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BSNL Reportedly in Talks With Vodafone Idea for 4G Intra Circle Roaming Agreement
BSNL Complains of Steeper 4G Tender Prices by Local Vendors
Most Expensive Broadband Plans from BSNL, Airtel and Jio You Can Pick in India
Sun Direct, SunNXT Set to Drive Up Sun TV Network Revenue Growth
Redmi Note 9 Series Confirmed to Launch on November 26, All You Should Know
Airtel Says 512 Kbps Fair for Broadband Connection, Opposes BIF’s Recommendation
Netflix StreamFest: Free Subscription for a Whole Weekend for Indian Users
Poco M3 Render Surfaces Online: Unique Rear Panel Design Tipped
Bharti Infratel-Indus Towers Merger Now Complete, Vodafone Idea Receives Rs 3,760 Crore
Excitel Broadband 300 Mbps Long-Term Plan Costs Just Rs 499 per Month in 13 Cities

BSNL Reportedly in Talks With Vodafone Idea for 4G Intra Circle Roaming Agreement

Posted: 20 Nov 2020 07:15 AM PST

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/bsnl-vodafone-idea-4g-icr-agreement/312093/, BSNL Reportedly in Talks With Vodafone Idea for 4G Intra Circle Roaming Agreement

It looks like BSNL is all over the place at the moment. The telco has been continually writing to government authorities on the problems it is facing for drafting a 4G tender. Now, it has reported that BSNL recently discussed with Vodafone Idea for a potential 4G Intra Circle Roaming agreement. Yes, you heard it right. BSNL is looking to provide 4G services under the newly formed Vi brand. The government earlier asked BSNL to procure local gear for rolling out 4G services. A Technical Committee on September 30 highlighted that BSNL should phase out 2G entirely and roll out complete 4G services in the next two years. BSNL Employee Unions are opposing the technical committee’s suggestions by saying the majority of BSNL’s customer base is still on 2G network.

BSNL Might Strike an ICR Deal With Vodafone Idea

The report coming from Business Line says BSNL and Vodafone Idea engaged in preliminary talks headed by BSNL CMD PK Purwar. While BSNL asked Vodafone Idea to share its 4G network under Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) agreement, the latter asked for optical fibre connectivity of about 10,000 kms in return. Furthermore, the report adds both BSNL and Vi are currently testing 4G roaming in Rajasthan and one more circle. Nevertheless, BSNL is aiming at an agreement to offer 4G services on Vi network across the country.

For the unaware, Intra Circle Roaming (ICR) agreement allows Vi to share its 4G network with BSNL. This essentially means BSNL customers will able to enjoy high-speed 4G network but on Vodafone Idea’s network. BSNL will likely go ahead with this ICR with Vi since the rollout of its own 4G services is delayed.

In other news, the recently appointed Empowered Technology Group (ETG) will start looking at BSNL’s much-awaited 4G rollout plans next week. The group is also expected to issue a 4G tender. Just a few hours ago, we reported that the 4G tender from a local vendor is costing at least 83% more than the global vendors. The government had earlier asked BSNL to procure gear from local OEMs for rolling out 4G.

Original article: BSNL Reportedly in Talks With Vodafone Idea for 4G Intra Circle Roaming Agreement

BSNL Complains of Steeper 4G Tender Prices by Local Vendors

Posted: 20 Nov 2020 05:55 AM PST

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/bsnl-4g-tender-prices-local-vendors/312086/, BSNL Complains of Steeper 4G Tender Prices by Local Vendors

BSNL’s complaints regarding the 4G equipment procurement and 4G tender continue. In the latest development, the telco has reportedly informed DoT that the prices offered by local vendors are on the steeper side when compared to the prices offered by global vendors. This development comes after the government pushing telcos to procure local 4G gear so that the global and local vendors are on the same playing field. Thanks to their superior network infrastructure, telecom operators always choose global vendors like Ericsson, Samsung, Nokia, Huawei and ZTE for deploying their network. A Business Standard report says the 4G tender prices from local vendors are up to 89% costlier than the tender prices offered by global vendors.

