History channel to be launched in 6 languages on 9 October

History, the factual entertainment channel from the joint venture between AETN and TV18,

will be launched in India on 9 October. The channel will be made available in six languages - English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali and Marathi to have a broader appeal.

History channel to be launched in 6 languages on 9 October

History, the factual entertainment channel from the joint venture between AETN and TV18,

will be launched in India on 9 October. The channel will be made available in six languages - English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali and Marathi to have a broader appeal.

Bharti Airtel, Vodafone tell TRAI that 3G roaming deals are legal

In response to the letter of the TRAI seeking information from the mobile operators regarding 3G agreements, Vodafone and Bharti Airtel have told that 3G roaming agreements between players were legal and approved by the Department of Telecom before the spectrum auctions were held. 

Vodafone in a letter to TRAI said, “For avoidance of any possible doubt, in February 2010, when the Government was finalising the modalities and framework for auction of 3G spectrum and its subsequent use, the industry had specifically asked the DoT whether intra-circle roaming for offering of services to customers would also be applicable for 3G in case some operators are not able to acquire spectrum in all circles.” 

Evidence found against Maran, CBI to file an FIR soon

CBI on September 28 told the Supreme Court that it has got evidence against DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran in 2G spectrum scam and will file an FIR against him within a couple of days for various offences including “undue favour” shown to Aircel.

CBI, which filed a fresh status report in a sealed cover about the progress of the investigation, said the preliminary inquiry on the alleged involvement of Maran in 2G scam has been completed and letters rogatory (LR) have been dispatched to Mauritius.

Evidence found against Maran, CBI to file an FIR soon

CBI on September 28 told the Supreme Court that it has got evidence against DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran in 2G spectrum scam and will file an FIR against him within a couple of days for various offences including “undue favour” shown to Aircel.

CBI, which filed a fresh status report in a sealed cover about the progress of the investigation, said the preliminary inquiry on the alleged involvement of Maran in 2G scam has been completed and letters rogatory (LR) have been dispatched to Mauritius.

TRAI plans to impose 5 paise on commercial text messages

In a move to strengthen measures to prevent pesky messages and calls, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) plans to impose a termination charge of five paisa for every commercial SMS on service providers from where the messages originate. This means the operators will have to pay a minimum interconnect usage charge of five paisa per commercial SMS to the other.

The new TRAI regulations will be in effect from 28 September, 2011. “We are likely to issue a regulation by October 15 to impose the five-paise termination charge on commercial SMSs, and not on general SMSs,” Trai chairman J S Sarma said. 

CBI to probe deeper into the 2G scam by including DTH operators

The CBI has widened its probe into the 2G scam, seeking to investigate the 2008 spectrum allocation made to direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasters as well. While some of the DTH players are major telecom players too, others are pureplay broadcasters.

Widening the ambit of its probe into the 2G scam, the CBI has directed the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to provide them the original files on the allocation of spectrum and the wireless operating licence for DTH services.

Airtel digital TV partners with Sony India for the upcoming festive season

Airtel digital TV-the DTH service from Bharti Airtel and Sony India have come together for an exclusive partnership for the upcoming festive season.

Customers purchasing Sony BRAVIA 32 inch (81 cms) and above can experience the magic of High Definition (HD) on next generation MPEG4 DVBS 2 DTH technology from Airtel digital TV.

IMImobile takes over a UK-based digital solutions firm, Skinkers

IMImobile, a provider of value-added services solutions to mobile telephone operators, has acquired Skinkers, a UK-based digital agency.

Prasar Bharati posts Q1 rev of Rs 3.29 bn

Prasar Bharati earned revenue of Rs 3.29 billion for the fiscal first-quarter ended June.

Doordarshan’s contribution was Rs 2.08 billion while All India Radio’s (AIR) net commercial revenue stood at Rs 1.11 billion. Other resources earned Rs 101.1 million for the three months ended June 2011.

Petition challenging de-recognition of Prasar Bharati unions in court

The Delhi High Court commenced hearing of a petition challenging the decision of Prasar Bharati de-recognizing all associations of employees, rejecting a plea by counsel for the pubcaster seeking dismissal of the plea.

On 8 September Prasar Bharti issued an order which said that no association of employees of the pubcaster is recognised , therefore, no employee can be given preferential treatment and all employees are to be treated in a fair and transparent manner.

4G in India next year

2012 would mark the introduction of 4G (mobile telephony) in India. Telecom equipment vendors and service providers have already started testing the 4G gear and technology for its eventual rollout in the country.

