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Category: News Headline

  • Cable ops in US shift strategies to meet IPTV threat; report

    Cable ops in US shift strategies to meet IPTV threat; report

    MUMBAI: As telcos are gearing up to deploy competitive pay television offerings, a new report from market research division of Light Reading, Heavy Reading indicates that cable companies in US are revamping their video programming offerings.

    The cable ops are primarily doing it to fend off growing competition from IPTV services being launched by incumbent phone companies, adding more interactive services to their existing MPEG/QAM broadcast networks.

    The report suggests that the cable Next-Gen Video Plans and the Future of IP delves deeply into the next-generation video plans of North American multiple system operators (MSOs) as they prepare for the coming assault from telco IPTV and continue to defend against the competitive threat of direct-broadcast satellite providers.

    The report further analyzes the evolution of cable video from both a technology perspective and a business perspective, focusing not just on how MSOs are changing their networks, but also on how they are changing their business models with respect to video on demand (VOD) and the growing trend toward non- linear programming in general.

    “MSOs have no near-term plans to swap out their existing infrastructure to adopt end-to-end IP, nor is this type of move immediately necessary,” notes Heavy Reading and author of the report senior analyst Sterling Perrin. “In the near term, the MSOs plan to mimic the interesting features of IPTV using their existing MPEG/QAM networks.”

    Perrin adds, however, that switched digital video (SDV) could be a precursor to an MSO move to an end-to-end IP network — once SDV proves to be able to deliver quality equal to that offered now by conventional cable networks. “Cable end-to-end IPTV would require the final — large — step of replacing currently installed cable set-top boxes with IP STBs,” he says. “The rest of the network is moving to IP already.”

    Cable Next-Gen Video Plans and the Future of IP delivers a complete analysis of the Next Generation Network Architecture (NGNA) initiative from CableLabs, the cable industry’s research consortium, including how and when NGNA is likely to be deployed by leading MSOs. The report provides details covering product and market strategies of more than a dozen technology suppliers, including Ciena, Cisco Systems (and its Scientific-Atlanta subsidiary), Fujitsu, Motorola, and Nortel Networks.

    The methodology adopted has been exclusive one-on-one interviews with key executives from leading North American cable MSOs provide rich insight into this emerging market sector. Cable MSOs interviewed for the report include Comcast, Cox Communications, Rogers Cable, and Time Warner Cable.

    Other key findings of the report include:

    MSOs will leverage IP technology (and vendors) to expand their reach beyond the TV and set-top box as they branch into new areas, including delivery of content to mobile devices and to PCs. IP is well entrenched in MSO aggregation and core networks, but non-TV video service will likely be the first beachhead of IP in the access network — where preserving traffic in an IP form and building on the enormous industry support for IP (meaning lower costs) makes sense.

    MSOs are facing a spectrum crunch as they look to next-generation services to compete with both satellite and the telcos, but the situation is not dire. Cable executives interviewed for this report insist they have plenty of unused capacity in their networks. The efforts and innovation of the next three to five years will center on how best to tap that unused capacity.

    Deployment of SDV, when it does happen, will not necessarily boost sales of optical transport equipment. SDV is really about doing more with the same – – i.e., boosting the number of video channels available to subscribers without adding any new capacity to the network. The migration will likely be similar to that for VOD, which by its switched nature has allowed MSOs to ratchet up programming choices without having to dedicate much additional bandwidth (if any) to it.

    Cable Next-Gen Video Plans and the Future of IP costs $3,795 and is published in PDF format. The price includes an enterprise license covering all of the employees at the purchaser’s company.

  • Hallmark Intl acquires a twisted show from Southern Star

    Hallmark Intl acquires a twisted show from Southern Star

    MUMBAI: Hallmark International has acquired from Southern Star International a 14 episode half hour series Two Twisted.

    Two Twisted is a follow up to Twisted Tales and is financed by the Film Finance Corporation Australia for the Nine Network Australia.

