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Spotify Playing the “Long Game” in India
Xiaomi Targets Rural Indians with Mi Store on Wheels
Get Unlimited Internet with these One Airtel Plans
BSNL Switches on 4G Services in Rohtang Tunnel
Existing Tata Sky Users Can Upgrade to Binge+ Set-Top Box at Rs 2,499
Realme Narzo 20 Pro Becomes Cheapest Phone in India With 65W Fast Charging Support at Rs 14,999
Government Has No Plan to Privatise BSNL Despite Losses
Vi Crediting Free 3GB Data in Prepaid User Accounts
Best Prepaid Plans to Choose from Airtel, Jio and Vi Ahead of Expected Tariff Hike

Spotify Playing the “Long Game” in India

Posted: 21 Sep 2020 08:00 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/spotify-playing-long-game-india/299009/, Spotify Playing the “Long Game” in India

Spotify Technology, the company engaged in the music streaming services on Wednesday said that it is "playing the long game" in the Indian market. The development was shared by Paul Vogel, CFO of Spotify Technology at the Goldman Sachs 29th Annual Communacopia Virtual Conference. Vogel said that "India is a unique market" and that the companies entering the Indian market should be prepared to play the "long game." The company in early September announced that India is among the top markets where its users listen to "most music" using the Spotify Lite app.

Spotify Says India is a Unique Market

The Spotify Lite app is said to be available in 37 countries across the globe and is said to be designed for areas with "limited bandwidth and phone storage."

"I would say, first off, it’s a market where, you’re playing the long game, right, you’re getting at the end, you’re not expecting that this is something you’re going to necessarily, quote unquote, win in a couple of years or, have it just decided," Vogel said. "It’s going to be a long game. And that going in, if you’re not prepared for that, then you, you shouldn’t go in there."

Further, Vogel said that the company believes that "there's probably more overlap" with users in India using multiple streaming services as compared to its users in other markets.

"It is a unique market because it’s the only market where we’re in where the free business pretty much has the exact same functionality as a premium business just with ads, right," Vogel said. "So, you’ve got full on demand rights. And as a result, it allows people to sample and test in and use more services."

Spotify Feels Good About its Growth in Indian Market

Vogel said that the company feels about its growth in Indian market till date despite the market being unique.

"We feel like it’s still [a] market where we can be really successful," Vogel said. "And as I said, we’re playing the long game there. The expectation is that that’s what it takes [to] be successful."

The company in early September also announced that it has reduced the size of the Spotify Lite app by 15% enabling users to "save more space." The streaming platform is said to host more than 60 million tracks and 1.5 million podcasts.

Original article: Spotify Playing the “Long Game” in India

Xiaomi Targets Rural Indians with Mi Store on Wheels

Posted: 21 Sep 2020 07:03 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/xiaomi-mi-store-wheels-launched/299083/, Xiaomi Targets Rural Indians with Mi Store on Wheels

Xiaomi India on Monday announced the launch of its Mi Store on Wheels concept store designed to connect the brand to users located in "remotest parts" of the country. The company said that the Mi Store on Wheels "radical" concept will "operate out of a van" covering towns and cities across India. Xiaomi said that the concept store will initially travel between Basna to Sankara and Bhawarpur to Pithora in Chhattisgarh. Manu Kumar Jain, MD of Xiaomi India in a tweet on Monday said that the company was "excited to launch" Mi Store on Wheels concept.

Xiaomi Aims to Introduce Retail Experience to Users in Remote Locations

Jain said that the concept store aims to bring "retail experience to the heart of India, connecting villages through a moving store."

"With Mi Store on Wheels, our aim is to increase our availability in the far corners of our nation and bring the best in class Mi Store showroom experience in areas that have limited access," Muralikrishnan B, COO of Xiaomi India, said in a release. "We are hopeful and confident that MSoW will be a disruptor in changing the dynamics of the retail business in our rural markets."

Jain said that the offline team of Xiaomi completed the project intended to increase the availability of the brand’s products in remote locations across India in 40 days.

Mi Store on Wheels to Drive Around India

Muralikrishnan B, in a tweet on Monday said that the Mi Store on Wheels will "drive around Mahsamund district in Chhattisgarh."

It has to be noted that Xiaomi India during the COVID-19 lockdown bridged the gap between online and offline stores across India with the Mi Commerce solution. The Mi Commerce solution enabled users to purchase Xiaomi devices from an offline store nearby their locations.

