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Prepaid or Postpaid: Which Connection Will You Choose in 2020 l Let’s Talk
Any Further Delay in Implementation of NTO 2.0 Will Affect Consumers: Trai
Qualcomm Introduces 5G Capabilities to Snapdragon 4-Series Platform
JioFiber Long Term Packs Provide Up to 30 Days Extra Service, Legacy Packs No Longer Listed
Trai Releases Consultation Paper on Review of The Quality of Service
Realme 7 and Realme 7 Pro Launched in India, Prices Start at Rs 14,999
Telecom Operators Lost Over One Million Subscribers in June
Verizon and Amazon Resume Talks to Buy Significant Stake in Vodafone Idea
JioFiber 30-Day Broadband Trial Being Offered in 2 Options With Up to 150 Mbps Speed

Prepaid or Postpaid: Which Connection Will You Choose in 2020 l Let’s Talk

Posted: 03 Sep 2020 08:29 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/prepaid-postpaid-connection-will-you-choose2020/294682/, Prepaid or Postpaid: Which Connection Will You Choose in 2020 l Let’s Talk

prepaid-postpaid-connection-will-you-choose2020

We’re nearing the end of 2020 and telecom operators are said to be coming out with another tariff hike very soon to sustain in the market. The tariff hike happened to prepaid plans in December 2019 and the consumers are now paying more than 40% compared to the earlier prepaid plans. For less than Rs 500, we used to get 1.5GB data per day and 84 days of validity.

However, things have changed now as telcos are providing the same benefits at around Rs 600 price point. However, it is good to see postpaid plans not getting any hike in recent times. But we haven’t seen telcos modifying their postpaid plans for a while now. For example, Airtel last revised its postpaid plans back at the start of 2019 and they are still the same even in 2020.

Majority of the subscribers will still choose prepaid plans because they offer better validity, whereas telcos are generating revenue with the help of postpaid users. Airtel’s Rs 499 (excluding GST) postpaid plan is providing 75GB data per month, unlimited voice calling to network within India, 100 SMSes per day and Amazon Prime subscription. At Rs 598, Airtel prepaid users can enjoy 1.5GB data per day without any Amazon Prime subscription for a period of 84 days. This is the major difference between postpaid and prepaid plans. You get OTT subscription benefits with postpaid plans- not only from Airtel but also from Vodafone Idea.

In the current scenario, which connection would you choose between postpaid and prepaid, especially keeping in mind that the new tariff hike is around the corner? Let us know by commenting below.

Original article: Prepaid or Postpaid: Which Connection Will You Choose in 2020 l Let’s Talk

Any Further Delay in Implementation of NTO 2.0 Will Affect Consumers: Trai

Posted: 03 Sep 2020 07:37 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/trai-nto-implementation-consumers-affect/294667/, Any Further Delay in Implementation of NTO 2.0 Will Affect Consumers: Trai

The National Tariff Order (NTO) 2.0 was introduced at the start of 2020, however, it hasn’t been implemented by several Cable TV operators across the country. While DTH operators implemented NTO 2.0 within the specified timeframe, Cable TV operators went against Trai and challenged the new order in local courts. The Bombay High Court is still in the process of hearing the final arguments regarding the implementation of NTO 2.0. Meanwhile, Trai’s chairman R S Sharma opined that the non-implementation of NTO 2.0 would likely bring back discriminatory practices in the sector and will also lead to chaos.

NTO 2.0 Should Be Implemented Very Soon: Trai Chairman

In recent times, we saw popular Cable TV operators like Hathway and Den Networks implementing the NTO 2.0, but several local cable operators are still opposing the new order.

"Non-implementation of January 2020 amendments is jeopardising the business process, which has been harmonised after 2017 Regulatory framework and the delay and uncertainty in the implementation will again bring back non-transparency and discriminatory practices in the sector, wherein industry was full of litigation and there was no choice of channels to consumers,” R S Sharma told ET Telecom.