    Co-produced by Bryan Brown and New Town Films in association with the Australian Film Commission and the New South Wales Film and Television Office, it comprises mysteries, dramas, and thrillers – all with a twist.

    Southern Star International CEO Catherine Payne, says, “We are very pleased to be continuing our close relationship with Hallmark International Channels.” In the past, Hallmark has acquired McLeod’s Daughters from Southern Star.

    Southern Star is an integrated film and television production and distribution group. The company is involved in film, television and video production; sales and distribution, licensing and merchandising. Southern Star is a division of Southern Cross Broadcasting (Australia).

  • BBC Worldwide signs IP VOD deal in Korea

    BBC Worldwide signs IP VOD deal in Korea

    MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide, which is UK pubcaster the BBC’s commercial consumer arm, has signed an agreement with South Korea’s largest telephone landline and broadband service providers, Hanarotelecom to supply Internet Protocol Video on Demand (IP Vod) content for its new TV portal platform, Hanaromedia.

    Launching next month, the new service will allow Hanarotelecom’s pre-existing 3.6 million broadband subscribers to purchase over 120 hours of BBC children’s, drama, natural history and lifestyle programming, including titles such as Fimbles, Pride and Prejudice and Tom Jones.

    For between $1-2 per month, subscribers can view their chosen BBC programme as often as they like within a 72-hour rental period. In order for video on demand and Internet traffic to be carried to a living room TV, all that’s needed is a DSL modem, a Hanarotelecom tariff and an Internet Protocol Set Top Box.

    BBC Worldwide senior TV sales manager, Asia, Linfield Ng said, “New media technology is one of our most exciting and important business areas right now. The strength of the BBC’s brand and the depth of its programme portfolio put BBC Worldwide in a really strong position when it comes to leveraging this new technology and sharing our catalogue innovatively with global audiences. I’m delighted that our agreement with Hanarotelecom serves to underline that further.”

    Hanarotelecom chief strategy officer Chonghoon Park says, “I am very pleased that Hanarotelecom is bringing BBC programmes to Korean audiences, allowing them to view these popular and high-quality titles at a time and in a fashion most convenient for them. We look forward to continuing to work with BBC Worldwide to deliver the best service and the best programming for our customers.”

    The announcement with Hanarotelecom follows a number of other agreements which BBC Worldwide has secured to provide content for video on demand services to such international VoD providers as T-Online in Germany, Versatel in Holland, Hot Vision in Israel, Ebismedia in Italy and Telefonica in Spain.

  • Fox garners billion dollars in overseas film revenues

    Fox garners billion dollars in overseas film revenues

    MUMBAI: It pays to make sequels in Hollywood. Fox has become the first studio this year to cross the billion dollar mark in film revenue earned outside the US.

    Two sequels Ice Age 2 and X Men 3 helped achieve this result.A report in Hollywood Reporter states that Ice Age 2 has made $441 million. This is more than double the $192 million made in the US.

    X Men 3 made $160.1 million, the Oscar winner Walk the Line made $64.8 million. Even the critically lambasted The Pink Panther made a decent $64.3 million. In the pipeline for the studio are potential box office hits including a Garfield sequel and a Meryl Streep film The Devil Wears Prada.

    It is the second year in a row that Fox has been the first studio to hit the billion dollar mark abroad. Last year, the Star Wars movie helped it cross the mark. Meanwhile, Sony Pictures has made over $800 million, mainly due the critically panned The Da Vinci Code.

  • Zee Sports gets involved with ‘Nascar Mania’

    Zee Sports gets involved with ‘Nascar Mania’

    MUMBAI: Zee Sports has launched a new show Nascar Mania.

    This half hour magazine programme showcases all the elements that make up a Nascar race. Miss India 2003 Nikita Anand will host the half hour show to be telecast on the weekdays at 5:30 pm. The show will have the top stories from Nascar Nextel Series, the history of Nascar and technical tips.

