31 Oca 2008

Korea Developed a New Technology for 4G

Korea Developed a New Technology for 4G

Korean researchers developed a new mobile telephony communications protocol and the new system is seven times faster than HSDPA of 3.5G.

ETRI announced on January 30 that it developed an LTE prototype for 3GPP and succeeded in the test-run. 3GPP is collaboration between groups of telecommunications associations, to make a globally applicable third generation (3G) mobile phone system specification. ETRI cooperated with Samsung Electronics and KTF for the newly developed 3GPP LTE technology and system

The technology used in the system is cellular-based 3.9G and is highly likely to be adopted as the standard for 4G. ETRI will hand over the technology to Samsung and Samsung will release related products from the end of next year.

ETRI researchers said the technology enables users to enjoy high speed multimedia services of 100Mbps in slow moving cars at 3km per one hour and 39Mbps in fast moving cars at 120km per one hour.

The success in the development will allow users to enjoy the Internet, web services, video services, and broadcasting services anytime anywhere and to watch HD videos in cell phones, PDAs and smart phones swiftly.

“We developed this prototype six months faster than Europe which has 3GPP system technologies. We’ll be ahead of competitors when the development of 4G technologies begins in earnest this year,” said Hwang Seung-gyu, a research team leader for mobile communications.

First Sub-$100 3G Linux Mobile Phone from NXP and Purple Labs

First Sub-$100 3G Linux Mobile Phone from NXP and Purple Labs

NXP Semiconductors, the independent semiconductor company founded by Philips, and Purple Labs, a leading supplier of embedded Linux solutions for mobile phones, jointly announced today the release of a 3G Linux reference feature phone offering video telephony, music playback, high-speed Internet browsing and video streaming at a transfer price below US$100. The new Purple Magic phone serves as a reference design for phone manufacturers creating entry-level 3G handsets, including those targeting mobile markets such as Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America.

According to the GSA mobile industry trade group, there are now 197 commercial 3G/WCDMA networks in 87 countries, but the adoption of 3G services is concentrated in mature European and Asian markets. The viability of 3G services in emerging markets requires large volumes of affordable data-capable devices - and the 3G Purple Magic has been highly optimized specifically to meet this market challenge.

"During the recent holiday period, mobile operators were purchasing entry-level 3G phones for $120 to $145," commented Simon Wilkinson, CEO of Purple Labs. "Leveraging our Linux technology, the Purple Magic design now enables manufacturers to deliver compelling 3G products at a transfer price below $100."

The Purple Magic reference phone is based on the NXP Nexperia Cellular System Solution 7210 for 3G, coupled with the Purple Labs Linux suite, and is available as a fully integrated, turnkey solution. Production of an initial quantity of fully working phones has enabled Purple Labs to undertake considerable testing and validation, further reducing investment and time to market for OEMs and ODMs that leverage the Purple Magic design.

NXP offers powerful 3G and 3.5G multimedia platforms running on a single ARM926 processor core. The Nexperia Cellular System Solutions with Linux support true UMTS performance, delivering seamless service coverage in 2G and 3G networks as well as advanced multimedia features that allow consumers to take full advantage of next generation applications and mobile operator services.

"NXP believes in Linux as the basis for the next generation of mobile handset innovation," said Dan Rabinovitsj, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Cellular Business, NXP Semiconductors. "We've been working closely with Purple Labs to develop Linux-based mobile terminals that meet the cost and performance requirements of the mass market. Our joint achievement is to bring the advantages of an Open OS environment to the mass market based on industry leading silicon and software."

"The Purple Magic reference phone clearly demonstrates our combined leadership in the mobile Linux arena," added Wilkinson. "While the mobile Linux industry has largely concentrated on high-end devices, the Purple Magic is the first 3G Linux mass-market reference feature phone available today."

Vodafone revenues up 16% to GBP 9.2 billion ($18.3 billion)

Vodafone revenues up 16% to GBP 9.2 billion ($18.3 billion)

Vodafone Group reported revenues for the quarter ended 31 December of GBP 9.163 billion, up 15.8 percent from the year-earlier period. Takeovers in Turkey and India and positive currency effects drove the increase, while organic growth was 4.4 percent. Proportionate for ownership, Vodafone finished the year with 252.3 million mobile customers, up by 10.8 million from September. Of the total, 24.7 million used 3G devices. Vodafone repeated its outlook for the fiscal year to March, for revenues of GBP 34.5-35.1 billion, while noting the recent strengthening in the euro could have an additional positive effect. Annual adjusted operating profit is estimated at GBP 9.5-9.9 billion, with a lower EBITDA margin year-on-year. Capital spending will reach GBP 4.7-5.0 billion for the full year, including GBP 1 billion in India.

In its core region Europe, Vodafone reported revenues up 7.3 percent to GBP 6.652 billion, with half the growth coming from exchange rate effects. Voice revenues showed an organic decline of 2.2 percent, hurt by cuts in termination and roaming rates, while messaging revenues increased 8.1 percent and data sales were up 35.5 percent on an oragnic basis. Voice usage increased 16.5 percent from a year ago, led by Germany and Italy. The region added a net 3.1 million new customers in the quarter, taking the total base to 109.1 million. The company's fixed-line business generated revenues of GBP 462 million, with the Tele2 activities in Italy and Spain finishing the quarter with respectively 0.4 and 0.2 million ADSL customers.

In the EMAPA region, revenues jumped 46.8 percent to GBP 2.496 billion thanks to the takeover in India. Organic service revenue growth was 13.7 percent, with a 9.9 percent rise in Eastern Europe, the Pacific up 7.5 percent and the Middle East, Africa and Asia up 20.9 percent. The region added a net 7.7 million new customers in the quarter, of which 4.2 million in India, for a total abse of 112.0 million.


Vodafone challenges Ofcom plans for mobile switching

Vodafone challenges Ofcom plans for mobile switching

Vodafone mounted a legal challenge yesterday to plans by Ofcom to allow users of mobile phones to take their existing number to a rival network within two hours.

Last year the telecoms watchdog announced rules that would enable customers to transfer their existing mobile number to a new network within two days by this April. The process is to be cut further, to two hours, by 2009. The present transfer process takes five days.

The new regime was aimed at encouraging more people to change operators and take advantage of more competitive deals. At present, Ofcom believes, mobile users are being deterred from switching because of the slow and complicated transfer process.

Vodafone said that it had lodged a complaint about the rules with the Competition Appeal Tribunal. It claims that the new system is unnecessary. Quicker switching times could, it argues, lead to an increase in mis-selling scams, in which customers are switched to a new network unwittingly.

Its main complaint involves the cost of introducing the revised system. As part of the change, Ofcom has demanded that the phone operators create a central database that will hold details of all switched numbers and enable calls to them to be routed directly, without having to rely on the subscriber’s previous network provider. Ofcom estimates that the database would cost the industry £12 million. Vodafone believes that the figure would be closer to £24 million.

Nine years ago British mobile phone users were among the first to be able to switch to a rival network while keeping their old number, but now Britain lags behind many countries with its long-winded switching process.

Research by the telecoms regulator found that half of those who had switched said that the process could be improved.

Yesterday 3, the smallest of the five network operators, condemned Vodafone’s attempts to stall the overhauled system. A spokesman said: “Making it easier and quicker for consumers to transport their number has been continually obstructed by the incumbent operators at the expense of the British consumer. We owe it to them to move on this now.”

