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Category: Telecom

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest Telecom & Telco news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • Thailand legislature passes new frequency act

    Thailand legislature passes new frequency act

    Many NLA members also clashed on the composition of the NBTC board which will now be a unified board with 7 members instead of 11 with a telecoms and broadcasting sub-board. Many of the legislators feared that the changes in the criteria such as age and experience would lead to a board filled with career bureaucrats.

    The selection process will see a 7-member committee (consisting of the chair of the country’s three courts, chair of the national anti-corruption commission, auditor-general, comptroller-general and governor of the bank of Thailand) to select 14 candidates to be sent to the upper house to vote on.

    Earlier there was widespread concern over article 13 that would force the NBTC to comply with the Digital Economy Commission policy and article 19 that gave the DE Commission final say as to whether the NBTC had complied with their plans or not.

    The new article 15 also allows for shared use of spectrum while articles 24 and 25 forces the NBTC to consider the greater good rather than just money when holding a spectrum auction.

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  • Airtel adopts BI platform from Cloudera

    Airtel adopts BI platform from Cloudera

    India’s Bharti Airtel has adopted Cloudera Enterprise as part of efforts to build a 360-degree view of its customers in India.

    The deployment aims to help the operator better leverage customer data to execute successful omni-channel campaigns and influence buyers in India’s highly competitive market.

    Airtel’s product offerings in India include wireless and fixed services, mobile commerce, high speed DSL broadband, IPTV, DTH, and national and international long distance services to carriers.

    With over 265 million customers across its India operations, Airtel needs to make sense of and leverage the huge volumes of customer and network data it collects on a daily basis from its multiple channels, which was previously stored in multiple traditional systems built over a period of time.

    With Cloudera Enterprise now at the core of Airtel’s information architecture, the massive volumes of data are in a centralized location, and available to all business users and groups.

    “As part of our digital journey at Airtel, our main focus is on providing the best customer experience with our new business intelligence (BI) and analytics platform, powered by Cloudera,” Airtel group CEIO Harmeen Mehta said.

    “Now, we are able to gain an even greater technical edge, empowering our marketers with intelligent data and analytics to make better decisions and improve the entire customer lifecycle with customized offerings.”

  • Trend Micro teams with NXP for virtualized CPE

    Trend Micro teams with NXP for virtualized CPE

    Trend Micro Incorporated has announced an agreement with NXP Semiconductorsto join forces for a virtualized Customer Premises Equipment (vCPE) project on NXP’s ARM-based NFV platform.

    “With the introduction of NFV, security is no longer limited to on-premise networks, bringing new opportunities to telecom carriers and providers for service delivery,” said Dr. Terence Liu, vice president, Network Threat Defense Technology Group, Trend Micro.

    “For more than 27 years, we have been committed to protecting our customers, and as technology evolves, we continuously innovate and develop solutions for next-generation networks such as NFV.”

    Trend Micro’s DPI technology provides network security and management functions, such as virtual patching, parental control and quality of services (QoS), and has been widely adopted in a variety of products, from home routers to enterprise-facing Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) and Next-Generation Firewall (NGFW).

    This vCPE integration is optimized for NXP’s QorIQ LS2085A processor in order to provide better performance for carrier-grade NFV environment.

    “NFV requires a scalable, open platform to deliver security throughout the network,” said Noy Kucuk, Vice President of Product Management for NXP’s Digital Networking business.

    “Integrating security acceleration and standard ARM CPUs, NXP’s QorIQ LS series of ARM-based processors lay the ideal foundation for NFV infrastructure. We’re pleased to collaborate with Trend Micro as service providers prepare large-scale vCPE deployments later this year.”

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  • Indian telco sector to be worth over $100b by 2020

    Indian telco sector to be worth over $100b by 2020

    The Indian telecoms services market is on track to pass the $100 billion mark by 2020, maintaining its status as one of the fastest growing markets in the world, a new report predicts.

    Market Research Store forecasts that the market will grow at a CAGR of 10.3% for the period between 2015 and 2020 to reach $103.9 billion.

    Wireless services will grow at a 9.3% CAGR over the same period to reach $39.02 billion, with 4G services achieving a CAGR of a strong 26.6%.

    According to the report, increasing network coverage and shrinking tariff rates due to heavy competition have served as the main drivers of the market in recent years. Due to these factors the market has grown exponentially to emerge as the second largest market in the world.

    Bharti Airtel leads the Indian wireless market, followed by Vodafone, Idea Cellular and Reliance Communications. Reliance Jio Infocomm is meanwhile expected to have a disruptive impact on the market when it fully launches pan-India 4G services.

