable them to be able to fully experience the array of connected and interactive features provided by UVO connect seamlessly, anywhere and everywhere.”

The mid-SUV, Kia Seltos includes UVO connected car technology powered by Vodafone Idea and provides as many as 37 smart features under five separate sections – navigation, safety and security, vehicle management, remote control and convenience. The smart features offered in Kia Seltos under the specified sections include, AI voice command, stolen vehicle tracking and immobilization, auto collision notification, SOS-emergency assistance, remote engine start and stop, remotely operated air purifier and in-car air quality monitor. It will also come equipped with safety alerts for geo fence, time fence, speed and valet.

October 7, 2019
Vodafone Idea launches TurboNet 4g in karnataka

MUMBAI: Vodafone Idea Ltd., India’s leading telecommunication service provider, today announced the launch of TurboNet 4G in Karnataka where it has successfully integrated the erstwhile Vodafone and Idea networks. With this, Bengaluru has become the first metro in the country to get TurboNet 4G services, in addition to other major cities like Mysuru, Mangaluru, Belagavi, Hubballi & Davangere in Karnataka.

Additionally, to further enhance indoor user experience on 4G, Vodafone Idea Ltd. has deployed the future-fit L900 technology for its customers in Bangalore. This latest deployment enables higher penetration of 4G in indoor areas offering enhanced network experience for customers.

The launch of TurboNet 4G follows the successful consolidation of its radio network integration and the deployment of newer technologies to further boost network capacity and coverage across large parts of the country.

Speaking on the occasion Arvind Nevatia, Circle Business Head – Karnataka, Vodafone idea Ltd. said, “With TurboNet 4G, 14 Mn Vodafone Idea customers in Karnataka will get faster download and upload speeds, better coverage and enhanced user experience while consuming content on their smartphones. While there is already more than 2X times improvement in 4G speeds in many markets, our latest deployment of L900 technology in Bangalore, will further greatly enhance indoor coverage and provide HD quality voice calling and higher data speeds at places where our customers need these services the most. With a strong unified network and rich digital content, we are confident of giving all our customers a superior network experience.”

Mobile users of other networks who wish to switch to Vodafone Idea TurboNet 4G and benefit from our superior network experience can connect by dialling the toll-free number 1800-123-612345.

According to Vishant Vora, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Idea Ltd., “With the integration of two strong networks in many markets, Vodafone Idea is becoming a higher powered, super charged 4G network on the back of larger number of sites, deployment of future fit technologies and greater spectrum allocation. TurboNet truly defines the reinvented 4G network which promises to deliver wider coverage, increased capacity, turbo speeds and superior customer experience. Our unified network is being presented to customers of both brands under a single brand proposition – TurboNet 4G – in all the integrated markets in India. So whether you are a Vodafone or Idea customer, your network is now bigger, stronger and better.”

As per Ookla, the global leader in broadband testing and web-based network diagnostic applications, Vodafone and Idea brands are delivering fastest upload and download 4G speeds in many of the integrated markets. More details on www.vodafoneidea.com

With the turbo speeds being offered on both the brands, customers can enjoy live TV shows, latest movies and a variety of original content on Vodafone Play and Idea Movies and TV App. Vodafone Idea has partnered with leading content creators and aggregators like Eros, Sony, Zee5, Hungama Play, T-Series, SunNXT, ShemarooMe, Hoichoi, TV Today, Discovery and many others that provides an array of free premium content to subscribers to enjoy on TurboNet 4G. Additionally, the company has tie ups with leading content providers like Amazon Prime and Netflix for its premium customers.

September 12, 2019
Airtel subsidiary, Wynk, selects NAGRA’s cloud.SSP, the cloud-based security services platform for multi-DRM content protection

MUMBAI: NAGRA, a Kudelski Group (SIX:KUD.S) company and the world's leading independent provider of content protection and multiscreen television solutions, today announced that its cloud-based Security Services Platform, cloud.SSP, was selected to secure streaming content and support a multi-DRM solution for Wynk, a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel Limited, India’s largest integrated telecom services provider. This latest win marks the first deployment of the cloud.SSP for an OTT pure play service in India.

“The ability for operators such as Airtel to deliver content to any device is a must in today’s digital environment,” said Stéphane Le Dreau, Senior Vice President Sales & Services at NAGRA. “The cloud-based NAGRA Security Services Platform with multi-DRM support allows operators to do that now directly from the cloud, reducing complexity by managing all devices under one unified system while ensuring best-of-breed security overall.”

NAGRA Security Services Platform (SSP) is an advanced, flexible and modular security platform enabling security for all two-way use cases such as cable/IP, IPTV, OTT or any hybrid scenario. NAGRA SSP can be deployed in an operator’s private cloud environment or as a NAGRA cloud service with cloud.SSP, or in hybrid mode. It goes beyond CAS and multi-DRM enablement and allows to manage home domains, concurrent sessions, device authentication, forensic watermarking and other important aspects of a pay-TV operator’s service without having to resort to additional third-party solutions. With NAGRA SSP, pay-TV operators and content owners have the flexibility to introduce new service modules as they advance in their go-to-market strategy.