It is likely that Vodafone will be questioned about its actions today when it delivers a trading update on its performance during the Christmas period.

Analysts at Citigroup are forecasting that the third-quarter report will reveal continued strong growth from data services, such as the viewing of videos and downloading of music on handsets. Strong growth from emerging markets, such as India, is also expected.

Citigroup forecasts a 3.8 per cent rise in total service revenues and growth from the European data business of 40 per cent.

In a recent broker note, JPMorgan also predicted that Vodafone would shrug off recent economic worries to report a small acceleration in like-for-like service revenue growth.

Sony Officially Adds Skype to PlayStation Portable

Sony Officially Adds Skype to PlayStation Portable

As promised, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. officially released a new firmware that lets owners of PlayStation Portable to communicate with each other using Skype voice-over-Internet-protocol (VoIP) service. The move brings PSP a significant advantage over rival Nintendo DS, though, it is not certain that this advantage will make PlayStation Portable more popular in general.

Initially the new firmware version 3.90 will only be available from Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and only for PlayStation Portable Slim and Lite versions. To use Skype on PSP, users simply need to upgrade to system software 3.90, register and talk, using a headset and remote control or Go! Cam. After updating the PSP system software, a Skype icon will be added to the Network category in the home menu.

With Skype loaded, Sony PlayStation Portable game console becomes one of the most sophisticated entertainment and communication devices available. Even though PSP owners will still have to carry a cellphone with them, they may not need to have an advanced and heavy handset.

Back in August 2007 the leading maker of game consoles teamed up with British Telecom to add VoIP functionality to PlayStation Portable device. The service by BT was based on its BT Softphone software and end-users had to pay for their calls. With Skype for PSP inside, gamers will only have to ensure their PSPs are connected to a wireless network and can make calls for free, or at a very low rate, if they phone to a landline or cell phone.

There are several obvious benefits of the decision to load Skype onto PSP: firstly, Sony introduces an advantage of PSP over Nintendo DS by packing communication capabilities into PlayStation Portable; secondly, the company now offers a powerful game platform that may compete against devices which primary functionality is making phone calls, e.g. smartphones or personal digital assistants; thirdly, PlayStation Portable now has features to compete against Nokia’s highly-discussed N-gage game service.

Nokia tried to penetrate the market of handheld game consoles with its N-gage-series of phones several years ago, but failed and now is about to introduce N-gage service to its Symbian-based smartphones, which would enable relatively high-quality gaming experience to the masses. Given the popularity of Nokia phones as well as quality of titles and their affordability, the new N-gage has more chances to compete for gamers on the go.

Mobile WiMAX will undergo 198% Compound Annual Growth Rate

Mobile WiMAX will undergo 198% Compound Annual Growth Rate Between 2008 and 2012 According to New Report by WTRS

Robust growth of Mobile WiMAX ahead, while significant competition still seen between WiMAX, LTE and HSPA in mobile broadband market says new WTRS Telecom Application Report 2008.

A new market study, WTRS Telecom Application Report 2008, analyzes and forecasts the overall Telecom client-side RF chipset market. It is written primarily for component-level companies who are in the process of evaluating the Telecom market, the "Wireless Broadband" sector, and the participation of WiMAX (802.16a, 802.16d-2004, and 802.16e). This report is designed to support development of business and product planning activities and includes an assessment of the market, regulatory, and governmental drivers on a global scale. The report analyzes potential market opportunities for component OEMs, describes initial versus long-range drivers in the market, and analyzes partnership opportunities and existing alliances.

"Shipments of IEEE 802.16.e chipsets will undergo strong growth over the next five years. However, WiMAX will also see strong competition from LTE and HSPA by 2011," says Kirsten West, principal analyst of WTRS. "Established cellular broadband technologies in this space are growing rapidly and it will be challenging for IEEE 802.16.e technology to displace much of the existing technology infrastructure. With a 198% Compound Annual Growth rate WTRS foresees a substantial advantage for WiMAX in the developing world as it provides an ideal solution for Greenfield deployments of basic voice and data services."

Key Findings

1. What are the significant new technologies under development in the Telecom market?

2. What role will WiMAX play in the Telecom market?

3. What are the differences in geographic market drivers for fixed and mobile WiMAX?

4. What are the future RF component revenue opportunities in the Telecom market?

5. How are wireless connectivity technologies influencing the growth and evolution of Telecom markets?

The results are based on discussions with executive management from major participants in the marketplace, as well as our proprietary macroeconomic research tools.

Nokia Grows Faster Than Other Mobile Phone Makers

Nokia Grows Faster Than Other Mobile Phone Makers

Nokia was the fastest growing company out of the top five mobile phone makers and captured a large chunk of the global market in the fourth quarter of last year, while Samsung and Motorola continued to struggle, according to a report released on Tuesday by research firm iSuppli.

Nokia is the "monster of the mobile-handset business," as iSuppli puts it, having grown 26.5% annually and capturing 38% of the total worldwide mobile phone market share last year. Nokia's market share in the fourth quarter was 39.5%.

The No. 1 phone maker shipped 133.5 million mobile phones in the fourth quarter, up 19.5% from 111.7 million in the third quarter, according to iSuppli. It shipped 437.1 million phones in total last year.

Nokia remains a small player in North America, which is the company's challenge going forward. Nokia's market share dropped to 5.1% in North America in the fourth quarter, compared with 5.9% in the same period in 2006, according to the company's filings.

But it has plans to expand its presence in North America with the introduction of 12 new phones specifically for the U.S. market this year. Nokia already announced that it will begin selling the 8 GB version of its N95 multimedia phone in the U.S.

As a comparison, Samsung's market share in 2007 was 14%, followed by Motorola with 13.8%, Sony Ericsson with 9%, and LG Electronics with 8%. Both Samsung and Motorola lost some market share in the fourth quarter. Samsung's share dropped to 13.7% and Motorola's to 12.1%.

ISuppli reported that despite Samsung's drop in market share, it shipped an impressive number of mobile phones. Samsung shipped 45.3 million units in the fourth quarter of last year, which is a 45.1% increase from 31.9 million in the same period in 2006. Samsung sold a total of 161.1 million mobile phones in 2007.

The company struggling the most was Motorola. It shipped 40.9 million mobile phones in the fourth quarter of last year, but shipments were down 37.7% compared to 65.7 million in the same period in 2006. For all of 2007, Motorola shipped 159 million mobile phones, which is a 26.8% decrease from 217.4 million shipments in 2006. iSuppli attributed the decline to slowing demand for existing mobile phones, delays in introducing new products, and several other financial factors.

Motorola, however, recently said that it's trying to fix its mobile unit and hopes that a new partnership with Qualcomm will boost its mobile business. Motorola announced last week that it will design Qualcomm chipsets into some UMTS 3G handsets, which would compete with Nokia phones that use the European-developed standard.

Sony Ericsson was the only other phone maker to exceed the industry average growth rate in the fourth quarter, iSuppli said. It shipped 30.8 million units during the quarter, up 18.9% from 25.9 million in the third quarter, and 103.4 million units last year in total.

Like Nokia, Sony Ericsson is now focused on expanding its U.S. product lineup. A big part of Sony Ericsson's strategy is to get more phones into the hands of mobile users in the U.S., where several of its Cyber-shot and Walkman models are doing well, according to the company.