    The banking, financial services and IT enabled service industries are helping to drive demand for telecoms services as they seek to engage more with customers through mobile applications, the report states. Oil and gas is meanwhile emerging as another key industry segment.

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  • MemSQL brings enterprise security to real-time Analytics

    MemSQL brings enterprise security to real-time Analytics

    MemSQL has introduced new enterprise security capabilities to further the adoption of solutions requiring both speed and advanced security.

    With this additional functionality, enterprises can streamline the security and administration of MemSQL, resulting in wider adoption and maximum protection in performance environments.

    Specifically, MemSQL is introducing Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) for its distributed database platform. RBAC provides enterprises a flexible way to set security measures by user role and group—all while maintaining maximum performance.

    “More companies across more industries now view real-time workflows as a critical technology enabler,” said Nikita Shamgunov, CTO and co-founder, MemSQL. “In many cases, security cannot be compromised just to keep up with the data. With the addition of RBAC, MemSQL customers can scale the number of users and roles to tens of thousands without compromising performance—absolutely critical in today’s real-time world.”

    MemSQL customers can now use simple and robust security configurations to create a role with specific capabilities, which then can be associated with a user and specified access. The RBAC feature was extensively run with a rigorous set of functional and performance tests, including inside a FIPS 140-2 environment.

    Shamgunov said real-time is the new standard for processing and analyzing data. Historically, companies with stringent security requirements have been kept at arm’s length from achieving real-time results.

    By including RBAC in its latest release, MemSQL furthers adoption of real-time data in environments requiring comprehensive security. This includes global industries such as healthcare, IoT, and government.

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  • Cisco dives deeper into data center visibility

    Cisco dives deeper into data center visibility

    Cisco has announced Cisco Tetration Analytics, a platform designed to help customers gain complete visibility across everything — packet, flow, speed — in the data center in real time.

    Cisco Tetration Analytics gathers telemetry from hardware and software sensors, and then analyzes the information using advanced machine learning techniques.

    Tetration addresses critical data center operations such as policy compliance, application forensics, and the move to a whitelist security model. Through continuous monitoring, analysis, and reporting, the Tetration Analytics platform provides IT managers with a deep understanding of the data center that will simplify operational reliability, zero-trust operations and application migrations to SDN solutions and the cloud.

    With Cisco Tetration Analytics, organizations can understand what applications are dependent on each other throughout their data center and into the cloud, and move from reactive to proactive — make informed operational decisions and validate the effect of policy changes before they are implemented.

    Firms can also search across billions of flows in less than a second using Tetration’s forensics search engine and user interface, and continuously monitor application behavior to quickly identify any deviation in communication patterns.

    “Gaining much deeper visibility into the data center and automating actionable analysis across a company’s infrastructure marks a critical technology advancement in building secure digital business models like cloud, mobile and IoT,” said David Goeckeler, SVP and general manager of Cisco’s Networking and Security Business Group.

    “We believe the insights we gain from applications and the data center overall will enhance existing software solutions and drive the future development of new advanced software that will improve business operations, efficiency and customer experiences,” said Goeckeler.

  • Tata Teleservices may sell spectrum to pay DoCoMo

    Tata Teleservices may sell spectrum to pay DoCoMo

    India’s Tata Teleservices is reportedly considering pursuing a sale of part of its spectrum holdings to help raise funds for the compelled buyout of NTT DoCoMo’s stake in the operator.

    The company is looking into selling some of its 800-MHz and 1,800-MHz spectrum, and is sending feelers to rival operators that may be interested in the sale.

    Operators including Vodafone and Telenor had previously expressed an interest in acquiring part of Tata Teleservices’ spectrum, but the discussions at the time stalled due to a lack of clarity around spectrum trading regulations.

    But the operator’s efforts to sell its spectrum may well be complicated by the fact that most of its 1,800-MHz spectrum had been allocated under the earlier regulatory regime and is not eligible for trading.

    Indian spectrum trading rules also require operators to pay a substantial fee to liberalize the spectrum to be sold, which would reduce the potential proceeds.

    Tata Teleservices needs to raise money to fulfil its obligation to buy out NTT DoCoMo’s minority stake for $1.17 billion.

    DoCoMo announced in 2014 that it plans to exercise its option to compel Tata Group’s majority shareholders Tata Sons to buy out this stake for at least 50% of the acquired price, but the transaction has not yet taken place.

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  • Globe Telecom offers new-gen Chromecast

    Globe Telecom offers new-gen Chromecast

    Globe Telecom in collaboration with Google now offers the new generation Chromecast, with the promise for a connected life for the home.