    For the uninitiated, Nascar stands for National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. It is a motor sports event in the US. Over 75 million television viewers watch the race every year. Nascar has three national series – the Nascar Nextel Cup Series, Nascar Cup Series and Nascar Craftsman Truck Series. Drivers in each race compete on different tracks throughout the year. The channel says that over 100 million fans follow Nascar races worldwide.

    Zee Sports business head Himanshu Mody said, “Nascar is a popular sport with many interesting people involved. Whether it is a driver, crewmember or owner, the stories and events that take place all season long will give viewers a new perspective on the sport and the teams they follow.

    “The launch of the new show is a continuation of our efforts to bring the best of sports to viewers. I hope the show will allow fans to feel closer to the sport and the people involved, give them a real sense of involvement and appreciation for everything that is Nascar.”

    Anand said, “I am tremendously excited to be a part of Nascar Mania. Nascar is one of the most exciting sports today and I can’t wait to bring a new and unique perspective to the fans.”The various segments in the programme present different aspects of Nascar. Know Nascar guides the viewer and speaks about the basic terms and other facts about Nascar. The segement By track stories deals with people associated with Nascar. This segment provides access, a perspective on each week’s Nextel Cup race, pre- and post-race interviews.

    Pace Update is a rapid-fire news update segment from the world of Nascar. Drivers Unplugged is the section to get up close and personal with the drivers and their performance in Nascar. Every week, the Nascar Race goes to different parts of America and on different Speedways, or tracks. Track Talk is an informative section that gives insights, history, trivia etc.. of the track. Blast from the Past is a section that presents Nascar drivers from the past. Tech Tips is the segment that talks about the finer points about the stock cars used in Nascar.

  • Warner, AOL prepare for the return of Superman on In2TV

    Warner, AOL prepare for the return of Superman on In2TV

    MUMBAI: In order to create excitement around its upcoming movie, Superman Returns, Warner Bros. and US internet service provider AOL have launched a special Superman Channel on the entertainment site In2TV www.aol.com/in2tv to celebrate the Man of Steel.

    In2TV claims to be the largest offering of popular television series available online for free and the destination for watching full TV episodes. The Superman Channel is available now through the end of next month.

    In2TV’s Superman Channel will also feature the new A&E documentary Look, Up In the Sky! The Amazing Story of Superman directed by Bryan Singer, in its online and on-demand debut. The documentary, narrated by Superman Returns star Kevin Spacey, features behind-the-scenes clips of Superman Returns, Superman fans Jerry Seinfeld, Gene Simmons and Mark Hamill, comic book legend Stan Lee and more.

    The Superman Channel will also have the TV series The Adventures of Superman. The series starred George Reeves is back. Fans can reconnect with the original live action version of America’s favourite superhero in his never-ending battle for truth, justice and the American way.

    Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman — The sci-fi television series had romantically united the duo while exploring the odd love relationship that develops between a modern career woman who falls head-over-heals for Superman while not realizing that he is also her best friend, Clark Kent. It stars Teri Hatcher who is now back in the limelight thanks to Desperate Housewives and Dean Cain. Fans can see how the couple works out their differences.

    The channel will also have Superboy which premiered on American television in 1988. In this, fans join Clark during his college-years at Shuster University. The mild-mannered journalism student battles his arch-nemesis, Lex Luther, while trying to sweep Lana Lang off her feet. The Superboy series introduces “Superman” arch-villains Metallo and Bizzaro.

  • Fifa in a funk over BBC show

    Fifa in a funk over BBC show

    MUMBAI: Even as the football World Cup gathers momentum in Germany, football’s governing body Fifa is in a funk over a BBC Panorama show which aired in the UK a few days ago.

    The report was called The Beautiful Bung – Corruption and the World Cup. Veteran reporter Andrew Jennings revealed the serious allegations and evidence that triggered a major investigation by the Swiss authorities. The report had shown serious allegations of bungs, sleaze and vote-rigging by some of the men running the World Cup.