LG Electronics rounded out the top five, reporting the lowest sequential quarterly increase of 8.2%. LG shipped 23.7 million mobile phones in the fourth quarter and 80.5 million in total for 2007. Recently the company set an ambitious sales goal for this year, which involves selling $13 billion worth of products in North America.


Alcatel-Lucent wins 71 mln usd WiMax order from Malaysia's Packet One Networks

Alcatel-Lucent wins 71 mln usd WiMax order from Malaysia's Packet One Networks

Communications solutions and services provider Alcatel-Lucent has been selected by Packet One Networks (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd (P1), a subsidiary of Green Packet Berhad and a WiMAX licence-holder, to deploy and mange a large-scale commercial WiMAX network in the 2.3GHz spectrum band, in an agreement valued at USD71m for Phase 1 of deployment.

Alcatel-Lucent said it will provide a complete, turn-key, end-to-end integrated WiMAX wireless broadband solution for P1, to include base stations, wireless access controllers and an operation and maintenance centre. It will also be responsible for designing, supplying, constructing, installing, testing, commissioning, integrating, optimising and maintaining P1's WiMAX network.

Deployment has commenced in Klang Valley, Penang and Johor and will expand throughout West Malaysia, with P1 intending to provide WiMAX coverage for 25% of Malaysia's population (6.5m people) by the end of 2008 and 40% (10m people) by the end of 2010. The company expects to provide WiMAX coverage to 60% of the population, to include urban, suburban and rural areas, within five years, with the service providing a base from which to support further ICT growth and development.

The new WiMAX 2.3GHz service is expected to enable significantly faster wireless communications and provide access to P1's customers to services such as VoIP, high-speed Internet and other data service.

Orange has over 3.5 million VoIP customers

Orange has over 3.5 million VoIP customers

Orange had 3.57 million VoIP customers in these four (France, Spain, UK, Netherlands) countries at June- 2007 (it has also 71 000 VoIP subscribers in Poland) and is thus clearly the largest VoIP provider in Western Europe with an estimated 14% market share.

According to InfoCom's most recent report on VoIP retail consumer offers, the three largest VoIP providers in Western Europe are Orange, Neuf Cegetel and Free. All three are French providers whereby Orange, with its Livebox, is also active in the Netherlands, Spain and the UK in addition to France. All in all Orange had 3.57 million VoIP customers in these four countries at June- 2007 (it has also 71 000 VoIP subscribers in Poland) and is thus clearly the largest VoIP provider in Western Europe with an estimated 14% market share. Neuf Cegetel and Free (Iliad group) are then clearly the number two and three, followed by BT and United Internet. All main providers are basing their VoIP service mainly on DSL rather than on cable modem

Italian ISP NGI deploys WiMAX

Italian ISP NGI deploys WiMAX

The Israeli equipment vendor Alvarion has been selected to provide a WiMAX wireless broadband network to Italian ISP NGI. Alvarion will deploy its BreezeACCESS and BreezeNET wireless broadband solutions in the regions of Lombardy, Veneto and Piedmont in Northern Italy, covering an area of approximately 15,000 square kilometres. NGI is targeting areas where wired broadband networks have poor coverage, with networks being rolled out in around 1,100 municipalities

Motorola wins WiMAX deal from Pakistan mobile operator

Motorola wins WiMAX deal from Pakistan mobile operator

Motorola has won a deal to supply WiMAX customer premise equipment to mobile services provider Wateen Telecom in Pakistan. Motorola will provide 198,000 end-user CPE built on its 802.16e WiMAX and IMS applications.

Wateen said the CPE will provide consumers, small businesses, and enterprises access to wireless services, including basic telephony and internet access, and data services such as virtual private networks for banks and other organizations.

Ali Amer, vice president sales of Middle East, Africa, and Pakistan at Motorola, said: "Wateen Telecom's nationwide WiMAX network is set to bring in a new era of connectivity and access for Pakistan."

Ovum analyst Julien Grivolas commented: "In the same vein of the deal made last week between BSNL and SOMA Networks in India, this announcement reflects the potential appeal of WiMAX in high-growth countries where wired infrastructure is poor. The order for almost 200,000 CPEs reflects Wateen's confidence in the rapid adoption of its WiMAX services in the residential market even though it is its first year of operation. The mobile WiMAX service is currently available in 22 cities in Pakistan."

30 Oca 2008

Vodafone plans to invest in Bangladesh

Vodafone plans to invest in Bangladesh

British mobile phone giant Vodafone Group PLC has plans to invest in Bangladesh as part of its global expansion drive, Bangladeshi daily The Financial Express reported citing the company's chief executive of Asia, Africa and China operations Gavin Darby.

Darby met with chief adviser's telecom aide M A Malek on Tuesday and formally expressed the company's intention, the daily said.

'Vodafone is interested to invest here. We are excited by the growth possibilities in Bangladesh,' Darby told the paper.

The telecoms company is looking at a number of options including the acquisition of any of the six mobile phone companies now operating in the country, Darby added, although he declined to comment on whether the company was negotiating with any of the mobile operators.

A Vodafone spokesperson in the UK confirmed the company 'is interested in emerging markets with good growth prospects', but would not expand further on the company's plans.

Vodafone has long emphasised its strategy of driving growth through emerging market expansion as its western European markets mature.

The company moved into India last year with the acquisition of Hutchison Essar for 11.1 bln stg, and is looking to increase its stake in South African joint venture Vodacom to use as a springboard for further African expansion.

Vodafone reports its third-quarter key performance indicators tomorrow.

Bellwether Interviews: Analyst Review of Turkcell Iletsm Hzmtr

Bellwether Interviews: Analyst Review of Turkcell Iletsm Hzmtr

BellwetherReport.com is always trying to get the edge on the market and have introduced a new service that will consist of interviewing top independent research analysts along with CEO's and Management of some of the top companies on the US, Canadian and Foreign markets. Yesterday we had a conversation with Carlos Guillen of Wall Street Strategies, to ask his professional opinion on Turkcell Iletsm Hzmtr Ad..

This conversation was conducted on January 28th 2008.

Q: What's your opinion of Turkcell?

A: We are quite impressed with Turkcell's fundamentals and outlook for FY'08. In its most recently reported financial results, the company delivered revenue of $1.72 billion and EPS of $0.46, topping the Street's consensus estimate that called for revenue of $1.54 billion and EPS of $0.39. Revenue grew a whopping 43.6% YOY and EPS jumped 31.4% YOY. We must note that these strong results came despite the active competitive environment during the period.

Q: According to you how well are they performing in their industry?

A: The Company recorded strong growth in its subscriber base, growing it by 13% YOY, while growing its average revenue per user by 26% YOY, maintaining its leading position in the Turkish GSM market.

Furthermore, we see great potential coming out of Astelit, Turkcell's Ukrainian subsidiary, as it recorded positive EBITDA of $2.9 million for the first time since it started its operations, demonstrating a visible turnaround when compared with negative $9.6 million in 2Q'07 and negative $21.9 million in 3Q'06, respectively.

Q: Based on this, what would you tell investors looking to position themselves in this equity?

A: In our view, Turkcell is a great emerging market play, in particular because of its potential in the Ukraine. As such we recommend investing in shares of TKC for the long run.

For a free custom Stock Review on TKC or for any other security in your portfolio sign up to www.bellwetherreport.com and in the members' area click "custom stock review".