While talking to a English daily Chandra Prakash, Telecom Commission member (technology) and ex-officio union secretary said that the 4G equipment and technology is on trial as service providers hold BWA (broadband wireless access) licenses. And under license terms, if BWA license holders failed to cover 50 per cent of the rural area by 2015, the spectrum could be withdrawn.

Amazon’s new Kindle device, a threat to iPad

Amazon.com’s next Kindle device, expected to be launched in the coming months, can pose a big threat to Apple’s iPad. The latest iteration of its Kindle e-book reader will have an improved interface and double as a tablet computer, with a touch screen in full colour. 

By taking advantage of its ties with media and publishing companies to pack the Kindle tablet with songs, books and videos, Amazon may succeed where companies such as Research In Motion and Hewlett-Packard have failed. 

TRAI scrutinizes 3G roaming bilateral agreements of telcos

As a measure to prevent violation of licence terms and conditions, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has sought information from leading service providers on their bilateral agreements for entering third generation (3G) roaming pacts. 

The TRAI is looking into the activities of these companies selling their 3G spectrum services under the agreement. Earlier, the Department of Telecom had also raised doubts over the 3G roaming pacts of companies, which do not have 3G services on pan-India basis. 

Privatization of DD’s DTH Service

In order to modernize its direct-to-home platform, DD Direct Plus, Doordarshan is planning to lease out its operation and maintenance to a private party.

The act is being taken to make possible the raising of the capacity of the platform from 59 to 200 and beyond in 6-8 months. It is noteworthy that Doordarshan spends around Rs four billion every year to operate 59 channels on DD Direct+ (including 22 DD channels) while private operators deal with over 230 channels on their respective DTH platforms at nearly half the cost (on a per channel basis).

Mahuaa ropes in Lowe Lintas for Gujarati & Rajasthani channels

Ahead of the launch of its Gujarati and Rajasthani channels, Mahuaa has appointed Lowe Lintas as its creative partner for these channels. The channels are expected to launch by end October to early November 2011.

SAB TV to telecast advertiser-funded programmes on weekends

In a bid to give its weekend viewership a boost, the Hindi general entertainment channel SAB TV will telecast the branded content during prime time on weekends. It will be advertiser-funded programme.

Microsoft plans to bring television and gaming experience together with Xbox 360

Microsoft is about to enter in the sphere of cable and satellite television through the Xbox 360. 

Microsoft had announced decision regarding launching cable television through the Xbox 360 in the month of June. It is eyeing partnerships with Comcast and Verizon to bring live TV to the Xbox 360. 

The American TV series “Johnny Test” will be launched on Airtel digital TV

Airtel digital TV, the DTH service of Bharti Airtel on September 22 announced that it has entered an agreement with leading kids and family producer Cookie Jar Entertainment to bring its powerful library to Airtel digital consumers beginning immediately.

The first series to launch this new venture will be the number one boys show in America this past summer, “Johnny Test”. Having had a successful run of 5 seasons, the series will be available to Airtel digital TV customers on Channel no 158. With this, Airtel digital TV becomes the First DTH operator to offer screenings of globally hit and award winning animated television series on its Pay per View platform. Adding to Airtel digital TV’s varied portfolio of content offerings, the initiative is sure to capture the hearts of young viewers.

Mobile payment platform launched by Google

Google launched a new application ‘Google Wallet’, which enables users to make payments through their phone. The application will initially be available only on the Nexus S 4G phone, with Sprint. 

Google Wallet enables users to pay with their Citi MasterCard credit card and the Google Prepaid Card, which can be funded with any of the existing plastic credit cards. Early adopters, who would set up Google Wallet on their phones before the end of the year would add a $ 10 free bonus to the Google Prepaid Card. 

Govt gives green signal to Vodafone's stake

The government has cleared the UK- based telecom operator Vodafone's proposal to buy 5.48 per cent stake in the joint venture, Vodafone Essar, from two Mauritius-based entities.

The deal is for transfer of shares of Vodafone Essar from Mauritius-based Essar Communications and Essar Com Ltd to Euro Pacific Securities, an indirect Mauritius-based subsidiary of Vodafone International Holdings BV.

DishTV approaches TDSAT against ESPN

The DTH Company, Dish TV has approached the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) to direct ESPN to sign an agreement with the DTH operator on the basis of tariff recommended in RIO.

It is asking the broadcaster ESPN to give of its sports channels in accordance with the reference interconnect offer (RIO), which are the norms mandated by TRAI.