NAGRA multi-DRM as a service is part of the NAGRA Security Services Platform (SSP) and supports the main industry device and browser platform DRMs with PlayReady, Widevine and FairPlay, as well as NAGRA’s proprietary DRM, NAGRA PRM.

NAGRA will be demonstrating its latest solutions in scalable service protection, active content monetisation, smart business operations and smart home security at the IBC 2019 in Amsterdam (13-17 September 2019) on the NAGRA stand, Hall 1.C81. For more information on NAGRA’s IBC presence, please visit dtv.nagra.com/ibc-show-2019.

September 10, 2019
Hinduja Group’s ONE GigaFiber enables over 120 Ganpati Pandals in partnership with Facebook

MUMBAI: ONEOTT Intertainment Ltd (OIL), Hinduja’s foray into Telecom and Internet services, announced a partnership with Facebook to offer Wi-Fi hotspots across Mumbai powered by ONE GigaFiber high-speed internet service, and supported by Facebook’s Express Wi-Fi software platform. The Wi-Fi hotspots will enable consumers in Mumbai to access fast, affordable and reliable Internet for free during the Ganesh Festival.

This service will be available in over 120 Ganpati Pandals including iconic locations such as Lalbaug cha Raja, Girgaum cha Raja, Ganesh Galli, among others. OIL has been actively involved in providing Public Wi-Fi Services with a special focus on Ganeshotsav, where they have been providing Free Wi-Fi and internet access to devotees since 2016, under the brand name “AamchaNet”.

The landmark service has seen close to half a million users since its inception, connecting devotees across Mumbai from the first day of the festival till Visarjan, where Free Wi-Fi access is also available at the most popular Visarjan sites including Girgaum Chaupaty.

Mr. Yugal Sharma, CEO of OIL said – “In the fourth year of providing Public Wi-Fi services during Ganeshotsav, it was amazing to see organizers coming to us directly and asking about enabling their pandals with high speed Wi-Fi. This year, we will be enabling 6 times the pandals and locations that we covered in the first year of launching “AamchaNet”. And now with ONE Wi-Fi hotspots supported by the Express Wi-Fi software platform, OIL’s ambitious plans for providing Public Wi-Fi access have been solidified, and we are looking forward to a successful partnership.”

Facebook’s Express Wi-Fi is a software platform that helps service providers and mobile network operators build, operate, grow, and monetize their Wi-Fi business in a sustainable and scalable way. Facebook partners with service providers and operators who expand the provision of fast, affordable, and reliable access to the Internet over Wi-Fi using Express Wi-Fi.

“Express Wi-Fi is an important part of our work to help transform people’s daily lives and connect more underserved communities,” said Satish Mittal, head of Express Wi-Fi, India, Facebook. “We’re excited to partner with OIL to provide access to fast and reliable Internet over Wi-Fi for free during the Ganesh Festival, leveraging ONE GigaFiber and the Express Wi-Fi software platform.”

To access the service, devotees need to connect to “ONE Express Wi-Fi by Facebook” in the available networks on their devices. By entering their Mobile numbers and verifying the One Time Password (OTP), people can gain access to unlimited data powered by ONE GigaFiber’s high speed connectivity.

September 6, 2019
Jio Fiber launches FTTH service across 1600 cities

MUMBAI: Jio, the world’s largest mobile data network, has today announced the
commencement of JioFiber, its Fiber to the Home service, across 1,600 cities in India. With JioFiber, Jio continues to deliver on its promise of connecting the unconnected while bringing about transformational changes to Indian homes, that it started with its mobility service three years ago, on 5th September 2016.

Currently, the average fixed-line broadband speed in India is 25 Mbps. Even in America, which is the most developed economy, it is around 90 Mbps. JioFiber, India’s first 100% ALL-FIBER broadband service, will start from 100 Mbps and go all the way up to 1 Gbps. This will propel India to top 5 broadband nations globally.

UPCOMING JIOFIBER SERVICES:

1. Ultra-high-speed broadband (up to 1 Gbps)
2. Free domestic voice calling, conferencing and international calling
3. TV video calling and conferencing
4. Entertainment OTT apps
5. Gaming
6. Home Networking
7. Device Security
8. VR Experience
9. Premium Content Platform

JIOFIBER MONTHLY PRE-PAID TARIFFS:

GST additional on all plans, as applicable | Extra GBs are available for 6 months as introductory benefit | T&C Apply | For details visit jio.com / message ‘HELLO’ to 70008-70008 from WhatsApp For Gaming, Device Security, Home Networking, VR Experience, Video Content services, provided by RCITPL (a platform service company) and TV Video Calling & Conferencing, subscribers need to purchase compatible devices.