The Mi Store on Wheels is said to contain newly launched Redmi 9 series models along with products such as 32-inch and 43-inch Mi Smart TV. Further, the concept store will also host Mi Box 4K, Mi TV stick, Mi CCTV Cameras, Mi Sports Bluetooth Earphones, Mi True Wireless Earphones 2, Redmi Earbuds S, Mi Sunglasses and Mi Powerbanks.

Original article: Xiaomi Targets Rural Indians with Mi Store on Wheels

Get Unlimited Internet with these One Airtel Plans

Posted: 21 Sep 2020 06:19 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/one-airtel-plans-unlimited-internet/298992/, Get Unlimited Internet with these One Airtel Plans

For the unaware, Bharti Airtel offers One Airtel plans. What are these plans, let us explain you. One Airtel plans similar to that of RedX Family plans from Vi. These plans group a number of benefits under one plan and offer them to the customers. They are perfect for you if you have a family of 4 or more since these plans will allow you to get everything for a lesser price. One Airtel offers a total of four plans to the customers. Now, according to an update on the Airtel's website, these plans are offering customers unlimited data which was not the case before.

One Airtel Plans With Unlimited Data

There are four plans in the offering of One Airtel plans. These four plans come for Rs 899, Rs 1,349, Rs 1,499, and Rs 1,999. All of these plans offer a ton of benefits to the customers. But now according to an update, two of the One Airtel plans which came for Rs 1,499 and Rs 1,999 are providing unlimited data to the customers.

Unlimited data in case of Airtel Xstream Fiber is 3.3TB of data every month. After this FUP limit, the speed is reduced for the customer. So after the change, the Rs 1,499 plan comes with a total of 2 connections, offers 75GB data and along with that an Xstream Fiber connection with unlimited data and 200 Mbps speed.

Coming to the Rs 1,999 plan, they come with the benefit of 3 connections and offers customers 75GB of data along with a DTH connection where the customer is offered channels worth Rs 424 for free and an Xstream Box. Adding to this, the customer also gets the benefit of Airtel Xstream Fiber where he gets unlimited data with 200 Mbps speed.

These plans become more valuable with the addition of unlimited data offer and will give a tough competition to the RedX Family plans. Bharti Airtel also updated the Xstream Fiber offerings a few days back and upgraded all the plans to come with unlimited data in a bid to compete with JioFiber which is doing the same.

Original article: Get Unlimited Internet with these One Airtel Plans

BSNL Switches on 4G Services in Rohtang Tunnel

Posted: 21 Sep 2020 04:57 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/bsnl-4g-services-rohtang-tunnel/299053/, BSNL Switches on 4G Services in Rohtang Tunnel

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has installed three 4G base transceiver stations (BTSs) in the Rohtang Tunnel, enabling users to stay connected at high speed when passing through the "longest motorable" tunnel. The development was shared by BSNL Himachal Pradesh on Saturday on Twitter. The Rohtang tunnel dubbed as Atal Tunnel is designed to reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 46 kilometers. The 8.8 kilometre long Atal Tunnel is said to be "world's longest tunnel" above an altitude of 3000 meters. The foundation stone for the Access Road to the south of the tunnel was laid on May 26, 2002.

BSNL Switches on 4G Services in One of the World's Longest Tunnel

According to the BSNL Himachal Pradesh circle, its team members worked "day and night" in zero degree temperature to install the 4G BTSs in the Atal Tunnel.

Manoj Kumar Mishra, CGM of BSNL Maharashtra Circle in a tweet on September 12, 2020, highlighted that the installation of BSNL 4G BTS was done to "meet the strategic requirements in frontier areas."

The Atal Tunnel enables citizens to travel along the Manali-Sarchu-Leh road throughout the year upon its formal opening said to be scheduled for early October. The Manali-Sarchu-Leh road typically closes for six months every year due to Rohtang Pass being completely snow bound between November and May. The Ministry of Defense in a release in May 2020, highlighted that the tunnel will emerge as a "major strategic advantage" to the security forces.