He also stated that the delay in implementation would affect consumers negatively. The NTO 2.0 was announced on January 1 and was implemented by DTH operators in March 2020. The Bombay HC has asked Trai to avoid taking any action until the final judgement is declared. The final judgement is expected to be pronounced sometime this month.

Besides Cable TV operators, it was broadcasters who are opposing the NTO 2.0 heavily. As part of the new order, no bouquet pack from a broadcaster should include an individual channel priced above Rs 12. The NTO 2.0 is said to benefit the consumers and broadcasters believe it will be tough for them to survive in the industry.

DTH operators have done their part by implementing the new regime, but it will be interesting to see the final judgement from Bombay HC.

Original article: Any Further Delay in Implementation of NTO 2.0 Will Affect Consumers: Trai

Qualcomm Introduces 5G Capabilities to Snapdragon 4-Series Platform

Posted: 03 Sep 2020 05:59 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/qualcomm-5g-capabilties-snapdragon-4-series/294645/, Qualcomm Introduces 5G Capabilities to Snapdragon 4-Series Platform

Qualcomm Technologies on Thursday announced that the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4-series will receive 5G connectivity capability in "early 2021." The company said that it plans to "accelerate 5G global commercialisation" with Qualcomm highlighting that the revised Snapdragon 4-series is "designed to be truly global." Qualcomm Technologies currently enabled 5G connectivity capabilities on six of its platforms including the Snapdragon 865+, Snapdragon 865 and Snapdragon 855. Further, the Snapdragon 768G, Snapdragon 765 and 765G along with Snapdragon 690 also support 5G connectivity options. Motorola, Oppo and Xiaomi are expected to unveil devices powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 4-series platform in "early 2021."

Qualcomm to Accelerate 5G Global Commercialisation with Snapdragon 4-series Platform

The company highlighted that the 5G networks are currently available with more than 80 telecom operators in more than 35 countries across the globe.

"Qualcomm continues to pave the way for 5G commercialisation at scale, and the expansion of 5G into our Snapdragon 4-series is expected to address regions that currently have approximately 3.5 billion smartphone users combined," Cristiano Amon, president at Qualcomm Incorporated, said in the release.

It has to be noted that the Indian government has not set a definitive date for the 5G auctions in India. However, multiple devices including flagship smartphones with 5G capabilities powered by the Snapdragon platforms are already on sale in the country.

"The Snapdragon 4-series 5G Mobile Platform is designed to exceed expectations for the mass-market segment by bringing an assortment of predominately high- and mid-tier features to a broader audience," Amon said. "It will deliver on the promise of making 5G accessible to all smartphone users."

Motorola, Oppo and Xiaomi Expected to Unveil New Devices with Snapdragon 4-Platform Soon

Sergio Buniac, president of Motorola said that the company is "excited" to continue its collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies in 2021 to introduce "5G for everyone."

Similarly, Lei Jun, chairman and CEO of Xiaomi highlighted that the company has introduced "several 5G smartphones" powered by multiple Snapdragon platforms such as the Snapdragon 8-series and Snapdragon 7-series.

"Xiaomi will become one of the world's first OEMs to introduce a 5G smartphone powered by the Snapdragon 4-series 5G mobile platform," Jun said in the release.

Qualcomm highlighted that the devices based on the Snapdragon 4-series platform are expected to be available commercially in the "first quarter of 2021."

Original article: Qualcomm Introduces 5G Capabilities to Snapdragon 4-Series Platform

JioFiber Long Term Packs Provide Up to 30 Days Extra Service, Legacy Packs No Longer Listed

Posted: 03 Sep 2020 04:20 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/jiofiber-long-term-packs-extra-service/294624/, JioFiber Long Term Packs Provide Up to 30 Days Extra Service, Legacy Packs No Longer Listed

Reliance Jio, the largest telecom operator in India is currently offering up to 30 days free service to those users opting for the long term JioFiber packs. The operator on Monday revamped its JioFiber plans with "truly unlimited" data along with free access to multiple Over-the-Top (OTT) apps like Zee5 on its plans priced at Rs 999 and above. However, the revamped packs were initially available for monthly subscription with the operator providing legacy packs for quarterly, semi-annual and annual subscriptions. Reliance Jio on Thursday enabled its subscribers to pick the revamped plans for the long term subscription with the operator providing additional benefits such as up to 30 days free service.