Prices Offered by Domestic OEMs for Tenders are 89% Higher Than Global Vendors: BSNL

Citing sources aware of the matter, the publication says BSNL informed DoT that domestic OEMs missed “25 of 35 floated tenders in the past.” The report added that an ‘unnamed’ domestic vendor quoted Rs 516 crore for procurement, supply, installation, and commissioning, including operation and maintenance of optical transport networking (OTN). In contrast, a global vendor for performing the same operations quoted Rs 273.97 crore. The difference is huge and the reliability factor is also with the global vendors.

The Centre is currently pushing BSNL to procure local gear for rolling out 4G services, but the telco is complaining about the price quoted for a 4G tender by local OEMs. BSNL is looking to convert its existing 2G towers to 4G towers and install up to 49,000 towers.

Furthermore, BSNL also wrote to DoT regarding the supply constraints faced by local vendors. The telco feels that local vendors may not be able to supply equipment on a ‘mass scale.’ It also said at least five domestic vendors should participate in a single tender to supply the equipment.

BSNL ended the letter to DoT saying that the difference in prices cannot be justified with the prices mentioned by local vendors.

Original article: BSNL Complains of Steeper 4G Tender Prices by Local Vendors

Most Expensive Broadband Plans from BSNL, Airtel and Jio You Can Pick in India

Posted: 20 Nov 2020 04:15 AM PST

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/most-expensive-broadband-plans/312062/, Most Expensive Broadband Plans from BSNL, Airtel and Jio You Can Pick in India

most-expensive-broadband-plans

The demand for broadband internet connection has grown multiple folds over the last few months in India. This is because of people working from home, students streaming classes online, and then over-the-top (OTT) content streaming for entertainment purposes. Some of the best broadband plans are also some of the most expensive ones. So today we are going to list all the most expensive broadband plans from BSNL Bharat Fiber, Airtel Xstream Fiber, and JioFiber. Keep reading ahead to find out more about these plans.

BSNL Most Expensive Broadband Plan – Rs 16,999 Per Month

The most expensive broadband plan from BSNL comes for Rs 16,999 per month. It offers users 100 Mbps internet speed up till 3,500GB fair-usage-policy (FUP) data. Post consumption of FUP data, the speed drops to 10 Mbps. Along with the broadband connection, users also get a free landline connection with unlimited calling.

It is a bit strange to see this plan from BSNL priced so high since almost the same benefits are offered by other broadband service providers for less than Rs 1,000 now.

JioFiber Most Expensive Broadband Plan – Rs 8,499 Per Month

The most expensive plan from JioFiber comes for Rs 8,499 per month. With this plan, users get 1 Gbps internet speed along with 6,600GB monthly FUP data. There is free voice calling included with the plan as well. Users also get access to OTT benefits such as Netflix Premium, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar VIP, SonyLiv, ZEE5, ALTBalaji, Voot Kids, Hoichoi, Shemaroo Me, Lionsgate Play, JioSaavn, JioCinema, Discovery+, Voot Select, and Eros Now.

Airtel Xstream Fiber Most Expensive Broadband Plan – Rs 3,999 Per Month

The most expensive broadband plan from Airtel Xstream Fiber is Rs 3,999 per month plan. It offers 1 Gbps speed with unlimited data (3.3TB or 3,333GB) per month. Adding to this, there is also free voice calling benefit included in the plan. Users also get access to multiple OTT platforms such as Lionsgate, Voot Basic, Eros Now, Shemaroo Me, Ultra, and Hungama Play. There are Airtel Thanks benefits included as well.

Original article: Most Expensive Broadband Plans from BSNL, Airtel and Jio You Can Pick in India

Sun Direct, SunNXT Set to Drive Up Sun TV Network Revenue Growth

Posted: 20 Nov 2020 03:00 AM PST

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/sun-direct-sunnxt-to-drive-up-revenue/312052/, Sun Direct, SunNXT Set to Drive Up Sun TV Network Revenue Growth

sun-direct-sunnxt-to-drive-up-revenue

Sun Direct, the fourth largest Direct-to-Home (DTH) operator in India is still witnessing "tremendous demand" for its Set-Top Box (STB) with the company expecting the DTH sector to generate double-digit revenue growth. The development was shared by SL Narayanan, group CFO of Sun TV Network in the second quarter earnings call on November 12, 2020. Sun TV Network on November 12, 2020 reported its second quarter financial results for the period ended September 30, 2020, with the company recording 14% improvement in subscription revenues. The company that operates satellite TV channels across multiple Indian languages highlighted that the DTH sector generated Rs 232 crore revenue in its second quarter, up 12% Year-over-Year (YoY).