    Globe’s broadband subscribers can avail of the new and improved Chromecast for an add-on of only P99 (about $2) per month.

    The company said its customers today are no longer just tied in using their smartphones and PC’s at home for personal consumption, they also demand better content to share and experience on a bigger screen.

    The new Chromecast offers the solution to “cast” content from their personal device such as movies, shows, music, games to a bigger screen TV using their HDMI connection.

    The solution is now equipped with better connectivity with the latest 802.11ac dual band Wi-Fi and three antenna structure for a more faster, stable and less buffering streaming using the latest mobile devices.

    Aside from being a better hardware, the new Chromecast is also fully compatible to cast with the latest entertainment apps including Globe exclusive digital content partners such as HOOQ, NBA and Spotify.

    “With our continuous partnership with Google, we stay true in providing new and meaningful innovations to fully maximize the digital lifestyle of our customers,” said Martha Sazon, Globe SVP for broadband business.

    “The latest installment in this is the new Chromecast, now with better features and compatibility to our content partners such as Spotify, HOOQ, NBA to a more immersive casting experience,” said Sazon.

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  • Viacom expands direct-to-consumer offering

    Viacom expands direct-to-consumer offering

    Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) has launched the BET Play direct-to-consumer, subscription video on demand (SVOD) application for the adult audience, giving consumers in 100 countries direct mobile access to BET’s content.

    BET Play offers fans an opportunity to watch English-language BET content — television series, documentaries, standup comedy, entertainment news and legendary musical performances — on their iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, as well as AirPlay-enabled television sets.

    “The launch of BET Play significantly expands the brand’s geographic availability by making it available direct to consumer in many markets where it has not previously had an established presence on TV,” said Michael D. Armstrong, EVP and general manager for international brand development at VIMN.

    The BET Play app also features a live linear feed of BET Soul, the premiere destination and leading music source for all soul music including R&B, Neo Soul, Alternative Soul, Classic Soul, relative Hip Hop, and Caribbean music.

    BET Play was designed to reach an international audience where they live – smartphones, tablets, and other digital devices – and creates an experience tailored to each of these screens.

    BET Play is the latest addition to the Viacom Play Plex suite of mobile TV apps, which offer smartphone and tablet users around the world access to the best content from all of Viacom’s international TV brands, anytime and anywhere.

  • Half of APAC cellcos have OTT partnerships

    Half of APAC cellcos have OTT partnerships

    Nearly every Asian mobile operator is interested in pursuing partnerships with OTT players to combat the growing problem of revenue loss, a survey suggests.

    The survey, conducted by Alepo ahead of Mobile World Congress Shanghai 2016, shows that just over half of respondents already have working partnership agreements with OTT providers.

    On the other hand, nearly two thirds of Asian operators are also directly competing with OTT providers with their own video, messaging or content service.

    Respondents indicated that declining voice revenues in the face of the growing popularity of OTT voice services is one of the main challenges operators face today. But revenue loss for OTT providers is higher for SMS than other services.

    Asked about the main obstacles to partnering with OTT providers, respondents named an inability or difficulty competing with the growing number of market entrants as the largest challenge, followed by difficulty controlling QoS of OTT services. Complications involved with billing for OTT services came third.

    By comparison, a lack of willingness to partner on the part of either the OTT provider and the operator were considered the least significant challenges.

    “It’s clear that mobile network operators in Asia Pacific recognize the emerging threat of OTT services on the bottom line and are proactively seeking new strategies and business models to overcome that,” Alepo director of marketing Danielle Elaine Smith said.

    “This report indicates that the implementation of those strategies is not limited by an unwillingness to partner by either the operators or the OTT providers, but rather by poor or outdated policy and charging control infrastructure that can’t adapt to meet the new realities of today’s dynamic APAC telecom markets.”

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  • Globe Telecom launches media content studio

    Globe Telecom launches media content studio

    The Philippines’ Globe Telecom has entered the entertainment production business with a new studio and content partnerships aimed at developing content tailored for mobile consumption.

    The operator has announced the launch of Globe Studios, which will develop original video productions for modern audiences accustomed to consuming and sharing content through social media via mobile pones.

    Globe Studios is backed by local and Asian media houses including Viva Films, Reality Entertainment, Quantum Films, Spring Films and Astro of Malaysia.

    “Consumption of mobile entertainment has grown exponentially over the past years. Today, customers no longer wait for their favorite shows on their TV screens. Instead, they dictate what they want to watch when and where they want to,” Globe chief commercial officer Albert de Larrazabal said.

    “With Globe Studios, we will now produce our own clips, series and even movies. Backed up with the biggest director partners and entertainment companies in the industry, we are set to show what customers want today.”