Reliance Jio Offering Up to 30 Days Free Service to Subscribers Opting for Long Term Packs

The operator on Thursday highlighted on its JioFiber portal that its revamped Bronze, Silver, Gold and Diamond packs are available for subscription on a quarterly, semi annual and annual basis.

The revamped Bronze pack enables users to browse at 30 Mbps speed and carries a price tag of Rs 1197 for quarterly subscription. Further, the users can opt for the semi annual and annual packs of the revamped Bronze plan at Rs 2394 and Rs 4788 respectively.

The revamped Silver pack enables users to browse at 100 Mbps speed and carries a price tag of Rs 2097 for quarterly subscription. The semi annual and annual packs of the revamped Silver pack carries price tags of Rs 4194 and Rs 8388 respectively.

The revamped Gold pack that enables users to browse at 150 Mbps speed has been priced at Rs 2997 for the quarterly subscription. The users can opt for the semi annual and annual packs of the revamped Gold pack at Rs 5994 and Rs 11988 respectively.

The revamped Diamond pack enables users to browse at 300 Mbps speed with the quarterly Diamond pack carrying a price tag of Rs 4497. The semi annual and annual packs of the revamped Diamond pack carries price tags of Rs 8994 and Rs 17,988 respectively.

Click to view slideshow.

The operator highlighted that the users opting for the semi annual and annual packs of the revamped plans will receive 15 days and 30 days extra service for no additional cost.

The "truly unlimited" JioFiber packs carry a "commercial usage policy" of 3300GB or 3.3TB. It also has to be noted that the users subscribing to the revamped Gold plan will receive access to 10 OTT apps such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV, Zee5 and SunNXT.

Further, the users subscribing to the revamped Diamond plans will receive access to 10 OTT apps available on the Gold plan along with free subscription to the Basic Netflix plan.

Legacy Plans No Longer Available for Long Term Subscription

The legacy plans such as Diamond+, Platinum and Titanium are currently available for subscription on a monthly basis with the operator no longer offering the legacy plans for long term subscription.

However, Reliance Jio highlighted that the users subscribing to the monthly Diamond+ and Platinum pack will receive Standard Netflix subscription. Further, the operator is said to be offering Premium Netflix subscription to the users subscribing to the monthly Titanium JioFiber plan.

Original article: JioFiber Long Term Packs Provide Up to 30 Days Extra Service, Legacy Packs No Longer Listed

Trai Releases Consultation Paper on Review of The Quality of Service

Posted: 03 Sep 2020 02:15 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/trai-consultation-paper-quality-of-service/294605/, Trai Releases Consultation Paper on Review of The Quality of Service

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on Tuesday released a consultation paper on the Review of the Quality of Service regulation, the code of practice for metering and billing accuracy. The authority said that the Quality of Service regulation was introduced on March 21, 2006 to minimise the incidents related to billing complaints. Trai said that the Quality of Service regulation contains code of practice for metering and billing that are required to be complied by every basic service provider and cellular mobile service provider.

Trai to Consider Technological Solutions to Further Eliminate Billing Errors

The authority said that the objective of the consultation paper is to "deliberate upon the guidelines for metering and billing in the changing scenario of the telecom world."

"The focus of the consumer has shifted from voice to data," Trai said in a release. "Technological solutions have come up which can get the process of audit conducted in [a] more efficient and effective manner."