    In the programme, Jennings was pushed by a Fifa vice president for asking him how much profit he plans to make from selling World Cup tickets this year. Then he was banned from Fifa headquarters for asking president Sepp Blatter on what he knows about kickbacks to senior officials from a company seeking lucrative contracts.

    The programme revealed that over a million pounds worth of bribes have secretly been repaid. Not by the officials who received the kickbacks, but, according to a secret court judgement, by Fifa itself. Magistrate Hildbrand must decide if this act went against Swiss law. If it did, some of the most senior Fifa officials could face jail.

    Fifa has issued a statement stating that it takes exception to certain allegations in Panorama. This does not mean that any of the other points raised are acceptable to Fifa as the truth. Fifa notes that as confirmed by the relevant authorities, it is completely false and defamatory to claim that either Blatter or Fifa are the subject of a bribery probe by the Swiss police. Fifa says that in the past, it was actually the victim of ISL irregularities. On the BBC show, a senior executive from ISL, the former marketing company that paid the bribes, had spoken anonymously to Jennings, revealing that ‘bungs’ were paid systematically, frequently through offshore bank accounts, over a 20-year period.

    ISL was set up in 1982 and soon acquired the marketing and television rights to the Olympic Games, the World athletics championships and the football World Cup. Media reports indicate that rumours have circulated for years that senior sports officials took bribes in return for these lucrative contracts. ISL collapsed in 2001 and when the liquidator took over the company’s bank records, he found evidence of bribes.

    Some officials repaid the money but when others declined, the liquidator went to court. The result was a secret deal in early 2004 to repay more. Fifa says that it looks forward to the final proceedings in the Swiss courts, which it continues to support. During his investigation for the BBC, Jennings travelled from the Swiss Alps to the beaches of the Caribbean.

  • Sean Connery, magic & opera on Star World next month

    Sean Connery, magic & opera on Star World next month

    MUMBAI: Next month, Star World will air the felicitation ceremony of the original James Bond, Sir Sean Connery, with a lifetime achievement award from The American Film Institute (AFI).

    The ceremony, will also have a videotaped tribute from the newest Bond, Daniel Craig. It will also showcase magic by Criss Angel Supernatural. And, on the music front, there will be an opera performance by Andrea Bochelli: Amore Under The Desert Sky.

    Directors George Lucas and Steven Spielberg and actors Andy Garcia, Harrison Ford and Mike Myers were among those who feted the Scottish star.

    AFI Board of Trustees chairman Sir Howard Stringer who is also Sony CEO says, “Sir Sean Connery is an international film icon. Though best remembered for creating one of the great film heroes of all time, his talents transcend typecasting, and his body of work not only stands the test of time, but illuminates a career more extraordinary than James Bond himself. Sir Sean is an artist of the highest order, and AFI is honoured to present him with its 34th Life Achievement Award.”

    Considered to be the most influential name in magic today, Criss Angel’s visionary approach to the art escapes the confines of tradition and gives birth to a new breed of modern mysticism. Viewers can delve inside Criss Angel’s world.

    The Tuscan-born Andrea Bocelli seduces audiences everywhere with moving melodies and passionate performances. He is considred to have set the standard for ‘crossover’ classical tenors. This special was recorded in Lake Las Vegas from a concert venue that floats in the resort’s signature 320-acre lake.

    Bocelli will perform songs from his current CD, Amore including Autumn Leaves and It’s Impossible and is joined by special guest Heather Headley in a duet of The Prayer.

    Fans of pop music can enjoy the documentary For The Record – Take That. Take That was one of the biggest pop groups in the early 1990’s. After splitting a decade ago, each of the band members break their silence and reveal the truth about the band. One of its members Robbie Williams is now a big superstar.