Avea: 1.7 milyar YTL'ye ulaştık artık kendi yağımız bize yeter

Avea: 1.7 milyar YTL’ye ulaştık artık kendi yağımız bize yeter

Cirolarının 2007’de bir önceki yıla göre yüzde 18 artarak 1.7 milyar YTL’ye ulaştığını belirten Avea CEO’su Cüneyt Türktan, "Avea son iki yılda kendi yağıyla kavrulur hale geldi. Avea kendi yağı ile kavrulup borçlarını ödeyebilecek, yatırımlarını yapabilecek büyüklüğe ulaştı" dedi.

GEÇEN yılı 1.7 milyar YTL ciro, 10 milyon aboneyle kapatan cep telefonu operatörü Avea, 2008’de 300 milyon dolarlık yatırım planladığını açıkladı.
Avea CEO’su Cüneyt Türktan, cirolarının geçen yıl yüzde 18 arttığını vergi ve faiz öncesi kárlarının 306 milyon YTL olduğunu bildirdi. Türktan, "1.6 milyar dolar uzun vadeli finansman sağlamıştık. Bunun ödemelerine bu yıl başlıyoruz. Avea kendi yağı ile kavrulup borçlarını ödeyebilecek, yatırımlarını yapabilecek büyüklüğe ulaştı" dedi.

SEKTÖRÜN 2 KATI BÜYÜME
: Türkiye’de mobil pazarındaki abone sayısının 2007’de bir önceki yıla göre yüzde 17 büyürken, Avea’nın yüde 33 büyüdüğüne dikkat çeken Türktan, Avea’nın geçen yılın son çeyreğinde yeni abone kazanımında yüzde 60 artış sağladığını, böylece pazar payını yüzde 16’ya çıkardığını vurguladı. Avea, 2007’de 10 milyon aboneye ulaşırken, sektördeki abone sayısı da toplam 61 milyona ulaştı. 61 milyon abonenin yüzde 59’u Turkcell’de, yüzde 16’sı Avea’da, yüzde 25’i Vodafone’da bulunuyor.

POTANSİYEL VAR: Pazarda hálá potansiyel bulunduğunu da aktaran Türktan,
"Türkiye’da hálá az konuşan, az kullanan bir kitle var. Ama herkesin elinde telefon var. Türkiye’de abone başına konuşma 17 YTL iken, bu Almanya’da 70 Euro’larda. Bu da potansiyeli gösteriyor"
diye konuştu. Türktan, geçen yıl 302 milyon dolarlık yatırımla altyapılarını güçlendirdikleri bilgisini de vererek, 2008’de de 300 milyon dolar yatırım yapacaklarını ve 13 milyon aboneye, yüzde 25 pazar payına ulaşmayı hedefledikelrini kaydetti.

900 MİLYON DOLAR YATIRIM: Türktan, 2008’de yapacakları 300 milyon dolarlık yatırımla birlikte son üç yılda gerçekleştirilen toplam yatırım tutarının 900 milyon dolara ulaşacağını bildirdi. Abone başına gelirlere de değinen Cüneyt Türktan,
Avea’nın 180 dakika, Turkcell’in 90, Vodafone’un da 110 dakika konuşturduğunu belirterek, 2008’de abone başına geliri 16 YTL’ye çıkarmayı hedeflediklerini aktardı.

ARA BAĞLANTI ÜCRETİ: Türktan, 2008 hedeflerini "numara taşınabilirliğinin sağlanması, tesis paylaşımı, şebeke içi ve dışı fiyat ayarlamalarının yapılması, Türkçe karakterli SMS uygulamasına geçilmesi ve ara bağlantı ücretlerinin sıfırlanması" şeklinde sıraladı. Vodafone’la yaptıkları anlaşma uyarınca Haziran 2008’de ortak yatırımı tamamlayıp ekim ayında numara taşınabilirliğini başlatmayı planladıklarını bildiren Türktan, "Turkcell ile ilgili konu yargı aşamasında, bu davanın sonucunu beklememiz gerekiyor. Ara bağlantı ücretleri 16 kuruş. Hedefimiz şebekeden şebekeye yapılan aramalarda uygulanan bu 16 kuruşluk ara bağlantı ücretinin sıfırlanması ve böylece abonelere fiyat indirimi sağlanması. Bu sayede faturalar yüzde 30’a varan ucuzlama gösterir" açıklamasını yaptı.

3G ihalesi 2008’de olmaz

CEP telefonlarından görüntülü konuşma yapılmasını sağlacak üçüncü nesil (3G) lisansıyla ilgili soruya da cevap veren Cüneyt Türktan, şunları söyledi:
"2008’de 3G ihalesi beklemiyoruz. Ama 3G’yle ilgili yatırımlarımızı büyük oranda yaptık. Üçüncü neslin dünyada kullanım oranları çok yüksek değil. Geçilirse de hazırız. Telekomikasyon Kurumu’nun 2008 sonunda ya da 2009 başında yeni bir ihale açacağını tahmin ediyoruz. Eğer böyle bir ihale olur da biz de lisans alırsak, bu lisans yatırımını mevcut yatırım rakamına yeni bir ilave yaparak karşılarız."

Avea’dayım, Avea’da beraber devam ediyoruz

CÜNEYT Türktan, kamuya yönelik tarifelerinin devam ettiğini ve bunlardan yüzde 40-45 oranında gelirleri bulunduğunu aktarırken, yeni tarifeler uygulamaya devam edeceklerini belirtti. Türktan, genel müdürlükten ayrılıp ayrılmayacağı yönündeki soruyu da, "Ben Avae’dayım. Avea’da hep beraber devam ediyoruz" şeklinde yanıtladı.

Numara taşıma yüzde 15 hareket getirir

CÜNEYT Türktan,
Türk Telekom Genel Müdürü Paul Doany’nin söylediği ’Avea’nın Vodafone’u geçeceği yönündeki’ hedefi ne zaman gerçekleştirecekleri şeklindeki soruyu, "Kendi kendimize büyümeye devam edeceğiz. Numara taşınmasından yüzde 10-15 arasında mevcut aboneler arasında hareket olacak. Sabit mobil yakınsamasıyla yıl sonunda dönüşüm de yaşanacak" cevabını verdi.

28 Oca 2008

Turkcell Registers 500.000 Mobile Signature Requests

Turkcell Registers 500.000 Mobile Signature Requests

Turkish mobile communications provider Turkcell recently highlighted the success of its mobile signature service, launched last February.

Turkcell launched the service with five banks that were committed to using mobile signatures for their online banking security. As the popularity of this method increased, more and more banks such as Akbank, Bank Asya, Denizbank, Garanti, HSBC, Kuveyt Turk, TEB, Turkiye Finans, Turkiye Is Bankasi, Finansbank, Sekerbank and Yapi Kredi jumped on board.

In recent years, banks and financial institutions have been taking up mobile signature technology with the expectation it will prove popular among their customers. Garanti bank, Turkiye Is Bankasi and Turkcell have launched commercials featuring mobile signatures and mobile banking services.

Apart from banks and financial institutions, two brokerages are using mobile signatures for confirming trades. They are Ak Yatirim, Finans Invest. The Ministry of Justice, which uses mobile signatures for user authentication and digital form signing, along with two 2 municipalities (Fatih, Sisli), are also using this service.

Valimo Wireless, the market leader and unique provider of complete end-to-end mobile signature and identity solutions, provides the technology on which Turkcell's mobile signature service is based. The service has won three awards: the Turkish Electronics Industrialists' Association's Product Innovation Award, Gemalto's Most Innovative GSM Service 2007 award and the Active Academy Jury Special award.