In the consultation paper, the authority also said that the technology solutions could be considered for passing information to users on tariff information and usage. Trai said that the increase in data connectivity and the penetration of smartphones could pave way for the operators to pass information to users through mediums such as voice assistants and chatbots.

Trai Considering Ways Digital Medium to Provide Information

The authority highlighted that the operators are "adopting more and more e-KYC forms" than the hard copy of the customer acquisition form (CAF). Trai said that the users at times are not provided a copy of terms and conditions of service when e-KYC forms are used. The authority said that the impact is not the same in the case of users on new prepaid connections as compared to users on the new postpaid connection. Trai said that the users on the postpaid connections receive a "Welcome Letter" while the users on the prepaid "rely on the SUK" for the fine print.

"It is observed that the details provided with SUK are in very small font, which is very difficult to read, and this practice has been adopted by the service providers in order to reduce the cost and to accommodate lot of information such as the terms and conditions of the service, the grievance redressal mechanism," Trai said in the consultation paper.

The authority said that the use of digital medium is "required to be considered" to provide information to the users.

Additionally, Trai is also seeking suggestions on the IT enabled measures that are needed to be considered for ensuring "consistency of the tariff information across different channels." Further, the authority is also seeking views on the changes that are required in handling billing complaints by the telecom operators.

Original article: Trai Releases Consultation Paper on Review of The Quality of Service

Realme 7 and Realme 7 Pro Launched in India, Prices Start at Rs 14,999

Posted: 03 Sep 2020 01:10 AM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/realme-7-series-india-price-specs/294595/, Realme 7 and Realme 7 Pro Launched in India, Prices Start at Rs 14,999

Realme has just introduced its latest offering to the Indian market – Realme 7 series. There are two smartphones in the series – the Realme 7 and the Realme 7 Pro. One thing which has intrigued smartphone enthusiasts about this series is its charging feature. Realme has brought India's fast charging technology to the Realme 7 series. The Realme 7 Pro comes with the 65W Super Dart charging technology. Both the smartphones in the series will run on Android 10 out of the box and the Realme 7 will feature the world's first MediaTek Helio G95 gaming chipset. Let us take a look at the specifications and price of each of the smartphone individually.

Realme 7: Specifications and Price

The Realme 7 comes with the MediaTek Helio G95 chipset which is the first time any smartphone manufacturer has offered this chipset in India. The Realme 7 comes with a 5000mAh battery and a 30W Dart Charge support. You can charge the smartphone to 100% from 0% in just 65 minutes.

As for the display, there is 90Hz refresh rate support and a screen-to-body ratio of 90.5%. The fingerprint scanner is located on the power button. Coming to the camera, there is the 2nd generation 64MP quad-camera setup in the rear.

The Realme 7 is available in two variants — 6GB+64GB and 8GB+128GB priced at Rs 14,999 and Rs 16,999 respectively. The smartphone is available in two colours — Mist White and Mist Blue. Sales start from September 10, 12 noon. You can purchase through the official website of Realme or Flipkart.

Realme 7 Pro: Specifications and Price

The Realme 7 Pro comes with a 65W Super Dart fast charging technology and a 4,500mAh battery. It can charge the smartphone from 0% to 100% in just 34 minutes. As for the camera, there is a second-generation 64MP quad-camera setup in the rear. Starry Mode is available for the users in this mid-range smartphone. At the front, there is a 32MP in-display selfie camera.

The smartphone has a 6.3-inch Super AMOLED display with 90.8% screen to body ratio. There is also an in-screen fingerprint scanner. The Realme 7 Pro is powered by the Snapdragon 720G built on an 8nm process. For the audio, there is Dolby Atmos support on the dual speakers present.

There are 3 card slots with 2 SIM card slots and a microSD card slot expandable up to 256GB. The Realme 7 Pro is available in two colours — Mirror Silver and Mirror Blue. It is also available in two different variants — 6GB+64GB and 8GB+128GB priced at Rs 19,999 and Rs 21,999 respectively. First sale of the device starts from September 14th, 12 noon and you can get it from the official website of Realme and Flipkart.