  • Disney US launches wireless service for families

    Disney US launches wireless service for families

     MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Disney has announced that it has launched Disney Mobile www.disneymobile.com. It is a phone service specifically developed to meet the needs of parents and their kids.

    The service allow US parents to directly manage their family’s wireless experience.

    Disney Mobile senior VP, GM George Grobar says, ‘Families have clearly told us that they have different needs than the average mobile phone user. We built a complete mobile experience that is specifically designed to meet their needs and is uniquely Disney from end-to-end. Disney Mobile will allow parents to manage their family’s phone use and help teach kids responsible use.”

    At the core of Disney Mobile’s family plans are the Family CenterTM features, which allow parents to:

    – set spending allowances and track usage for voice minutes, text messaging, picture messaging and downloadable content, receiving alerts when allowances have been reached.

    – determine the hours of the day and days of the week when kids can use their phones.

    – programme restricted and always-on phone numbers to manage with whom kids may communicate.

    – prioritise important family messages

    – locate kids’ phones with GPS capabilities

    Internet security and privacy lawyer, and founder of WiredSafety.org Parry Aftab says, “Parents and young people have both been looking for more control in their mobile phone service. After seeking control over such things as who can call or text them, unexpected charges and high-monthly bills, and access to content, they now have the answer in Disney Mobile, which has delivered on all of these desired features.”

    Disney Mobile offers consumers individual and family plans. Individual plans start at $39.99 per month and range up to $169.99 per month. Family plans, all inclusive of two lines, start at $59.99 per month and range up to $249.99 per month. Additional lines can be added to any Family Plan for $9.99 per month.

    The plan benefits apply only on the Disney Mobile network and may not be available while roaming. Beyond the Family Center features, Disney Mobile will offer wireless voice service, text and picture messaging, and a broad range of entertainment and content that will appeal to Disney fans of all ages. Handset pricing will start at $59.99, when purchased with a two-year service agreement.

    Grobar adds, “Since we know that many parents may already be under contract with another carrier, we are making it easy for them to sign up their children for Disney Mobile and, as the Family Manager, use all of the Family Center features from the web at disneymobile.com.

    “This enables them to enjoy the benefits and ease of use of managing their family’s mobile phone experience online from home or office.”

    As part of a phased retail roll-out, freestanding kiosks managed by authorized Disney Mobile dealers are planned to open in shopping malls across the country. Co-branded with Mobile ESPN, the first kiosks are open in several locations across the US.

    The centerpiece of the Disney Mobile experience is its Family Center features, which include:

    Family Monitor – This feature can help make surprise cell phone bills a thing of the past by giving parents the ability to manage their kids’ cell phone use real-time. A parent can set monthly allowances for each kid for key aspects of cell phone use, including voice minutes, text and picture messages, and downloadable content such as ringtones, wallpapers and background themes. Summary usage for the entire family and each kid’s individual usage can be tracked and once a monthly allowance is reached, both the parent and the kid receive an alert on their phone.

    The parent can then decide whether to increase the allowance to receive an alert at a higher allowance, ignore the alert, or restrict the phone’s functionality through Call Control. The Family Monitor feature is accessible through Disney Mobile phones and www.disneymobile.com with unlimited use included in all Disney Mobile calling plans.

    Call Control – This allows the Family Manager to use an online tool to designate when kids can use their cell phones, as well as whom they can and cannot call. The Family Manager can choose the day of week or even the time of day they will allow their kids to use their phones, eliminating use at inappropriate times such as during school hours or late at night.

    Call Control also gives the Family Manger the flexibility of programming “Always On” and prohibited numbers for added peace of mind. Even when phone use is restricted, kids will be able to call with family members on the same Disney Mobile family plan and “Always On” numbers and make emergency calls to 911. Unlimited use of Call Control is included in all Disney Mobile calling plans.

