Things are moving towards liberalisation of the telco market around the world. Latest international news we caught involves Zambia where government plans to sell three-quarters of its stake in the state-owned Zambia Telecommunications Corporation (Zamtel) to a private investor and eventually float the remaining 25% onto the local stock exchange. According to President Banda, this…
Orascom to bid for French 3G license?
Orascom Telecom is considering joining one of the consortium which are expected to bid for France’s fourth 3G license. In an interview to French daily Le Figaro, Orascom’s Chairman, Naguib Sawiris said that they are open to all options, acquisitions included. He said: “Eight million North-Africans live in France and I think it makes sense…
A novel idea: phone with a built-in lighter!
Here’s a novel idea – phone with a built-in a lighter, something that smokers from all around the world would certainly embrace. Actually, when you think about it, this phone — actually a concept device, as I’m not aware something like this is actually on sale — will most probably find its buyers in parts…
Toyota offering free phone charging and WiFi to promote the new Prius
As part of its marketing campaign to promote the 3rd generation Prius in 2010, Toyota has installed 18-feet tall solar daisies in Boston. These daisies provide resting space for about 10 persons, and generate enough electricity so that people around can charge their mobile devices, as well as use some free WiFi. The idea behind…
Smoking + Texting = Smexting
Not exactly a fresh news, but it’s interesting nonetheless… With smoking bans being implemented across the Western world, smokers are finding themselves outside cafes all the time. While enjoying in their bad habit, they talk to friends, send text messages, and make calls. One of the things they apparently do most is send SMS, hence…
Vietnam gets a new mobile operators – Beeline
Vietnam has a new mobile phone network – Beeline. Operated by a joint venture between Russia’s VimpelCom and the local GTEL Corporation, the new company’s services will be available in the largest provinces of Vietnam – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Danang – with more than 15 million people. And by the end of this…
Mobispine acquires Fun Text
Joakim from Mobispine informed me that their company has acquired Fun Text and its parent company Image Semantics, with the idea to deliver messaging solutions to operators. Fun Text is a consumer service that connects content with communication and enables users to send professionally created multimedia to express their emotions. The combined vision is to…
China and India together surpass one billion mobile phone users
Two of the most populated countries, China and India, now have have more than 1 billion mobile phone users, combined — 1.04 billion to be more exact. Rest of the Asia Pacific region also keeps growing like crazy. Among the markets that are in the top 10 are also Japan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Vietnam, The Philippines,…
New York considers wireless broadband for railways
The New York MTA and Long Island Rail Road railways have recently issued an initial request for information on how to provide wireless broadband services in its stations and trains. LIRR and Metro-North are, respectively, the largest and second largest commuter railroad services in the nation, and offering access to the Internet could certainly be…
Borqs secures $17.4 million to make Android work for carriers
Borqs and its investors bet heavily on Android platform. As a matter of fact, the company announced that it has closed a $17.4 million Series B round of venture financing. Norwest Venture Partners (NVP) led this round, which included participation from current investors, GSR Ventures – the Mayfield Fund China affiliate – as well as…