Original article: Realme 7 and Realme 7 Pro Launched in India, Prices Start at Rs 14,999

Telecom Operators Lost Over One Million Subscribers in June

Posted: 02 Sep 2020 11:54 PM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/telecom-operators-subscriber-loss-june-2020/294581/, Telecom Operators Lost Over One Million Subscribers in June

The Department of Telecommunication (DoT) on Tuesday released its Monthly Telecom Scenario report for June with the data highlighting that the telecom operators lost over one million subscribers in one month. According to the report, the telecom operators in India registered 1162.36 million subscribers in June. In May, the operators registered 1163.58 million subscribers with the data indicating that the operators lost 1.22 million subscribers in one month. The telecom operators have consistently lost subscribers in the past few months with the DoT data highlighting the operators registered 1176.79 million subscribers in March. However, the telecom operators in April registered only 1168.22 million subscribers potentially due to the COVID-19 impact.

Indian Telecom Operators Continue to Lose Subscribers

The DoT data highlights that the wireless sector contributed to the noticeable drop in the subscriber count with the telecom operators registering 1142.55 million wireless subscribers in June. In May, the telecom operators recorded a wireless subscriber base of 1143.81 million subscribers.

The telecom operators in India recorded a wireless subscriber base of 1157.67 million in March with the number dipping to 1149.44 million in April.

Similarly, the operators recorded a noticeable drop in wireline subscriber base between March and April. The DoT data highlights that the operators had a wireline subscriber base of 18.78 million wireline subscribers in April as compared to 19.13 million in March. However, the operators recorded a noticeable increase in wireline subscriber base since May. The DoT data said that the telecom operators had 19.77 million wireline subscribers in May with the number increasing to 19.81 million in June.

Crucially, the DoT report highlights that the drop in the telecom subscriber base in June is mostly due to rural regions. The telecom operators recorded a rural subscriber base of 523.53 million in June as compared to 525.56 million in May. However, the urban subscriber base had a noticeable increase with the DoT data highlighting the operators recorded 638.83 million urban subscribers in June as compared to 638.02 million in May.

India Registered Noticeable Drop in Overall Teledensity

Further, the overall teledensity is said to have decreased to 85.98% in June as compared to 86.15% in May. India recorded a wireless teledensity of 84.52% in June as compared to 84.68% in May. Meanwhile, the wireline teledensity had a marginal increase from 1.46% in May to 1.47% in June.

In terms of the regional breakdown, the urban areas had a teledensity of 138% in June while the rural areas accounted for 58.59%. In May, the urban areas accounted for 138.06% teledensity as compared to 59.15% rural teledensity.

Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are the top five circles in terms of teledensity for the month of June. Himachal Pradesh recorded a teledensity of 147.10% in June as compared to 146.55% in May. Further, Kerala also recorded an increase in its telensity from 126.35% in May to 127.23% in June.

Original article: Telecom Operators Lost Over One Million Subscribers in June

Verizon and Amazon Resume Talks to Buy Significant Stake in Vodafone Idea

Posted: 02 Sep 2020 09:30 PM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/verizon-amazon-stake-purchase-vodafone-idea/294545/, Verizon and Amazon Resume Talks to Buy Significant Stake in Vodafone Idea

Earlier this week, the much-awaited Supreme Court verdict on AGR dues is out. The apex court decided to give telcos a timeframe of ten years to clear the dues of Rs 1.4 trillion. As we all know, Vodafone Idea will have to pay over Rs 50,000 crore as the AGR dues in the next ten years. The financially struggling telco’s board will be meeting on September 4 to discuss raising funds. A new Livemint report now says that Verizon Communications and Amazon.com have resumed their talks to purchase a significant stake in Vodafone Idea. The talks have been reinitiated again as the Supreme Court verdict is now out.