MONTHLY PLANS

1. JioFiber plan rentals start at Rs 699 and go up to Rs 8,499
2. Even the lowest tariff starts with 100 Mbps speed
3. You can get speeds up to 1 Gbps
4. Most tariff plans come with access to all the services defined above
5. Jio is pricing the plans at less than one-tenth the global rates, to make it accessible for all, to suit every budget and every need

LONG-TERM PLANS

1. JioFiber users will have access to 3, 6 and 12 month plans that provides substantially higher value
2. Through bank tie-ups, Jio will provide attractive EMI schemes, so customers get the benefits of annual plans by paying only monthly EMI

JIOFIBER WELCOME OFFER

1. Every JioFiber user will get unprecedented value on subscribing to JioForever annual plans
2. With JioForever annual plan, users can get the following:
a. Jio Home Gateway b. Jio 4K Set Top Box
c. Television Set (in Gold plan and above) d. Subscription to your favourite OTT apps e. Unlimited Voice and Data

JioFiber users can choose a Welcome Offer from various price points available.

Speaking at the launch of JioFiber, Akash Ambani, Director, Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd, said, “Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, and all of JioFiber has been designed with the sole purpose of giving you a delightful experience. The launch of JioFiber, with its revolutionary services is just the beginning of a new and exciting journey. As always, we will continue working hard to bring more such amazing services to your home and take Jio Fiber to the next level.

I want to specially thank our 5 Lac JioFiber Preview users, who have contributed significantly in perfecting our product and service experience. I welcome them to experience the next level of JioFiber”

HOW TO GET JIOFIBER:

1. Visit www.jio.com or download MyJio app
2. Register for JioFiber services
3. If JioFiber is available in your area, our service representatives will get in touch with you

FOR EXISTING JIOFIBER CUSTOMERS:

1. For existing JioFiber users, Jio will get in touch with you for upgrading your services
2. Please download MyJio app, as all communication with users will happen on the MyJio app
3. On recharging with a monthly/quarterly/annual plan of their choice, every JioFiber user will get a Set
Top Box to enjoy the full bouquet of services

September 5, 2019
Vodafone Idea CEO Balesh Sharma resigns, Ravinder Takkar to take over

The Board of Vodafone Idea Limited today announced that it has accepted Balesh Sharma’s request for personal reasons to step down as CEO of Vodafone Idea. Balesh will be taking up a new role with Vodafone Group, which will be announced in due course. Ravinder Takkar, currently Vodafone Group’s representative in India, will be appointed as his successor with immediate effect.

Balesh has been the CEO of Vodafone Idea since the completion of the merger, and prior to that was Chief Operating Officer of Vodafone India. He has overseen the successful integration of Vodafone Idea – resulting in the estimated timescale to complete the integration falling from four to just two years. Balesh has driven the strategy of the combined business since its formation and he has also spearheaded the largest-ever equity raise in India.

Ravinder Takkar, an experienced global executive, is currently a Board member of Vodafone Idea and Indus Towers, where he is responsible for all Vodafone Group interests in India, a role which he took on in 2017. Prior to his current role, Ravinder was the CEO of Vodafone Romania for three years and CEO of Vodafone Partner Markets in London. He has been with Vodafone Group since 1994 and brings a wealth of experience in telecom industry having worked in several leadership positions across Vodafone’s operating companies over the last 25 years.

Ravinder has been involved in the Indian telecom industry since 2007 when Vodafone Group entered the Indian market. He has held a number of senior roles in Strategy and Business Development and he was CEO of the Enterprise business.

Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Idea Limited, said, “I would like to thank Balesh for his leadership and the successful integration of the two businesses. Under Balesh's stewardship, Vodafone Idea has realised a significant proportion of the synergies in a much shorter timescale than originally estimated. I wish him every success in his next role. I am pleased to welcome Ravinder Takkar as our new MD & CEO. Ravinder is well versed with the Vodafone Idea business context and I am confident that he will successfully steer the company through the next phase of development and help unlock its full potential.”

August 19, 2019
Snapdeal launches Voonik’s apparel on its platform

MUMBAI: Snapdeal, India’s leading value-focused marketplace, has launched over 350 products from the fashion brand Voonik on its platform.

The products include bestsellers from apparel and footwear categories, including kurtis, tops, dresses and bottom wear for women, and footwear, T-shirt, shirt and denim for men.

Voonik products are priced in the Rs 399 to Rs 899 range on Snapdeal. With the new partnership with Voonik, Snapdeal has expanded the selection of value-priced items to include a private label from an online fashion player.

As an introductory offer, users get a minimum 50% discount on all Voonik products. In addition, Voonik buyers on Snapdeal will get an additional 15% instant discount on using Bank of Baroda and HSBC credit cards.

“Voonik’s products perfectly mirror the needs of our target audience, including the rapidly growing middle segment of the market. We are very excited to bring Voonik’s products on our platform," said a Snapdeal spokesperson.

"We are excited to bring specially curated Voonik branded apparel and footwear on Snapdeal. The superior quality at an affordable price of our trending products will perfectly appeal to Snapdeal value-seeking customers,” says Sujayath Ali, CEO of Voonik.
Snapdeal’s selection has grown to over 200 million listings on the platform. In the last two years, it has seen 60,000+ new seller partners come on board adding over 50 Million new listings. A large number of local emerging brands on Snapdeal are added to ensure adequate choice to India’s value-seeking customers.

Earlier, Snapdeal also partnered with Japanese brand Miniso to launch its attractively priced products on its platform.

August 13, 2019