Sun Direct Set to Import Additional Set-Top Boxes to Meet Demand

Narayanan said that the DTH sector "still has some steam left" but that the cable TV segment "may not grow double-digit in the foreseeable future."

"I’m saying this because we know what’s happening in our sister company, Sun Direct," Narayanan said in the earnings call. "I think at least for another year, we should be able to post double-digit growth, because there is certainly that demand, and we are getting ready with imports of set-top boxes and all that."

However, Narayanan said that the New Tariff Order (NTO) "created a huge disruption" for the company as the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) "forced" the operators "to price every channel."

"We had to price it accordingly to protect the erstwhile ARPUs and which is why everything went into a different pattern," Narayanan said. "But if you see the overall revenues, we are still growing at about 13.5%, 14%. Because there is some kind of a swing that’s happening, because some people are now taking fewer channels."

Narayanan said that the users stopped subscribing to additional channels due to the revamp in the pricing mechanism. Further, the group CFO said that the company is "happy" as long as it is able to generate certain average revenue per user (ARPU) from its subscribers.

"Within DTH, there was a lot of homogeneity in terms of the pricing pattern and that’s what completely changed, because today, there are as many packages as there are customers," Narayanan said.

SunNXT Emerges As "Fastest Growing" Segment for Sun TV

Meanwhile, the group CFO also highlighted that the SunNXT, the Over-the-Top (OTT) platform has emerged as the "fastest growing" segment of the company's subscription business. Narayanan said that the OTT revenues will "continue to grow" as a "lot of people are in the market for content" and that the company is sitting "on a lot of content."

"People are willing to pay a good price,” Narayanan said. “And increasingly, we will also start billing them on a per subscriber basis. We were working on flat fee deals. And as the subscriber base went up with our customers, we were able to get better ones."

ICICI Direct in a research report said that the traction in SunNXT will be a "key monitorable" in the upcoming quarters.

"The management indicated that additional investment in SunNXT and release of OTT originals is likely in FY22E," ICICI Direct said in its report. "SunNXT ramp-up and revenue growth will be key monitorables."

Crucially, Narayanan said that the company witnesses 40,000 to 50,000 new users "every time some movie premieres on SunNXT." Further, the group CFO said that the company will invest up to Rs 200 crore a year on “content exclusively for Sun NXT."

"Management remain committed of acceleration of investments in digital business from future-proofing perspective," Dolat Capital said in its research report. "But, there had been disconnect and delays in intent and execution. Thus delivery would be crucial."

Original article: Sun Direct, SunNXT Set to Drive Up Sun TV Network Revenue Growth

Redmi Note 9 Series Confirmed to Launch on November 26, All You Should Know

Posted: 20 Nov 2020 02:09 AM PST

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/redmi-note-9-series-confirmed/312056/, Redmi Note 9 Series Confirmed to Launch on November 26, All You Should Know

redmi-note-9-series-confirmed

The Redmi Note 9 series is going to get three new devices on November 26, 2020, in China. The Chinese smartphone maker confirmed the same via a post on Weibo. Redmi, however, didn't suggest any names of the devices, so the exact names of the new devices in the series is still unknown. However, for now, we can assume that they are Redmi Note 9, Redmi Note 9 Pro, and Redmi Note 9 Pro Max. All the devices in the series are expected to support 5G connectivity—more details on the story ahead.

Redmi Note 9 New Series to Launch on November 26, What's Confirmed so Far?