Tamil Nadu hopes that entertainment tax on DTH services and IPL matches would fetch net Rs.150 crore

The Tamil Nadu government expects to raise Rs.150 crore annually from entertainment tax on direct-to-home (DTH) services and matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the doubling of tax on feature films.

An official said that the entertainment tax net on DTH was likely to yield about Rs.75 crore, IPL may contribute Rs.18 crore to the exchequer.

Tikona Digital Networks set to launch LTE broadband services in state

A new entrant in the broadband sector, Tikona Digital Networks (TDN) is now planning to launch a 4G - LTE broadband in Gujarat. Presently, the company is offering fixed broadband service in the state and has a subscriber base of 15,000.

The company will roll out its 4G LTE services in four major cities of Gujarat including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot.

Trinity Broadcasting Network launches iTBN application for smartphones, laptops and connected TVs

Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) launched a new online service for all the net's past and present programming on 15 September. 

The iTBN application will provide access to Christian programming to viewers who don’t watch traditional television. It will be available on smartphones, laptops and connected televisions. 

Google reports internet users in India to triple by 2014

A report that came out on 16 September suggests that Google expects India’s Internet users to triple by 2014 as telecom carriers invest in high-speed wireless infrastructure and smartphones become cheaper.

With just eight percent of its 1.2-billion populations online, India is already the third-largest Internet market by users, behind China and the United States.

Sony to launch a new romantic drama ‘Kuch To Log Kahenge’

Sony Entertainment Television (SET) is ready with its new show ‘Kuch To Log Kahenge’ which is scheduled to be premiered on October 3. The romantic drama is an adaptation of the blockbuster Pakistani television drama ‘Dhoop Kinare’ which highlights the nuances of a complicated relationship when two people with a big age difference fall in love. The show will air from Monday to Friday in the 8 pm time band.

InMobi to raise Rs 950 crore funding from Softbank Corp

The four-year old Bengaluru and San Francisco-based mobile ad network company InMobi, which recently acquired the US-based mobile advertising solutions provider Sprout, has raised US$200 million (Rs 950 crore) funding from Softbank Corp.

Interactive video app launched for STBs, iPad, Internet-coneected TVs by WSJ

US business newspaper The Wall Street Journal is all set to launch 'WSJ Live' - an interactive video application for iPad, Internet-connected televisions and set-top boxes that will bring live and on-demand programming from The Wall Street Journal Digital Network directly to users across new platforms.

Tamil Nadu assembly passes bill to tax DTH and IPL

The Tamil Nadu assembly passed a Bill to impose entertainment tax on DTH and IPL. The Bill in this regard was introduced in the state assembly on 14 September 2011 by state commercial taxes minister SS Krishnamurthy and passed unanimously later in the day.

According to the bill, the state would charge 30 per cent entertainment tax on Direct-to-home (DTH) services on overall price, excluding the service tax. A 25 per cent entertainment tax will also be imposed on Indian Premier League (IPL) cricket being played in Chennai.

Reliance DTH introduces new services

Reliance Digital TV, the leading Direct- to- Home (DTH) service provider in the country has introduced three exciting offers for both existing and new subscribers throughout the country.

New subscribers will now be able to enjoy all television channels for free for a period of one month from the date of activation irrespective of the packs they choose.

BCCC awaits Delhi HC verdict on 'Emotional Atyachaar'

The Broadcast Content Complaints Council (BCCC) has adjourned hearing on complaints relating to UTV Bindass' reality show Emotional Atyachaar, as the matter is sub judice before Delhi High Court on 13 September, 2011.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has already given its views to the Court.

New serial on DD to be telecast

Doordarshan is all set to telecast a new serial, Muawazaa…Madad Ya Abhishaap’, from 14 September onwards. The serial touches upon the theme of how money going into the wrong hands can prove to be disastrous.

Tata Sky new ad campaign urges consumers to ask questions

DTH player Tata Sky’s is running new ad campaign “Poochne me kya jaata hai?” to urge customers to drop their inhibitions and to come out with their queries about the services, packages and schemes of the product.

Such an effort comes in the wake of Tata Sky's recently introduced value benefits and services, over and above offers and discounted rates on new connections, as well as channel packages.

Tata Sky new ad campaign urges consumers to ask questions

DTH player Tata Sky’s is running new ad campaign “Poochne me kya jaata hai?” to urge customers to drop their inhibitions and to come out with their queries about the services, packages and schemes of the product.