    Family Locator – This allows parents to locate their kids’ phones using advanced Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Parents can access the Family Locator feature from their phones or from www.disneymobile.com by entering a PIN which each parent personally selects. Once access is authorized, parents can locate their kid’s phone by selecting “locate” through the feature. When the phone’s location has been found, the location and a map of the location including an indication of accuracy are available.

    Parents can use this feature at those times when it is inconvenient to call or when they know the child will be unable to answer their phone – such as during school hours or sports practices. Five shared Family Locator searches are included in every Disney Mobile calling plan each month, and subscribers can upgrade to unlimited Family Locator searches for an additional fee.

    Family Alert- This allows family members on the same Disney Mobile family plan to send each other prioritised messages so the messages are less likely to be missed. Family Alert! messages prominently appear on the handset screen whenever the phone is idle, causing family members to acknowledge messages before using the phone for other services. For instance, at the end of a school day, parents can send a quick alert about a change of plans that will appear as soon as kids open their phones. Family Alert! can either be sent to an individual family member or all family members concurrently

    Disney Mobile has also simplified messaging for parents by offering a menu of preset, common family messages such as “Where RU?” and “Running late. Be there soon!” Of course, family members can also create their own unique messages. Unlimited intra-family messaging is included with the service.

    Disney Mobile will operate as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) utilizing the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. Family Center Features may not function when roaming or as a result of other network or system limitations. Kids can access the Family Monitor and Family Alert! features on their Disney Mobile phones. Online access by kids to these features will be available soon.

    In addition to its Family Center features, Disney Mobile will also offer parents, tweens and Disney fans of all ages a wide variety of Disney and other family-appropriate content to personalise and customise their Disney Mobile phones. The “Theme-It” function will allow multiple screens of the phone to be re-themed with a selection of related content chosen by the subscriber.

    Given Disney’s rich entertainment heritage, Disney Mobile subscribers will enjoy a broad offering of Disney content. The Disney ZoneTM includes exclusive Vault DisneyTM content only available to Disney Mobile subscribers and applications that will extend many of the online and offline worlds of Disney. At launch, it will include a Radio Disney application that will allow direct interaction with Radio Disney itself as well as Trivial Pursuit Disney Mobile Edition, where players can test their Disney trivia knowledge or compete against other Disney Mobile players across the country. They can even track their progress and ranking through multiple skill levels on a real-time leader board.

    There also will be a broad assortment of general entertainment content to complement the service’s Disney offerings.

  • GSMA kicks off ‘3G for all’ program

    GSMA kicks off ‘3G for all’ program

    NEW DELHI: GSM Association (GSMA), a global trade association for mobile operators, has approved a “3G for all” program to bring 3G multimedia services and mobile internet access to many more people in both the developed and the developing worlds.

    Over the next few months, a group of operator members of the GSMA plan to establish a core set of common requirements for 3G handsets to create the economies of scale that will allow mobile phone suppliers to rapidly bring down the cost of manufacturing these high-tech devices.

    This was disclosed today here at a press conference, which was attended by officials of GSMA and its Indian chapter.

    “Our 3G handset initiative will allow far more people to take advantage of the video clips, mobile music, Internet access, and many other multimedia services now enjoyed by more affluent users in the developed world,” according to GSMA CEO Rob Conway.

    “Our Emerging Market Handset program is a compelling demonstration of how economies of scale can be brought to bear to accelerate falls in the cost of manufacturing mobile phones,” he added.

    Under the initiative, which builds on the success of the GSMA’s Emerging Market Handset program, mobile phone suppliers will compete to design a 3G handset that meets the operators’ common requirements.

    The GSMA will endorse the winning handset, which will be widely deployed by operators participating in the program.

    The GSMA’s Emerging Market Handset (EMH) program, which has hit its goal to reduce the wholesale price of entry-level handsets to less than $30, has catalysed the creation of a new segment of ultra-low cost phones. The availability of such low cost handsets has enabled many millions of people in over 56 countries to begin using telecommunications for the first time.