Talking about the things which are already confirmed, the first thing is that there are going to be three devices on the series. Second, two devices have already been spotted on the TENAA earlier, for now, let's assume those devices to be Redmi Note 9 and Redmi Note 9 Pro. The Redmi Note 9 (the lower end model) is listed to come with a 6.53-inch full HD+ IPS display.

The specifications of the device listed further suggest that it will come powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 800U SoC coupled with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB internal storage. It might further come with a triple camera setup in the rear with a 48MP primary sensor and a 13MP primary sensor at the front for selfies. It is also expected to come with a 4,900mAh battery.

Then talking about the other device, Redmi Note 9 Pro, as per the listings, it is expected to come with a 6.67-inch full HD+ display. Adding to this, the device might be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 750G SoC. Looking at the listings, it can be expected that the Redmi Note 9 Pro will come with up to 12GB RAM and up to 256GB internal storage. There are also online claims that the device will feature a 108MP primary sensor at the back and a 16MP selfie shooter at the front. The device might come with a 4,720mAh battery.

Original article: Redmi Note 9 Series Confirmed to Launch on November 26, All You Should Know

Airtel Says 512 Kbps Fair for Broadband Connection, Opposes BIF’s Recommendation

Posted: 20 Nov 2020 12:41 AM PST

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/airtel-broadband-connection-opposes-bifs/312010/, Airtel Says 512 Kbps Fair for Broadband Connection, Opposes BIF's Recommendation

airtel-broadband-connection-opposes-bifs

Broadband Forum India (BIF) recently responded to the consultation papers floated by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) for updating the definition of minimum internet speed from 512 Kbps to 2 Mbps for a broadband connection. But Bharti Airtel believes that there is no need for updating the definition as of yet. The telecom operator has said that 512 Kbps internet speed is fair for an internet connection to be recognised as wired broadband. The telco has submitted to Trai that the existing definition of wired broadband internet in the country is apt for the time being. More details on the story ahead.

Bharti Airtel Says 512 Kbps Internet Speed is Enough for a Wired Broadband Connection

As per a report from News18, Bharti Airtel has said that the change of definition in the minimum speed of a broadband connection should be in sync with the global trends. Airtel noted that most other countries have set the minimum broadband internet speed threshold to 256 Kbps. Thus 512 Kbps in India is not a bad number at the moment.

The telecom operator also cited many examples supporting its claim including downloading files, website browsing, streaming services, video conferencing, audio content and more. Airtel says that instead of looking at the speeds, the definition of broadband internet should change in such a way that it increases the broadband penetration in the country.

The telco said that 512 Kbps speed on a wired broadband line is adequate for video conferencing. The only thing is, data from other sources suggest something else entirely. Zoom, one of the biggest video conferencing platforms all over the world says that for a good video calling experience, user at least needs 600 Kbps of uploading and downloading internet speed. This is just for individual video calls.

In case of group calls, the minimum download speed required would be at least 1 Mbps and for uploading 800 Kbps. For 720p HD calls, it increases further to 1.2 Mbps downloading speed for individual calls and 1.5 Mbps for group calls. Netflix on the other hand has said that a 1.5 Mbps speed is required to stream content seamlessly for the user.

Original article: Airtel Says 512 Kbps Fair for Broadband Connection, Opposes BIF's Recommendation

Netflix StreamFest: Free Subscription for a Whole Weekend for Indian Users

Posted: 19 Nov 2020 11:13 PM PST

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/netflix-streamfest-free-content/312003/, Netflix StreamFest: Free Subscription for a Whole Weekend for Indian Users

netflix-streamfest-free-content

In a recent release, Netflix India has announced the StreamFest event. The StreamFest will allow users across India stream content from the library of Netflix free for a whole weekend. The event is scheduled to start from December 5, 2020, 12:00 AM and will end on December 6, 2020, 11:59 PM. So the entire library of content from Netflix will be free for the Indian users during the period. Users can stream through several documentaries, series, award-winning movies, and more during the event. More details on the story ahead.

Netflix StreamFest, What You Must Know Before You Sign-Up

First of all, it is free for anyone living in India. So Netflix won't ask you to pay any sum of money for participating in the event. All you have to do to sign-up for the event by going to this link – netflix.com/StreamFest or you can also download the app, enter your name, phone number or email address along with a password and you can start streaming.