BSNL Offers Free Sim Upgradation Till March 2021

It has to be noted that BSNL since early July has enabled its users on 3G and 2G SIMs to upgrade to the 4G SIM for no additional cost. The free upgradation offer to 4G SIM is said to be applicable in areas where the operator is currently rolling out its 4G services including the BSNL Himachal Pradesh circle. BSNL highlighted that the free upgradation to 4G scheme is valid till March 31, 2021.

Original article: BSNL Switches on 4G Services in Rohtang Tunnel

Existing Tata Sky Users Can Upgrade to Binge+ Set-Top Box at Rs 2,499

Posted: 21 Sep 2020 02:41 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/tatasky-binge-plus-upgrade-offer-users/299019/, Existing Tata Sky Users Can Upgrade to Binge+ Set-Top Box at Rs 2,499

A few days ago, we reported the price slash on Tata Sky Binge+ Set-Top Box. However, that was for the new connections. Tata Sky, today officially announced a price drop on the same Binge+ product for existing and Multi TV users. Tata Sky existing subscribers can upgrade to the Binge+ Android TV STB for Rs 2,499, whereas the price for new connections is Rs 2,999. In addition, Tata Sky’s Multi TV users can also choose the Binge+ STB at the same Rs 2,499 price which is a good thing. With these new prices, the Tata Sky Binge+ takes on the Airtel Xstream Box which is also available for Rs 2,249 for the existing and Airtel Thanks users.

Tata Sky Slashes Prices of Binge+ for New, Existing and Secondary Connection Users

As everyone might be aware of, the Tata Sky Binge+ brings Satellite TV and OTT content together. As noted, Tata Sky confirmed the Binge+ STB would be available at a ‘competitive price’ of Rs 2,999 for new connections, Rs 2,499 for existing subscribers opting for an upgrade or a secondary Multi TV connection. For the unaware, the Binge+ STB for new users was available at Rs 3,999, while the same for existing and Multi TV users was Rs 2,999. So a flat Rs 1,000 drop for new connection users and Rs 500 for both existing and Multi TV users.

Tata Sky continues to offer six months access to Tata Sky Binge which brings premium content from eight OTT apps at no extra cost. Tata Sky Binge brings free access to content from Disney+ Hotstar Premium, ZEE5, VOOT Select, VOOT Kids, SunNxt, Hungama Play, Eros Now and ShemarooMe. Additionally, three months of Amazon Prime subscription is also provided at no extra cost after which it will cost Rs 129 per month.

Speaking on this offer, Pallavi Puri, Chief Commercial & Content Officer, Tata Sky said, "Content consumption is witnessing trends where people want to consume linear TV as well as OTT content on one integrated platform. Tata Sky Binge+ is powered by Android TV, supports Google Assistant-based voice search, offers Google Play Store access, and offers 6-months subscription to some of the most-viewed premium OTT apps at no extra cost, making it an ideal destination for content viewing. We've seen a positive uptake in subscriptions in the past few months. With the festive season around the corner, we have decided to further delight the customer by offering the Tata Sky Binge+ Smart Set-Top Box connection and apps bundle at a really exciting price point."

Tata Sky also confirmed the new pricing went official on September 18 across all channels of purchase for new and existing subscribers.

Original article: Existing Tata Sky Users Can Upgrade to Binge+ Set-Top Box at Rs 2,499

Realme Narzo 20 Pro Becomes Cheapest Phone in India With 65W Fast Charging Support at Rs 14,999

Posted: 21 Sep 2020 01:34 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/realme-narzo-20-pro-price-specs-india/299006/, Realme Narzo 20 Pro Becomes Cheapest Phone in India With 65W Fast Charging Support at Rs 14,999

Realme Narzo 20 Pro just went official in the Indian market alongside Realme Narzo 20 and Narzo 20A smartphones. The Realme Narzo 20 Pro is officially the cheapest phone in India with the 65W fast charging technology. We first saw Realme using the same fast-charging tech in the Realme 7 Pro, but the Narzo 20 Pro undercuts the latter by a considerable margin. The Narzo 20 Pro is just another Realme phone with a 90Hz display, 48MP quad-camera setup and a 4500mAh battery. Besides the fast charging support, the Realme Narzo 20 Pro is a variant of Realme 7 with a downgraded camera setup as well. The prices of the Narzo 20 Pro start at Rs 14,999 in India.