    Motorola, the winning vendor in the EMH program, is driving forward with its vision to connect the unconnected through this program and expects to ship more than 20 million EMH handsets by the end of 2006.

    The EMH program has helped bring the wholesale cost of GSM handsets in India down by more than 25 per cent since last year, fuelling the growing use of mobile communications in rural areas.

    Despite the fall in handset prices, the GSMA estimates that about a billion people worldwide won’t be able to afford their own handset for the foreseeable future. Through its Development Fund, the GSMA is looking at how to extend the many benefits of mobile communications to these people.

    The Development Fund is financing a series of pilot projects in Africa and Asia that enable local entrepreneurs to set up payphone businesses or ‘Internet cafes’ where people can access the Internet, email or other data services.

    In India, for example, the Development Fund has helped mobile operator Airtel launch a pilot project in the UP West region that equips local entrepreneurs with handsets specially-adapted to function as payphones.

    Other Indian mobile operators, such as Idea Cellular, are setting up similar pilot projects with the aid of the Development Fund. The GSMA is also examining how mobile networks can be used to give rural communities in India access to email and the Internet.

    MARAN WANTS 3G SPECTRUM TO BE PRICED

    Telecom Minister Dayanidhi Maran today favoured pricing of 3G mobile spectrum, the Press trust of India has reported.

    Maran who was speaking to reporters after the GSM Association’s meet, was quoted by PTI as saying, “Government has to make some money out of it (3G spectrum)… (and) make it very competitive and does not want people to sit over spectrum.”

    The minister, however, did not touch upon how 3G should be priced, leaving the matter to the sector regulator Trai. “Government will take a decision after TRAI comes out with its recommendations,” Maran said.

    GSM HITS TWO BILLION MILESTONE

    This weekend, the mobile phone industry will celebrate a historic milestone as it connects the second billionth GSM mobile phone user in the world, the GSMA announced.

    The GSMA said that new users are signing up at the rate of 1,000 per minute (just under 18 per second) to services that include both second generation GSM, as well as third generation 3GSM services – for which there are already more than 72 million users in the world.

    “This is the fastest growth of technology ever witnessed,” said GSMA chairman Craig Ehrlich.

    “While it took just 12 years for the industry to reach the first billion connections. The second billion has been achieved in just two and a half years boosted by the phenomenal take up of mobile in emerging markets such as China, India, Africa and Latin America, which accounted for 82 per cent of the second billion subscribers.”

    Mobile services based on GSM technology were first launched in Finland in 1991. Today, more than 690 mobile networks provide GSM services across 213 countries and GSM represents 82.4 per cent of all global mobile connections.

    “We are proud to be a part of this mobile revolution. India has played a vital role in this growth being one of the fastest growing mobile market in the world,” said Bharti Airtel CMD and a board member GSMA Sunil Bharti Mittal.

    China is the largest single GSM market in the world today, with more than 370 million users, followed by Russia with 145 million, India with around 80 million and the USA with 78 million users. In India, mobile has even become the fastest selling consumer product – pushing bicycles to the number two spot.

    GSMA INNOVATION AWARD FOR 3GSM

    The GSM Association today also announced a new mobile innovation competition for young, small and start up companies across Asia that are developing technologies, applications and content for the fast moving mobile space.

    Unveiled today following the GSMA’s board meeting in New Delhi, the Asian Mobile Innovation Awards will include two categories — for Most Innovative Mobile Application or Content and the Most Innovative Technology.

    “Asia is a hot bed of innovation for the mobile world, there is an astonishing array of talent dedicated to developing new ideas for the market. However, it’s a complex market with many players and small players with interesting or astonishing ideas have to fight hard to be heard,” said Conway.

    The competition, which is now open for entry, will culminate at Asia’s premiere mobile communications event, the 3GSM World Congress Asia 2006 (Singapore, 16-20 October), attended by leaders from region-wide mobile operators, manufacturers and leading players from across the mobile value chain.