Deniz Tuncalp, Mobile Signature Unit Manager at Turkcell, said announced in a statement that the 'Mobilimza' mobile signature service has clocked more than 500,000 signature requests from Turkcell's subscriber base.


27 Oca 2008

Sprint's WiMax Lacks Proper Funds, Faces Competition Study Finds

SprInt's WIMax Lacks Proper Funds, Faces CompetItIon Study FInds

A new study on the future of wireless broadband and WiMax in the United States maintains that Sprint Nextel, which has announced the most ambitious nationwide WiMax deployment, can't make a go of its rollout without obtaining additional funding. The Maravedis research report, written by senior analyst Tim Sanders, notes that the rollout of mobile WiMax faces many hurdles before it can be widely adopted. Sprint, of course, has been racked with recent management upheaval, layoffs, and the challenge of merging its Nextel operation into Sprint.

"Sprint is the best play short-term," said Sanders in an interview Friday. But he noted that interest and commitments to LTE (Long Term Evolution) is gaining, and Sprint and other suppliers must send clear signals to the wireless broadband world about development plans for WiMax. "LTE is still two years behind WiMax," Sanders said. "But the technologies are so close that they may end up converging in three or four years."

The report, "Opportunities and Challenges for Broadband Wireless and WiMax in the USA," looks not only at the near-term obstacles facing widespread deployment of WiMax but also at other wireless broadband technologies that are still in the development stage but are likely to reach the marketplace in the future. Sanders predicts there will be opportunities for WiMax in the 700-MHz band, but they aren't expected to materialize in a big way before 2010. "There's little product profile for WiMax with 700 MHz now," said Sanders, "but in time there [will be] because of the [superior] propagation characteristics of 700 MHz." The FCC is currently running an auction of 700-MHz spectrum, which is coveted because its signals can penetrate buildings and the technology requires fewer towers than other wireless infrastructures.

The Maravedis report predicted that LTE will be the dominant mobile broadband technology in 2012 and suggested that WiMax spectrum could be shared with LTE. Sanders noted that Verizon recently selected LTE as its underlying technology for its 4G mobile devices. Observing that WiMax subscribers currently number about 500,000 users, the report forecast that 10 million will be using the wide area wireless technology by 2013 exclusive of Sprint. Sanders said WiMax provider Clearwire has about 300,000 subscribers currently.

Buffalo mates a keyboard with a Skype phone


Buffalo mates a keyboard with a Skype phone, nods approvingly

Are you a shut-in? Live in your mom’s basement and spend our life on the Internet? Looking for a combo text-and-speech device to interact with others? Buffalo has what you need in this new QWERTY keyboard / Skype phone combo.


It’s just what it sounds like: a USB keyboard for your computer with a detachable handset for making Skype calls. When Skype goes all Skynet and takes over, it will be how you communicate with our technologically superior robot lords.

25 Oca 2008

Doany: Biz Turkcell'i, Avea da Vodafone'u yenecek

'Biz Turkcell'i, Avea da Vodafone'u yenecek'

Türk Telekom Yönetim ve İcra Kurulu Başkanı ve Genel Müdürü Paul Doany'dan çok iddialı açıklama.

Türk Telekom Yönetim ve İcra Kurulu Başkanı ve Genel Müdürü Paul Doany, ''Turkcell fiyatları şu andaki gibi muhafaza etmek istiyorsa, yaptıkları karı yapmaya devam etmek istiyorsa, onların en düşük perakende fiyatını biz onlara sonlandırma ücreti olarak önerelim'' dedi.

Doany, bazı gazetecilerle düzenlediği sohbet toplantısında yaptığı konuşmada, bu yıl Türk Telekom'un halka arz sürecinin yaşanacağını, bunun şirketin gerçek piyasa değerini ve neler başarabileceğini göstereceğini söyledi. Konuşmasında yurt dışı yatırımlarına değinen Doany, ''Çok agresif bir şekilde uluslararası girişimlerde bulunacağız. Yakın zamanda aldığımız teknoloji şirketleriyle de buralarda çalışmalarımız olacak'' diye konuştu. Doany, ayrıca kuruluşun, Davos'ta düzenlenecek Türk gecesinin sponsorluğunu yapacağını, bu etkinlikte Türkiye'nin kapasitesinin ne olduğunu göstereceklerini ifade etti.

Paul Doany, şirketin ses tariflerinde dengelenmesi kararının çok önemli olduğunu kaydederek, "Bir yıl öncesinde bu konuyla ilgili çok fazla eleştiri aldık. Bunun, geliri 900 milyon YTL kadar artıracağı iddia edildi. 2-3 hafta içinde gerçek sayıları vereceğiz. Yeniden dengelenmesi sonuçlarını açıkladığımızda da rakamların doğru olduğunu göreceksiniz" diye konuştu. Türk Telekom'da yaşanan greve de işaret eden Doany, "Grev sonucu şunu gösterdi ki, 20 bin kişi çalışmasa bile bu şirket ana operasyonlarını sorun olmadan yürütüyor. 11 bin kişinin çabaları sayesinde bu başarıldı" dedi. Doany, Ankara'nın şirketin teknoloji merkezi olacağını, Ar-Ge operasyonlarının orada geliştirileceğini belirterek, geçen yıl 700 yeni mezunu işe aldıklarını, bu yıl da en az 700 kişiyi işe almayı planladıklarını, genel müdürlüğün İstanbul'da olacağını, Ankara'daki teknoloji yönetim birimi ile İstanbul'dakinin yüksek teknoloji kullanılarak tek yerde çalışılıyor ortamının yaratılacağını söyledi. Dünya ve Türkiye piyasalarında yaşanan dalgalanmaların halka arzı ne şekilde etkileyeceğine ilişkin Doany, halka arz kararının hükümetin alacağı bir karar olduğunu hatırlatarak, Borsanın son dönemlerdeki durumunun halka arzda önemli olduğunu, halka arz için belirlenecek danışman şirketin bununla ilgili yeterli bilgilendirmeyi yapacağını söyledi.

''SAUDI TELECOM, DÜNYADA GENİŞLEMEK İÇİN ÇOK AVANTAJLIYDI''-

Paul Doany, Saudi Telecom'un Oger Telekom'un yüzde 35'ini 2,6 milyar dolara satın alma konusunda anlaşmaya varılmasıyla ilgili sorular üzerine de, Oger Telecom'un uzun süredir stratejik ortak arayışı içinde olduğunu, hissedarların potansiyel birçok alıcıyla görüştüğünü, ancak bu görüşmelerin hep azınlık hisselerinin satışı için yapıldığını kaydetti. Böyle görüşmelerde genellikle kontrol hisselerinin ilerde satın almasının gündeme geldiğine işaret eden Doany, Türk Telekom'un yüzde 35 hissesini satmak istediğini, Vivendi'nin de buna "evet" dediğini, ancak ilerde daha fazla hisse alımıyla ilgili tam belirginlik olmaması nedeniyle anlaşmaya varılamadığını hatırlattı. Saudi Telecom'un 2005'ten beri görüşmelerde bulunulan bir şirket olduğunu aktaran Doany, şöyle devam etti: ''Uzun zamandır bu şirket ile ortaklığa sıcak bakıyorduk. Çünkü dünyanın birçok yerinde genişlemek için avantajlar sunabilecek bir şirketti. 2005, böyle bir işlem için çok erkendi. Saudi Telecom, bizim için ideal ortaktı. Özellikle azınlık hissesi satın almaya razı oldukları için... Bu satın alma, hem bizim stratejimize, hem onların stratejisine çok uygundu. Oger Telecom, kontrol hisselerini satmıyordu. Bu tanıma çok iyi oturan bir ortağa ihtiyacımız vardı. Anlaşma sağlandı, ancak nihai sözleşmenin imzalanması için birkaç haftaya daha ihtiyacımız var.''