Realme Narzo 20 Pro: Specifications and Features

Majority of the Narzo 20 Pro specifications are identical to the Realme 7 that was launched earlier this month at the same starting price of Rs 14,999. The phone flaunts a 6.5-inch Full HD+ screen with a resolution of 2400×1080 pixels, 20:9 aspect ratio and 90Hz refresh rate. Realme confirmed the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3 technology.

At the heart of Realme Narzo 20 Pro is the MediaTek Helio G95 chipset. The phone comes in two configurations- 6GB+64GB and 8GB+128GB. Users can also expand the storage up to 256GB using a microSD card. The phone runs Android 10-based Realme UI out of the box.

Cameras on the smartphone include a primary 48MP lens, 8MP ultra-wide-angle lens, 2MP macro sensors and a 2MP B&W sensor is also present. To the front, we get a 16MP Sony IMX471 sensor. Similar to the Realme 7, the Narzo 20 Pro also features a side-mounted fingerprint scanner. It measures 162.3×75.4×9.4mm and weighs 191 grams.

The USP of the Narzo 20 Pro is the 65W fast charging tech. Yes, Realme says the 65W charger bundled inside the retail box can charge the device from 0 to 100% in just 34 minutes. We saw the tech being used in the Realme 7 Pro and Oppo Reno 4 Pro earlier. And yes, there’s a USB Type-C port on the smartphone.

Realme Narzo 20 Pro: Specifications and Features

Realme says the Narzo 20 Pro can be picked up in two colour options- White Knight and Black Ninja. The base variant with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage is priced at Rs 14,999, whereas the 8GB+128GB model can be picked up for Rs 16,999. The first sale of the Narzo 20 Pro is scheduled for September 25, at 12 PM, via Flipkart, Realme.com and offline stores.

Original article: Realme Narzo 20 Pro Becomes Cheapest Phone in India With 65W Fast Charging Support at Rs 14,999

Government Has No Plan to Privatise BSNL Despite Losses

Posted: 20 Sep 2020 11:57 PM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/government-privatise-bsnl-loss-planning/298982/, Government Has No Plan to Privatise BSNL Despite Losses

The government of India has said that it has no plans to privatise state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL). The development was shared by Sanjay Dhotre, minister of state for communications, electronics and information technology in a reply to a question raised by Sridhar Kotagiri in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Kotagiri asked the government whether it "proposes to lay down any plan to privatise BSNL and MTNL." Dhotre said that the "government has no plan to privatise BSNL and MTNL." It has to be noted that the Indian government in the recent weeks announced that it is working on completing the process of selling stakes in over 20 public sector companies.

BSNL Incurred Losses in the Past Three Years

Further, Dhotre in a separate statement said that the BSNL had incurred losses consistently in the last three years. Dhotre in his response to a query in Lok Sabha highlighted that BSNL incurred Rs 7993 crores loss during the 2017-2018 financial year. The state-run operator is said to have registered Rs 14,904 crores in the 2019 financial year and Rs 15,500 crores loss in the 2020 financial year.

Dhotre also highlighted the government's revival plan for BSNL announced in October, 2019. The Indian government's revival plan included the Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) for the employees aged 50 and above along with allotment of 4G spectrum, raising of sovereign guarantee bonds and monetisation of assets. Dhotre said that the "turnaround of BSNL will ensure the welfare and future prospects of its employees."

While the government has implemented the VRS scheme, the launch of BSNL 4G services has hit multiple hurdles in the past year. The BSNL employees have been vocal about the delay in the launch of BSNL 4G services. In mid September, it emerged that the BSNL unions will observe Black Day on October 1, 2020 over the denial of 4G technology to BSNL.

BSNL Has No Plans for 5G Services

Meanwhile, Dhotre in his response to Kotagiri, highlighted that the operator has "informed that it has not yet planned for introducing 5G services in its network."

While the government initially planned on holding 5G spectrum auction during the current fiscal year, it has now been said that the 5G auction will be pushed to 2021.

Original article: Government Has No Plan to Privatise BSNL Despite Losses

Vi Crediting Free 3GB Data in Prepaid User Accounts

Posted: 20 Sep 2020 09:54 PM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/vi-3gb-free-data-benefit-prepaid/298950/, Vi Crediting Free 3GB Data in Prepaid User Accounts

The newly formed Vi, aka Vodafone Idea, is going aggressive to retain its subscribers from leaving the network. In recent times, we have seen a lot of Vi subscribers porting out to Airtel or Reliance Jio as the network performance wasn’t impressing them. However, the company now promises better network performance under the ‘Vi‘ brand. A couple of days ago, we reported the introduction of Vi’s new plans with ZEE5 Premium membership and they are unique when compared to the Jio and Airtel’s Disney+ Hotstar plans. Now, it has come to our notice that Vi is crediting free 3GB of data to its prepaid users’ account and the validity of the free data is three days.