Just so that you won't miss out on the StreamFest, Netflix is also allowing you to sign-up for the event now and schedule a reminder for yourself. Once the schedule is set, Netflix will notify you when the StreamFest is live.

Any user who signs-in during the StreamFest will get one stream in a standard definition, and the same login information can't be used by any other user. But since the stream is free, any user can sign up on their own. There is no restriction on the kind of device that you can watch it on. If you wish, you can watch it on your PC, laptop, smartphone, console, and even cast-it to another screen.

You will be able to access every feature that paid members of Netflix get, right from creating different profiles to see different lists of content. You can add movies and any other type of content that you want to 'My List' and watch content with subtitles and more.

The only thing is, it will be available for two days and not a minute after that. Since it is a free event, a lot of users are expected to turn up, that is why when there are a large number of users already watching, Netflix will show you 'Streaming at Capacity' which will mean you can stream later.

Original article: Netflix StreamFest: Free Subscription for a Whole Weekend for Indian Users

Poco M3 Render Surfaces Online: Unique Rear Panel Design Tipped

Posted: 19 Nov 2020 09:15 PM PST

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/poco-m3-render-unique-rear-design/311984/, Poco M3 Render Surfaces Online: Unique Rear Panel Design Tipped

Just a couple of days ago, we reported that Poco would launch the Poco M3 smartphone in global markets on November 24. The Poco M3 is said to be a rebranded version of the Redmi Note 10 4G that could launch on November 26 in China. However, the very first high-resolution render of the Poco M3 suggests the Poco M3 will be different when compared to the Redmi Note 10 4G that was spotted on TENAA earlier. In fact, the render shows the Poco M3 will have a unique rear panel design which we haven’t seen on any budget or entry-level phone in the past. The rear panel of the Poco M3 is very much identical to that of the OnePlus 8T Cyberpunk Edition launched only in China. Continue reading to know more about Poco M3 in detail.

Poco M3 High-Res Render Leaked Online

The render of the Poco M3, coming courtesy of 91mobiles, hints at a very unique design on the rear side of the smartphone. The rear panel has a dual-tone finish with a triple camera setup sitting on the top. The phone is said to arrive in three colours- Black, Yellow and Blue, with the entire camera housing retaining the black finish on all three variants. The design of the Poco M3 feels refreshing, but we will have to wait and see how these good looks translate to real life

To the front, the Poco M3 will have a teardrop notch display and the fingerprint scanner is placed on the right side. The fingerprint scanner is embedded into the power button which is very much similar to the Poco M2 Pro and Redmi Note 9 Pro devices.

As for the rumoured hardware specifications, the phone might sport a 6.53-inch Full HD+ 60Hz display and could have the mid-range Qualcomm Snapdragon 662 SoC underneath. Similar to the Poco X3 variant launched in India, the Poco M3 could also have a 6000mAh battery with 18W fast charging support. Pricing and full specifications will be revealed officially next week.

Original article: Poco M3 Render Surfaces Online: Unique Rear Panel Design Tipped

Bharti Infratel-Indus Towers Merger Now Complete, Vodafone Idea Receives Rs 3,760 Crore

Posted: 19 Nov 2020 08:03 PM PST

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/infratel-indus-towers-merger-complete/311968/, Bharti Infratel-Indus Towers Merger Now Complete, Vodafone Idea Receives Rs 3,760 Crore

The much-awaited merger between Indus Towers and Bharti Infratel is now complete as National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) approved the merger. Telecom operator Vodafone Idea (Vi) said it received around Rs 3,760.1 crore towards selling its 11.15% stake in Indus Towers. This news is confirmed by Vodafone Idea via an exchange filing late on Thursday. In September this year, it was expected that Vodafone Idea would receive around Rs 4,000 crore for selling its stake in Indus Towers, however, the telco received less than that. Since the merger now secured all the required permissions, Bharti Infratel announced the closing of the deal yesterday.