''VERDİKLERİ TEKLİF, VIVENDI'NİN TEKLİFİNDEN İYİYDİ''-

Doany, Saudi Telecom'un Malezya'da, Endonezya'da, Hindistan'daki faaliyetlerine dikkat çekerek, hem Türk Telekom olarak hem de satın aldıkları teknoloji şirketleri aracılığıyla bu bölgelerde önemli çalışmalarda bulunabileceklerini söyledi. Vivendi'nin Fas'taki modelin aynısını Türkiye'de gerçekleştirmek istediğini belirten Doany, ''Türkiye'yi Fas gibi yapmak istediler. Her zaman kontrol hisselerine sahip olmaya ilişkin ifadeler kullanıyorlardı. Ama işlem olmadı. Biz Suudi Arabistan ile Türkiye arasındaki ilişkilerin de ilerlediğini gördük. Zaten Saudi Telecom'un verdiği teklif, Vivendi'nin verdiği tekliften daha iyiydi. Hem de yükselmeyecekleri hisse için...'' dedi.

Hükümeti görüşmeler sürecinde, satın alabilecek şirketler konusunda bilgilendirdiklerini aktaran Doany, ''Sayın Başbakan ve ilgili Bakanlar bu süreçten haberdardı. Onlar da bunun iyi bir çözüm olduğunu düşündüler. Azınlık hisse satışı için hükümetin onayı gerekmese de, yapılacak tercihten hükümetin de memnun olmasını istiyorduk'' diye konuştu. Saudi Telecom'un iyi projelerle genişlemek istediğini, Oger Telecom'un 6 yönetim kurulu üyesi hakkı bulunduğunu, Saudi Telecom'un yönetimde Oger Telecom vasıtasıyla temsil edileceğini kaydeden Doany, ''Turkcell'in yönetim kuruluyla ilgili çok enteresan dinamikler duyuyorsunuz. 20 milyon dolara oy kullanma hakkının satıldığını duyuyoruz. Çok ilginç gelişmeler bunlar. Türk Telekom Yönetim Kurulu, 2005 Kasımından beri kararlarını oy birliğiyle aldı. En iyi kararlar, oy birliğiyle alınan kararlardır'' görüşünü aktardı.

-''GÜNEY AFRİKA'DAKİ SABİT HAT İÇİN TEKLİF''-

Oger Telecom'un, hisse satışından gelecek parayı nerede kullanacağına ilişkin bir soru üzerine Doany, şirketin mevcut operasyonlarını yürütmek için ihtiyaç duyduğu nakdi bünyesinde bulundurduğuna işaret ederek, Güney Afrika'daki sabit hat operatörü için teklifte bulunduğunu, orada sabit hatta Türkiye'deki Türk Telekom-Avea gibi bir yapıya sahip olmak istendiğini kaydetti. Saudi Telecom'un faaliyetlerine ilişkin de Doany, Azerbaycan'da sabit hat operatörü için ihale açılacağını, Saudi Telecom'un bu tür fırsatlarla yakından ilgilendiğini, ayrıca Türkmenistan'da, Kırgızistan'da ve Ukrayna'daki fırsatları izlediğini belirterek, ''Bizim stratejimiz de Oger Telecom olarak devam edecek. Türk Telekom bizimle birlikte hareket etmeye başlayana kadar...'' dedi. Şirketin karını her zaman temettü olarak dağıttığını aktaran Doany, ''Türk Telekom'un hiç borcu yok. Biz herhangi bir zamanda 6 milyar lira çıkarabiliriz'' diye konuştu.

-KONFERANSLARDA KOMİK KONUŞMALAR YAPMAK...-

Paul Doany, ADSL tarafındaki gelirde en az yüzde 50 büyüme beklediklerini belirterek, şöyle konuştu: ''Bizim Türk Telekom olarak gelirimiz sabit. Bir operatörün başarısı, başka operatördeki daha küçük problemler yüzünden daha artabilir. Biz birçok kere bu sektörde rekabetin yatırım gerektirdiğini söyledik. Süper Online'nin, Doğan Online'nin, Borusan'ın, herkesin toplam yatırımı 30 milyon dolar bile değil. Burada gerçek rekabet ortamı için en az 200 milyon dolarlık yatırım yapılması gerekir. Her şeyin suçunu Türk Telekom'a atmak dürüstçe değil. Hiç kimse Türk Telekom'dan daha fazla rekabet istiyor olamaz. ADSL'de, söylerken gerçekten üzülüyorum, hala pazar payımız çok yüksek. Bu yıl için dileğim, gerçek rekabet olması. Bu, konferanslarda komik konuşmalar yapmakla ilgili bir şey değil. Hissedarların gerçekten katkıda bulunması gerekiyor. Bu iş gerçek bir iş. Saçmalıklarla zaman geçirilemez.''

Türk Telekom'dan Turkcell'e yapılan arama için ödenen bedelin 13,6 YKr olduğuna işaret eden Doany, ''Türk Telekom ve Turkcell'in şebeke yatırımları aşağı yukarı aynı. Peki bu durumda Türk Telekom'un sonlandırma ücretleri bu kadar düşürülürken, Turkcell'in neden aynı oranda düşürülmüyor? Burada maliyetlerin hesaplanmasıyla ilgili adil olmayan durum söz konusu'' diye konuştu. Hiçbir operatörün ara bağlantı ücretinin maliyetin altında olamayacağını belirten Doany, ''Onlara bir teklifim var, Turkcell fiyatları şu andaki gibi muhafaza etmek istiyorsa, yaptıkları karı yapmaya devam etmek istiyorsa, onların en düşük perakende fiyatını biz onlara sonlandırma ücreti olarak önerelim'' diye konuştu. Doany, ''Biz nasıl daha fazla yasal yasal olabiliriz, onlar nasıl daha fazla yasa dışı olabilir? Avea ve Vodafone nasıl böyle adil olmayan bir rekabet ile karşı karşıya kalır'' dedi.

Türk Telekom olarak Türkiye'de mobil ile sabit telefon arasındaki farkı ortadan kaldırmak istediklerini dile getiren Doany, ''Biz Turkcell'i yeneceğiz. Avea ve Vodafone'yi de yeneceğiz'' diye konuştu. Paul Doany, Tarkan ile yaptıkları çalışmanın tanıtımından sonra indirilen şarkı sayısının 1 milyona ulaştığını bildirdi.

-''3,4 MİLYAR DOLARLIK YATIRIM...''-

Türk Telekom, Operasyonlardan Sorumlu Genel Müdür Yardımcısı Celalettin Dinçer ise 2007-2010 arasında 3,4 milyar dolarlık yatırım yapma hedefleri bulunduğunu, 2007'de 1,7 milyar YTL'lik yatırımı sözleşmeye bağladıklarını ve bunun realizasyonunun 1 milyar YTL'nin üzerinde olduğunu bildirdi. Türk Telekom Pazarlama Direktörü Erem Demircan da tarife dengeleme çalışması sonucunda şehirler arası aramalarda 2006-2007 arasında yüzde 19'luk, milletler arası görüşmelerde yüde 26'lık ve evden cebe aramalarda yüzde 10'luk artış olduğunu kaydetti.