Such an effort comes in the wake of Tata Sky's recently introduced value benefits and services, over and above offers and discounted rates on new connections, as well as channel packages.

Kaleidescape launches app for iPad

Launching an application for iPad, Kaleidescape is going to introduce a new way to browse and select movies and music on a Kaleidescape System. The free app offers the convenience of browsing without interrupting playback, so a user can guide guests through the best moments in the collection. The Kaleidescape App for iPad will be available worldwide on the App Store late in the fourth quarter of this year.

CSR Sets New Standard for Wireless Consumer Audio with Innovative Platforms

CSR plc recently introduced the CSR8645 and CSR8670, a pair of flexible, feature-rich SoC solutions that set a new standard for wireless audio quality.

Embodying CSR’s proprietary audio processing technologies, these first two members of the next-generation CSR8600 wireless consumer-audio platform family also feature wired audio capabilities that extend and enhance the usability of wireless audio products by enabling them to operate even when the battery is drained or when wireless connectivity is prohibited, such as on commercial aircraft, and have already been selected by and are in development at multiple Tier One customers.

AOL engages in talks with Yahoo! over merger plans

AOL chief executive Tim Armstrong has initiated talks with Private-equity firms and investment bankers from Allen & Co who work with Yahoo!

AOL is trying to regain its prominent role on the Internet after dramatically losing audiences when the rise of broadband connection decimated its previously dominant position as a dial-up Internet service provider.

BVCL to broadcast Federation Cup

The regional broadcaster Brand Value Communications Ltd. (BVCL) will broadcast the 33rd edition of the Federation Cup through their channels, News Time Bangla and News Time Assam, in West Bengal and the North East respectively.

The Federation Cup, established by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in 1977, is an annual knockout style tournament and is India’s longest running club team competition.

SC to cross examine witnesses pertaining to BS Lalli case

The cross examination of government witnesses on allegations of financial irregularities against suspended Prasar Bharati CEO B.S. Lalli will soon be started by the Supreme Court.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice S.H. Kapadia asked its registry to complete the cross examination of government witnesses within four weeks and to place all the evidence before the Registrar. He also asked Lalli to give his list of witnesses within two weeks.

Go-Ahead signal given to N. Srinivasan to take over as BCCI prez by SC

Turning down the application pending civil appeal filed by A.C. Muthiah, the Supreme Court has given its nod to N. Srinivasan to assume charge as Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) president.

A Division bench of the Supreme Court of India comprising Justice Aftab Alam and Justice R.M. Lodha cleared the way for N. Srinivasan to take his new role as BCCI President.

UTV Stars now available on Dish TV and Tata Sky

The newly launched Bollywood channel UTV Stars has been launched by UTV on Dish TV and Tata Sky, the two direct-to-home (DTH) platforms. The channel was launched on 19 August simultaneously in India and the Middle East (Etisalat Network).

CBI clears the air by telling SC that no clean chit given to Maran in the 2G scam

Filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation on 8th September, 2011 made it clear that it had not given any clean chit to former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran in the 2G spectrum allocation case.

"We have said that the inquiry conducted so far has not revealed element of coercion on the part of Maran (in connection with the sale of Aircel to Malaysia-based Maxis group)," said CBI counsel KK Venugopal to a bench comprising Justice GS Singvi and Justice AK Ganguly on 8th September.

CBI clears the air by telling SC that no clean chit given to Maran in the 2G scam

Filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation on 8th September, 2011 made it clear that it had not given any clean chit to former telecom minister Dayanidhi Maran in the 2G spectrum allocation case.

"We have said that the inquiry conducted so far has not revealed element of coercion on the part of Maran (in connection with the sale of Aircel to Malaysia-based Maxis group)," said CBI counsel KK Venugopal to a bench comprising Justice GS Singvi and Justice AK Ganguly on 8th September.

Max to launch a new films-based quiz show

Sony Max has geared up for competition with its new non-fiction quiz show “Extraaa Shots Challenge” all set to begin from 18th September at 8.30 pm. The half an hour quiz show will be broadcast on Sundays.

It will quiz contestants on the various trivia that lay behind movie scenes and their making through a 13-week challenge.

The new kid on the block “Videocon d2h” doing well

The newest entrant in the DTH industry, Videocon d2h is doing well. It has managed to add the highest number of 747,000 subscribers in the first quarter of FY 2010-11.