    In addition, Globe has announced the launch of Globe Live, which will produce live shows and events. Globe Live’s first production will be a Philippine staging of the Broadway musical Green Day’s American Idiot.

    To support its media ambitions Globe has formed new content partnerships, including becoming the first mobile and broadband Philippine partner for Netflix.

  • Nepal preparing to allocate 4G spectrum

    Nepal preparing to allocate 4G spectrum

    Nepal’s Ministry of Information and Communications is reportedly planning to amend spectrum usage policy to allow the nation’s operators to commercially launch 4G services.

    The ministry has decided to adopt a technology neutral policy to allow operators to launch 4G using the 1800-MHz spectrum band.

    The ministry had asked previously asked telecoms regulator NTA to devise a 4G action plan within a week that would involve allocating 4G spectrum by the end of the fiscal year in mid-July, the report states.

    In response the NTA appointed a consultant to determine spectrum prices, and expects to have the action plan and pricing policy ready to present by tomorrow.

    The NTA has repeatedly denied requests from operators including Nepal Telecom and Ncell to allow them to launch 4G services due to confusion over spectrum usage policy. Amending the legislation would clear up this confusion and pave the way for rollouts.

    The ministry has also asked the authority to submit a draft of a new M&A policy for telecom operators and prepare a detailed plan for the proceeds of the Rural Telecom Development Fund.

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  • Vodafone said to plan $2.5b India IPO in Q4

    Vodafone said to plan $2.5b India IPO in Q4

    Reports indicate that Vodafone is preparing to conduct an IPO of its Indian business in the fourth quarter that could raise as much as $2.5 billion.

    The operator is expected to file a draft prospectus for the IPO in August, citing sources close to the deal.

    According to the report, Vodafone has hired Bank of America, Kotak Investment banking and UBS AG as the global co-ordinators for the IPO. The bank selection process commenced in April.

    With a potential value of up to $2.5 billion, the IPO would be India’s largest public listing since 2010. Previous reports indicate that the value of the offer could be much larger, to the extent that the IPO has the potential to be India’s largest ever float.

    Vodafone has been considering an IPO of its Indian operations for years, but the process has been complicated in part by disputes with the government over tax demands and the merger of its operating businesses.

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  • Singtel teams with SIT to train cybersecurity talent

    Singtel teams with SIT to train cybersecurity talent

    Singtel has announced a new partnership with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) to train cybersecurity talent.

    The work-study program will support SIT students in the areas of Information Security and Software Engineering, which is expected to lead to career pathways such as cyber security R&D, product development, and management, cyber analysis and forensics, operations and cyber architects.

    Singtel country CEO and CEO, Group Enterprise Bill Chang said the undertaking aims to address two critical skills needs locally – the short supply of trained software engineers and the growing worldwide threat posed by cyber threats.

    “The economy is in great need for trained cybersecurity professionals,” he said.

    Under the work-study programs, participating students are trainees of the supporting company. They get to gather meaningful work experiences through industry induction, close mentorship, attachments and capstone projects to deepen industry-relevant skills.

    The students would acquire skills and experience relevant to the needs of the company while the company gains a productive contributor and an avenue to recruit, assess, groom and retain talent.

    Singtel has also worked with the InfoComm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) on the Cyber Security Associates and Technologists Program.

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  • Thailand’s AIS launches VoWiFi

    Thailand’s AIS launches VoWiFi

    Thailand’s AIS has launched Voice over Wi-Fi (VoWiFi) services, and Taiwan’s APT has announced plans to do the same.

    AIS, Thailand’s largest mobile operator, is initially offering VoWiFi for selected iPhone models, including the iPhone 5s, 5c, 6, 6 Plus, 6s, 6s Plus and iPhone SE.

    The company will offer VoWiFi as a complementary add-on for AIS’s 4G services, offering calls at standard rates as well as the ability to send and receive SMS.

    AIS has announced plans to expand its WiFi hotspot network from 120,000 to 160,000 this year and to 200,000 by 2017. The operator is aiming to have more than 10 million 4G subscribers by the end of 2016.

    Taiwan’s APT has also announced plans to launch VoWiFi services, without announcing a timeframe.

    Comments from APT suggest that the operator will initially support selected iPhone models and the Android-based InFocus M372 with the VoWiFi service.

    Currently the operator’s 4G network covers around 94% of Taiwan, including 98% of metropolitan areas. The company passed the 4 million subscriber milestone at the end of May.

    Last week, Singtel announced that it is planning to launch VoWiFi services in August  following successful HetNet trials.

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