Demircan, 2-3 ay içinde yaklaşık 8 tane yeni tarife paketleri çıkaracaklarını, bunların müşterinin hayat tarzlarına uygun olacağını, bundan sonraki tarife dengelemelerinin küçük olacağını söyledi. 5,3 milyar YTL'lik ses ciroları bulunduğunu ve bunun toplamdaki payının yüzde 85 olduğunu aktaran Demircan, bu yıl cironun yine 5 milyar 330 milyar YTL ile 5 milyar 350 milyon YTL seviyelerinde olmasını öngördüklerini belirtti. Türk Telekom Satış Direktörü Aydın Çamlıbel de, şu anda 1.800 bayileri bulunduğunu, ancak bundan sonra 1.600 bayi ile devam edeceklerini ve 3 tip bayi ile hizmet vereceklerini kaydetti. TTNet Genel Müdür Yardımcısı Ayşe Ağar ise 4,4 milyon olan bugünkü abone sayısını yıl sonunda bunu 5,4 milyona çıkarmayı hedeflediklerini ve 1 milyar dolar civarında ciroya sahip olduklarını bildirdi. Bu arada, Paul Doany, toplantı sırasında, görüntülü telefon teknolojisi ile evinden arayan Cem Yılmaz ile bir süre sohbet etti.

In-flight WiFi on US airlines - but no VoIP

In-flight WiFi on US airlines – but no VoIP

American Airlines has begun to install in-flight WiFi equipment, and plans to offer WiFi service on cross country flights. Passengers on American aircraft will get full data service, but will not receive cell or VoIP service. If the service proves to be a success, it will be introduced to the rest of the fleet.

The airline has already made it clear that it will block any attempted VoIP traffic, at least in the short-term. Other major US airlines are planning in-flight WiFi, with a similar VoIP blocking policy. Technology from Aircell will be used, which provides an air-to-ground system that uses three lightweight antennas installed on the outside of the aircraft, one GPS antenna mounted on top of the plane and the other two on the bottom.

Wireless access points are distributed throughout the aircraft interior's ceiling. Each American aircraft will be connected to a network of 92 cell towers in the continental US using a 3Mhz signal.The technology that Southwest Airlines is installing allows cell phone calls, but the airline is blocking those as well as VoIP. Both airlines will need certifications from the FAA before launching an actual service.

Virgin America planes will have Wi-Fi access later this year, and JetBlue Airways, Deutsche Lufthansa and Qantas Airways have also announced in-flight Wi-Fi in various forms.

The top five VoIP threat predictions for 2008

The top five VoIP threat predictions for 2008 are:

1. DoS (denial of service) Attacks on VoIP Networks: This has been a concern for the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) since 2006, and VoIP watchers have been concerned about DoS attacks for the past year. DoS attacks can overwhelm your company's phone lines, creating long-term busy signals, forced call disconnects and an exhausted work force.

2. VoIP Eavesdropping:
In June 2007, it was learned that a hacker with a packet sniffer and VOMIT could tap directly into VoIP calls. Then it was learned that those vulnerabilities could also lead to DoS attacks. “Anyone on your network,” stated an article found at EnterpriseVoIPPlanet, “anyone on other networks that you contact — and all points in between, including service providers — all have the opportunity to do an awful lot of juicy snooping.” Not to mention, of course, that the FBI and other security agencies can do all the VoIP snooping that they want. How do you prevent unwanted listeners on your VoIP calls? Place all VoIP phones on separate, secured vLANs to protect against rogue devices, then protect that vLAN against the introduction of unauthorized devices. Once you've isolated your VoIP devices, limit their inbound and outbound traffic so that they can only communicate with their call manager, encrypt the calls that travel over public networks, and watch the news and get ready to react, according to SearchSecurity.com.

3. Microsoft Office Communications Server:
Hackers love attacking Microsoft, and Microsoft loves being unprepared. VIPER Lab predicts that hackers will find vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office Communications Server’s VoIP client and use it to access networks that had previously been secure, and the organization is not alone in reaching this conclusion. Network World blogger Mitchell Ashley suggests that Microsoft could learn from Vonage’s vulnerability to spoofing attacks.

4. Vishing by VoIP: The FBI has been aware of vishing for nearly a year now, and the IC3 (Internet Crime Complain Center) recently released a report stating that vishing attacks are on the rise. With caller ID spoofing, the criminals can be very difficult to track, “due to rapidly evolving criminal methodologies,” according to the IC3.

5. VoIP Attacks Against Service Providers: These sorts of attacks will escalate, VIPER Lab predicts, because of readily available, anonymous $20 SIM cards. As UMA (Unlicensed Mobile Access) technology becomes more widely deployed to allow calls to switch from cell networks to VoIP networks, VIPER Labs warns that “service providers are, for the first time, allowing subscribers to have direct access to mobile core networks over IP, making it easier to spoof identities and use illegal accounts to launch a variety of attacks.” Such attacks include scripting “various flood, fuzzing and spoofing attacks,” according to VoIP blogger Rich Tehrani. “The hacker could set up multiple IPSec tunnels to various PDGs in the network or across multiple GPRS sessions [generating] up to 10,000 messages per second … equal [to] the traffic of 10 million users,” he wrote.

So how can your company best protect its VoIP network from these sorts of threats? It should protect itself on three levels: network architecture, security protocols and user interaction. At the network level, hosting VoIP on a VPN (virtual private network) does a good job of separating VoIP’s security holes from the underlying data network. Like all computer systems exposed to outside vulnerabilities, a VoIP network should be covered in firewalls, anti-virus programs and a sturdy intrusion-prevention system. At the user level, company employees should be trained and assessed against high-risk security behavior, like using Google Talk, Skype or other hosted IP voice technologies that could expose the company’s VoIP network to outside attack.

Other VoIP best security practices include installing application-layer gateways between trusted and untrusted zones, establishing security zones to isolate VoIP segments, and applying encryption as a part of a holistic security program. For more information on best security practices, download the white paper "A Proactive Approach to VoIP Security."

Siemens prepares to pay $2bn fine to clear up slush fund scandal

Siemens prepares to pay $2bn fine to clear up slush fund scandal

Siemens, Europe's biggest technology group, is in talks with the securities and exchange commission, the US market regulator, and the department of justice on a settlement of the long-running bribery scandal that could have brought a record multibillion dollar fine.

Gerhard Cromme, Siemens chairman, told 10,000 shareholders at the annual meeting yesterday in a crammed Olympiahalle that negotiations would begin next month with the aim of reaching "a comprehensive and fair settlement". Estimates of any fine range from $2bn to $5bn.

As internal and external investigations pointed to the involvement of former senior executives in the scandal and future damages claims by Siemens, Cromme appealed for SEC leniency regarding "prosecution and punishment" given the group's cooperation during the extensive inquiries. The chairman said the discussions could last several months as his aides said both sides expected a settlement.

Siemens, listed in New York, has annual sales approaching €15bn (£11.2bn) in the US, which it fears could be at risk because the SEC could propose its exclusion from public contracts. Under pressure from shareholders to de-list, Joe Kaeser, finance director, said there were no such plans.