Vi 3GB Data Benefit: How Can You Check

The 3GB data benefit being offered by Vi is completely random and there are high chances you may not receive it entirely. TelecomTalk reader Avinash Suwal (known as BSNL user) was the first Vi prepaid users to report the free data benefit being credited to his account. It was soon followed by other readers as well located in various circles like MPCG, Gujarat and Mumbai.

It seems like Vi is crediting the free data benefit on recharging its All Rounder recharge pack of Rs 49. The Rs 49 pack from Vi ships with Rs 38 talk time, 100MB data and 28 days of service validity. If a Vi subscriber opts for the Rs 49 plan from the company’s website or mobile app, he/she will also get additional 200MB data. The company is also selling a 3GB data add-on with 28 days validity for Rs 48, but for some users, it is being offered for free.

Also, from the screenshots posted above, we can clearly see the validity of 3GB data benefit being bumped up to the validity of the Rs 49 All Rounder pack. While the SMS from Vi says the 3GB data will be valid for just three days, the validity extension could be due to All Rounder pack’s 28 days service validity.

You can head over the updated Vi mobile app to check whether the company has credited any free data or not. If yes, comment down below.

Original article: Vi Crediting Free 3GB Data in Prepaid User Accounts

Best Prepaid Plans to Choose from Airtel, Jio and Vi Ahead of Expected Tariff Hike

Posted: 20 Sep 2020 06:31 PM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/best-prepaid-plans-before-tariff-hike/298795/, Best Prepaid Plans to Choose from Airtel, Jio and Vi Ahead of Expected Tariff Hike

A tariff hike is likely to come very soon. That is why it would be a good thing for the customers to recharge right now when the tariffs are low or recharge later when they are high. Some of the best-prepaid plans which the customers can go for are long-term plans. They will ensure that you don't have to recharge anytime soon. All the telcos such as Airtel, Jio, and Vi provide long-term prepaid plans to its customers. So let's take a look at all the best-prepaid plans from Airtel, Jio, and Vi before tariff hikes.

Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel offers a number of long-term prepaid plans. But one of the best plans that it offers for long term so that customers won't have to recharge anytime soon after tariff hike takes place is of Rs 2,698. This plan comes with 2GB daily data and there is no bonus data provided with the plan.

The customer gets unlimited voice calling within any network in India along with 100 SMS/day. But this is not just it, there are OTT benefits included as well. The customer gets Disney+ Hotstar VIP subscription worth Rs 399 per year for free. This plan has a validity of one complete year (365 days). The customer also gets Airtel Xstream Premium for one year along with Shaw Academy and some more benefits.

Reliance Jio

With Jio, the customers get plenty of long-term plans as well. But the best-prepaid plan a customer can go for ahead of expected tariff hike from Jio is of Rs 2,599. It is arguably the best plan offered by the telco. This plan comes with an OTT benefit of not only all the Jio apps but also Disney+ Hotstar VIP subscription for one year. This plan also comes with a validity of one complete year.

With this plan, the customer gets 2GB data per day along with 10GB bonus data. Apart from this, there is an unlimited voice calling for Jio to Jio and 12,000 FUP minutes for making Jio to non-Jio calls. There is 100 SMS/day included with this plan.

Vi

Vi (Vodafone Idea) is currently offering customers a Rs 2,595 prepaid plan. This plan comes with 2GB daily data as well. If you haven't guessed it already, it also has a year-long validity (365 days). There is unlimited calling to any network within India and along with that, there is 100 SMS/day as well.

With this plan, the customers also get an OTT benefit. There is a ZEE5 Premium subscription worth Rs 999 also included with the plan. So while Airtel and Jio are providing prepaid plans with the benefit of Disney+ Hotstar, Vi is providing prepaid plans with the benefit of ZEE5 Premium subscription.

Original article: Best Prepaid Plans to Choose from Airtel, Jio and Vi Ahead of Expected Tariff Hike

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