Verizon and Amazon Looking to Purchase Stake Worth More Than $4 Billion

It is said that the stake purchase talks were initiated way before, but they were put on hold for the Supreme Court verdict. While telcos and government were seeking for at least 15 years for repaying the AGR dues, the SC decided to offer just ten years. The Mint report also highlights that Verizon and Amazon US were looking to purchase stake worth more than $4 billion, and the talks are being carried out between both the parties.

However, when the publication reached out to three parties, there was no response. Earlier this year, it was reported that Google was in talks to purchase 5% stake in Vodafone Idea, but that did not happen as the search giant chose to invest a whopping $4.5 billion in Reliance Jio.

Vodafone Idea’s board of members will meet on September 4 to discuss the fundraising options. The telco will have to pay Rs 50,400 crore towards AGR dues. Fundraising is the only option Vodafone Idea is left with as the telco’s operations are hampered with heavy subscriber losses and COVID-19.

If not for the ten-year duration by Supreme Court, we would have seen Vodafone Idea exiting the Indian telecom market. Additionally, the telco might hike tariff prices to sustain in the market.

Original article: Verizon and Amazon Resume Talks to Buy Significant Stake in Vodafone Idea

JioFiber 30-Day Broadband Trial Being Offered in 2 Options With Up to 150 Mbps Speed

Posted: 02 Sep 2020 06:31 PM PDT

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/jiofiber-trial-options-speeds-detailed/294450/, JioFiber 30-Day Broadband Trial Being Offered in 2 Options With Up to 150 Mbps Speed

Reliance Jio recently modified its offerings under JioFiber. There are a total of seven plans on offer from JioFiber to customers which range from Rs 399 per month with 30 Mbps speed to Rs 8,499 per month with 1 Gbps speeds. But another thing which is visible on the website of JioFiber is the 30-day trial offer for customers. This offer wasn't there before but now customer can actually test what they are signing up for without worrying about wasting their hard-earned money. But not every plan can be tested for a month. To know more, keep reading ahead.

JioFiber Free 30-Day Trial Plans

JioFiber is offering two plans to its customers for testing at the moment. The offer is live on the website of JioFiber and both the plans offer 150 Mbps speed to the customers. Both the plans, however, are priced differently and come with different benefits. Let's take a look at them individually.

The first plan comes for Rs 1,500 monthly. It will offer 150 Mbps speed to the customer. The Rs 1,500 paid by the customer is completely refundable and the first month's rental will be zero. It comes with Truly Unlimited data. But as we covered earlier, the Truly Unlimited data plans from JioFiber comes with a FUP limit of 3.3TB data every month. But with this plan, there are no OTT benefits at all but you do get unlimited voice calling without any FUP limit. The customer will be eligible to get free Wi-Fi modem/router.

Coming to the second plan available from JioFiber for a 30-day trial comes for Rs 2,500. The Rs 2,500 is completely refundable so this plan also comes with a first month rental of zero. It offers the same 150 Mbps as the Rs 1,500 30-day trial plan. Again, there will be Truly Unlimited data (3.3TB) for the month. But this plan comes with OTT benefits. There is Disney+ Hotstar VIP, JioCinema, ZEE5 Premium, Sony Liv, Voot, ALTBalaji, Sun NXT, Shemaroo, Lionsgate Play, and Hoichoi included in the list of OTT subscriptions. But this is not all, there are more benefits to this plan. Firstly, there is the same benefit of a free modem/router from JioFiber. But along with that, there is a free 4K Set-Top Box included in the package as well. This is not there in the 30-day trial plan of Rs 1,500.

If you want to try any of these two plans, all you have to do is go to the website of JioFiber and book either one you like. Since the money is refundable, it would not hurt to try out the Rs 2,500 plan but you can choose any of the ones that you like.

Original article: JioFiber 30-Day Broadband Trial Being Offered in 2 Options With Up to 150 Mbps Speed

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