Vodafone Idea Gets Less Than Expected Amount in Indus Towers Stake Sale

"Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) had elected to receive cash pursuant to the right available to certain shareholders as per clause 1.2 of Part C of the Scheme. Pursuant to the same, VIL has received cash consideration of Rs. 37,601 nm. for its 11.15% shareholding in Indus. The said transaction had been executed and completed on November 19, 2020 (“VIL closing”)," the company said in an exchange filing, late on Thursday.

For the unaware, Indus Towers was jointly owned by Bharti Infratel, UK-based Vodafone Group and Vodafone Idea. Since Vodafone Idea sold its 11.15% stake in Indus Towers, Bharti Group and Vodafone Group will now have a shareholding of 36.7% and 28.12%, respectively in the merged entity.

Bharti Infratel’s name will now be terminated and the new name for the merged entity would be ‘Indus Towers Limited.’

To recall, the merger between Indus Towers and Bharti Infratel was announced way back in 2018, however, Bharti Infratel pushed the merger to 2020. The proposed merger received approvals from DoT and CCI earlier this year. The newly formed tower company is the "largest tower company in the world outside China."

Vodafone Idea will now have a slight relief as it will receive some cash for selling the stake in Indus Towers. The financially struggling telecom operator might make use of this cash to pay some part of the AGR dues. According to DoT, the next due date to pay 10% instalment of AGR dues is March 31, 2021.

Original article: Bharti Infratel-Indus Towers Merger Now Complete, Vodafone Idea Receives Rs 3,760 Crore

Excitel Broadband 300 Mbps Long-Term Plan Costs Just Rs 499 per Month in 13 Cities

Posted: 19 Nov 2020 05:38 PM PST

This post first appeared on TelecomTalk Read more at: https://telecomtalk.info/excitel-broadband-300mbps-plan-price/311960/, Excitel Broadband 300 Mbps Long-Term Plan Costs Just Rs 499 per Month in 13 Cities

Excitel Broadband, which is currently providing services in 13 cities, has refreshed its offerings to compete with the rival operators like JioFiber, Airtel Xstream, ACT Fibernet and BSNL. Excitel used to provide services in just three cities a couple of years ago, however, the company has gradually expanded its operations to 13 cities. Headquartered in New Delhi, Excitel is offering just three broadband plans with the speeds starting at 100 Mbps and going up to 300 Mbps. The three broadband plans currently on offer aimed at the Streamers, Downloaders and Gamers. The high-speed 300 Mbps plan is available at Rs 999 per month, but users can avail it for just Rs 499 by opting the plan for 12 months. These plans are available as ‘Prepaid Plans.’

Excitel Broadband Plans: Prices Detailed

Starting with Excitel’s 100 Mbps plan aimed at the streamers, it costs Rs 699 for one month, Rs 565 for three months, Rs 508 for four months, Rs 490 per month for six months, Rs 424 effective price for nine months and Rs 399 effective price for 12 months. The 200 Mbps broadband plan is available only in two options- for one month and three months priced at Rs 849 and Rs 638, respectively.

Lastly, there’s the 300 Mbps plan aimed at the gamers. It costs Rs 999 if the customer chooses it for just one month. If a customer opts for long-validity option, then the plan will cost Rs 752 for three months, Rs 636 for four months, Rs 600 per month for six months, Rs 533 for nine months and just Rs 499 per month if a customer opts the plan for 12 months.

The prices mentioned above are exclusive of taxes and the company will not be charging any additional installing charges. Additionally, Excitel will charge a security deposit of Rs 2,000 for ONU devices. The four-month and nine months 100 Mbps plans are available only to new subscribers who are joining Excitel for the first time.

The long-term broadband plans from Excitel are very decent for the asking price. A 300 Mbps plan for 12 months at an effective monthly price of Rs 499 is a really good choice. Excitel’s broadband services are currently available in Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Jhansi, Visakhapatnam, Guntur, Vijayawada, Rohtak and Unnao. If you are Excitel Broadband customer, comment down your experience with the operator.

Original article: Excitel Broadband 300 Mbps Long-Term Plan Costs Just Rs 499 per Month in 13 Cities

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