The breakthrough with the SEC and DOJ follows an employee amnesty launched in November under which about 40 workers had come forward - in effect blowing the whistle on senior managers and executives.

The chairman and Peter Löscher, chief executive, linked the breakthrough to the establishment of a new management board in November, including the appointment of US lawyer Peter Solmssen as compliance director. Cromme said new information had come on almost a daily basis, with a picture showing "more clearly what happened and who was responsible". New facts would emerge in the coming weeks. The amnesty ends this month and, Löscher said, explicitly excludes former directors.

The scandal, stretching back over several years, involved "systematic bribery" of public officials via slush funds to win contracts in more than 20 countries and has cost Siemens at least €1.6bn, according to new figures given by Löscher. He refused to comment on reports that prosecutors had uncovered a €140m slush fund in the healthcare divison. The scale of the investigations, conducted by US lawyers Debevoise & Plimpton and Deloitte Touche, indicates that several former senior executives could face criminal prosecution.

The lawyers told Cromme on January 16, in a letter posted on the Siemens website, that they had "significant new information and leads pertaining to individuals who in the past several years served on the managing board." They refused to identify individuals.

Demanding more information, an array of shareholders said Siemens had become a byword for corruption, not innovation. "Who is responsible? Why don't the former senior managers own up to what they knew?" said one. "Werner von Siemens, who founded a company renowned for its honour and integrity for 160 years, would be turning in his grave," said another.

The Siemens supervisory board urged the restless shareholders, on the advice of Debevoise, to postpone any decision on the traditional move to "ratify" the actions of the previous executive board - and of Heinrich von Pierer, the former chief executive and chairman, who stepped down last year because of the scandal. He denied any personal involvement.

The moves came as Siemens boosted investor confidence by reporting a 16% jump in first-quarter profits to €1.72bn. Sales in the three months to December 31 last year leapt 10% to €18.45bn and orders 9% to €24.2bn - well above expectations. Löscher, who said he expected no direct fallout from the US sub-prime crisis, confirmed his outlook for the full year of sales growing twice as fast as global GDP and operating profit increasing at least twice as fast as sales.

24 Oca 2008

BSNL to cover more than 200 million people with Mobile WiMAX

BSNL to cover more than 200 million people with Mobile WiMAX

SOMA Networks announced yesterday that it has been selected by BSNL, India's state-owned telecommunications company, to deploy a Mobile WiMAX network spanning three of India's telecom circles. Based on an infrastructure to be supplied by SOMA Networks, over the next three years the network will provide broadband data and voice services to a service area reaching over 200 million people. For BSNL, this project represents a key milestone to realizing the Indian government's “Vision 2010” plan which aims to reduce the digital divide in India.

Comment: This announcement is probably the second most significant one for the Mobile WiMAX camp, after Sprint-Nextel's project, as the Indian market is often rightly referred to as the most significant business opportunity for WiMAX. In the same vein as mobile WiMAX deployments announced in neighbouring Pakistan, this project confirms our view that the potential for WiMAX is mainly in emerging countries where wired infrastructure is poor or even non-existent, and where fixed broadband penetration is consequently very low. In such markets, wireless solutions represent the only economic alternative to deliver broadband services to the mass-market. This explains why we forecast that 46% of WiMAX users in 2011 will be located in Asia-Pacific region. Deployments of mobile WiMAX services in mature markets where competition from both mobile broadband (EV-DO/HSPA) and fixed broadband (DSL/Cable and in a lesser extent fibre) is much more challenging.

Of course, it's also a huge achievement for SOMA Networks who, until now, was familiar only to specialists. Using the 2.5GHz band, the US-headquartered vendor will deploy its 16e Wave2 compliant FlexMAX solution to cover the circles of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa, and Andhra Pradesh over the next three years, which represents more than 200 million people. In comparison, Sprint-Nextel selected big vendors with end-to-end in-house capability (Motorola, Samsung and NSN) for its project, which initially aimed to cover 100 million people by the end of 2008. For BSNL, it could be quite risky to rely on a single supplier, especially a small one.

In order to cover approximately 400 cities, SOMA Networks will have to manufacture, deploy and install thousands of base stations. Being a small vendor, SOMA Networks will need to significantly ramp up its capabilities, both in terms of manufacturing and professional services, in a relatively short period of time. In addition, the size of the deal also implies challenges to SOMA's Taiwanese ODM partners for CPEs, especially when considering that price points in India have to be as low as possible. However, given the size of the deal, it's clearly a significant opportunity for SOMA Networks to boost its reputation, develop its scale and leverage on it to address other opportunities in countries where positioning mobile WiMAX as a wireless DSL technology makes a lot of sense.

NexTone and Reef Point Complete Merger to Form NextPoint Networks

NexTone and Reef Point Complete Merger to Form NextPoint Networks

In a move that creates the world's first fully integrated fixed-mobile connectivity platform, NexTone Communications, Inc., and Reef Point Systems, Inc., today announced they have completed their merger to form NextPoint(TM) Networks. NexTone is the leading software-centric session border controller (SBC) and session management provider, and Reef Point is the leading mobile-access universal convergence gateway provider.

Building on the strength of NexTone's established global footprint of SBC and session management technologies, and incorporating Reef Point's unparalleled mobile-access capabilities, NextPoint will continue to serve fixed, mobile and fixed-mobile convergence (FMC) operators around the world through its established and growing partner base. The company currently supports an expanding footprint of over 550 wholesale carriers and service providers, as well as a number of large, global enterprises and an increasing number of mobile service operators worldwide through its strategic partners.

"NextPoint unlocks enormous value for operators, service providers and large enterprises around the world with solutions that simplify network-element deployment and management. These solutions provide unmatched security on the access and core network edges, and scale to support the exploding number of IP sessions and interconnects in both the fixed and mobile worlds," said Woody Ritchey, CEO of NextPoint. "With an outstanding team in place and proven technologies, we'll continue to innovate, and we look forward to working closely with our customers and partners to create even greater revenue and growth opportunities in an exciting new year."

The company is accelerating its growth with a $20 million round of funding, announced in December 2007 and led by One Equity Partners, the private equity arm of JPMorgan Chase (NYSE: JPM). Also joining the round were American Capital (Nasdaq: ACAS), Core Capital Partners, Jerusalem Venture Partners, Safeguard Scientifics (NYSE: SFE) and Summerhill Venture Partners.

NextPoint Product Suite Speeds Delivery of New Voice, Data and Video Services over All-IP Networks

NextPoint's unique intelligent-edge solutions provide critical session management and IP security capabilities to alleviate the complexity and cost of deploying secure fixed and mobile network connectivity and accelerate the rapid delivery of new services to subscribers. Helping operators remain competitive and profitable into the future, NextPoint's solutions enable a number of benefits:

-- Unlock the value of mobile IP, including mobile VoIP

-- Deliver the content and services subscribers want, over the broadest range of networks

-- Maximize subscriber reach

-- Enable maximum revenues

-- Ensure the highest levels of security - and of QoS - at the lowest CAPEX and OPEX

-- Protect core networks

-- Expand transport network options

NextPoint's IntelliConnect(R) System consists of the following products:

-- Integrated Border Gateway

-- Real-time Session Manager

-- Session Border Controller

-- Multiprotocol Session Exchange

-- Femtocell Gateway

-- Wireless Gateway