Tag: jazz

  • Jazz contracts Nokia for 4G network expansion

    Jazz contracts Nokia for 4G network expansion

    Pakistan’s Jazz has contracted Nokia to expand the operator’s 4G network capacity and coverage.

    Under the five-year agreement, Nokia will provide its radio solutions for Jazz’s network in the central and southern Punjab province as well as the Sindh and Baluchistan provinces.

    The rollout area will cover densely populated cities including Faisalabad, Multan, Bhawalpur, Rahimyar Khan and Sukkur, allowing Jazz to provide improved services for customers.

    The deployment will include Nokia AirScale base stations for expanded 4G coverage and Massive MIMO technology for enhanced capacity and speed.

    “Expanding 4G coverage across all cities and towns in Pakistan is one of the key strategic pillars of Jazz to fuel the consumption of broadband services,” Jazz chief technology and information officer Khalid Shehzad said.

    “Nokia’s advanced equipment coupled with its commitment to provide quality professional services will ensure that our subscribers enjoy superior service experience. It will help us maintain our growth momentum and attract new subscribers.”

  • Pakistan’s Jazz secures 4G license

    Pakistan’s Jazz secures 4G license

    Pakistani mobile operator Jazz has formally secured its 4G license after submitting the sole bid for a 10 MHz block of 1800-MHz spectrum in May.

    The license was officially awarded to the company during a ceremony on Friday.

    Jazz has become Pakisan’s third operator to be granted a 4G license, after China Mobile’s Zong and Warid Telecom.

    Jazz submitted the minimum bid of $295 million for the block of spectrum just before the auction deadline. The company chose to pay the whole price upfront rather than taking the option of paying in six instalments with interest applied.

    While Ufone had been expected to participate in the auction as the only remaining operator without the capacity to launch 4G services, the company declined to take part citing the high cost of 4G services and handsets in the market that it claims are out of reach for the average Pakistani consumer.

    Zong also sat out of the auction after stating that the operator will not does not require additional bandwidth in the near future.

  • Jazz places sole bid in Pakistan 1800-MHz auction

    Jazz places sole bid in Pakistan 1800-MHz auction

    Pakistan’s Jazz has emerged as the sole bidder for a 10 MHz block of paired 1800-MHz spectrum conducted by regulator the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. Jazz submitting the minimum bid of $295 million just before the deadline.

    The next generation mobile services auction drew limited interest from operators which mostly sat out of the auction, including Ufone – the only operator in the market without the capability to provide 4G services, which was expected to bid to rectify this.

    PTA now plans to evaluate Jazz’s bid, and if it is found to meet the required conditions the operator will be given two options for payment. Jazz will either be allowed to pay the whole price upfront, or pay a 50% first installment and five equal annual installment payments with interest.

    Jazz will also be required to pay a 10% tax on the auction. A PTA official stating that high reserve price – $85 million more than the equivalent asking price for the same spectrum in 2014 – and level of taxation may be to blame for the lack of interest in the auction.

    The report also cites an official at China Mobile’s Pakistani subsidiary Zong stating that the company has no need for additional bandwidth.

  • New York-Style Jazz Venue ‘STUDIO’ Launches in Central

    New York-Style Jazz Venue ‘STUDIO’ Launches in Central

    New York-style jazz club STUDIO is opening its doors for the very first time in December 2015 in Central, Hong Kong.

    STUDIO has been styled for a discerning late-night crowd of aficionados of premium whisky, champagne, cocktails and all that jazz.The exclusive club is headlining live jazz and late-night DJs at a hidden-away 2,000 square foot venue in On Hing Building at 1 On Hing Terrace, neighbouring Lan Kwai Fong.

    STUDIO’s ‘LOUNGE’, ‘LIVE’ and ‘LATE’ format will see each evening kick-off with a chilled-out ‘lounge’ vibe  from 5pm to 9pm ideal for after-work drinks. The ‘LIVE’ sessions will start each evening at 9pm and will include sets by the resident jazz band, showcasing the best of funk, soul and Latin jazz. Each night will then crescendo into a ‘LATE’ set at 11:30pm, featuring local and international DJs spinning the very best of old and new hip hop and RnB on weeknights and funk, soulful and disco-infused House on Fridays and Saturdays.

    The ideal venue for intimate gatherings and events, STUDIO will hold bespoke industry nights for professionals working in the property, law, finance and fashion sectors in Hong Kong during the ‘LOUNGE’ session on Wednesday evenings.

    A nondescript door gives way to glamorous interior design featuring comfortable leather seating, warm walnut textures and copper tones inspired by sultry 1950s New York jazz lounges. Guests will be personally greeted and escorted to their tables, with the assurance of attentive personalised service and the knowledge that what happens in STUDIO, stays in STUDIO.

    Highlighting the drinks menu is an extensive, carefully curated whisky selection from the world’s finest distilleries along with premium champagne’s including Krug. A mix of classic and creative cocktails will also be available.

    Xuan Mu, STUDIO founder, says, “Our guests have seen everything Hong Kong has to offer. We are bringing them something totally new – a tucked away gem focused on live music and an intimate vibe.”