The DTH player is now the fifth largest in terms of subscriptions and fourth largest in terms of revenue with average revenue per user of Rs 210.The ARPU is a shade better than Tata Sky's Rs 200 on a subscription base of seven million and much better than market leader Dish TV's Rs 150 (11 million subscribers).

The new kid on the block “Videocon d2h” doing well

The newest entrant in the DTH industry, Videocon d2h is doing well. It has managed to add the highest number of 747,000 subscribers in the first quarter of FY 2010-11.

The DTH player is now the fifth largest in terms of subscriptions and fourth largest in terms of revenue with average revenue per user of Rs 210.The ARPU is a shade better than Tata Sky's Rs 200 on a subscription base of seven million and much better than market leader Dish TV's Rs 150 (11 million subscribers).

TRAI warns telcos against increasing call rates

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) chairman J S Sarma on 7th September, 2011 warned the mobile operators against increasing rates at will. He said that the regulator would have to "intervene" to protect the interest of consumers. 

Sarma's warning came a day after Sunil Mittal, chairman of the country's largest telecom company, Bharti Airtel, said a further increase in rates was inevitable as costs were rising. 

Vodafone to launch Facebook phone

Vodafone in partnership with Facebook is going to launch a ‘Facebook’ phone. This would give users one-click access to the site. The phone will have a dedicated Facebook button and will come with a proprietary operating system. 

Videocon d2h offers two new Malayalam channels in Kerala

Videocon d2h is offering two new Malayalam channels to its customers in Kerala. The addition of these new channels, Kairali WE and Jeevan, brings the channel count of Malayalam channels d2h offers to 14.

I&B expands AIR FM operations in phase-III

Government is in a mood to expand the AIR FM operations much before the auction of the Phase III for the private FM Radio. An amount of Rs 1.42 billion had been sanctioned for the purpose under the Eleventh Plan.

New transmitters of various capacities were being installed in 130 places throughout the country, including 100 relay transmitters of 100 Watt. In addition, the old transmitters at 34 places were being replaced by new FM transmitters.

I&B expands AIR FM operations in phase-III

Government is in a mood to expand the AIR FM operations much before the auction of the Phase III for the private FM Radio. An amount of Rs 1.42 billion had been sanctioned for the purpose under the Eleventh Plan.

New transmitters of various capacities were being installed in 130 places throughout the country, including 100 relay transmitters of 100 Watt. In addition, the old transmitters at 34 places were being replaced by new FM transmitters.

Centre working on exit policy for telecom firms

India's apex policy-making body in the sector, the Telecom Commission has directed the department of telecom ( DoT) to prepare an exit policy for operators. Several players combating the dual threats of market viability and licence cancellation following the 2G spectrum scam will be benefitted by this step.

In 2003, the government had allowed telcos to migrate from limited mobility to full mobility. In this scenario, the sector's first ever exit policy can set a precedent for future exits from any government concession agreement-based businesses. 

PlayUp India Registers the Highest Number of User Base on Facebook

PlayUp India, a LIVE mobile gaming company for gamers and sports enthusiasts, has become India’s No. 1 mobile generation sports Entertainment Company to register the highest numbers of user base on Facebook within a short span of three months. Riding on the popularity chart of the world’s most visited social platform, PlayUp has crossed a fan following of over 1 million. With an active daily user base of 0.3 million and more than 60,000 likes a day, the company has attained the highest position creating one of the largest social interactive user base as compared to other sports and social gaming brands.

Finance Ministry favours SPV and not BSNL for rural broadband network

The Finance Ministry has rejected the Department of Telecom's proposal to appoint Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd as the agency for executing the national optical fibre broadband project.

The DoT was of the view that BSNL should execute the project as it already owns 6.25 lakh route km of optical fibre cable out of total 11 lakh route km OFC laid in the country by all operators.

Sistema, Tata start wireless broadband service

On 2nd September, 2011, Code division multiple access (CDMA) players Sistema Shyam and Tata Teleservices announced the launch of wireless broadband service on the CDMA evolution voice and data only (EVDO) Rev B platform. This would offer consumers a download speed of up to 14.7 Mbps.

Currently, 3G operators offer services at a speed of up to 21.1 Mbps. EVDO is the 3G equivalent on the CDMA platform.

Sistema, Tata start wireless broadband service

On 2nd September, 2011, Code division multiple access (CDMA) players Sistema Shyam and Tata Teleservices announced the launch of wireless broadband service on the CDMA evolution voice and data only (EVDO) Rev B platform. This would offer consumers a download speed of up to 14.7 Mbps.

Currently, 3G operators offer services at a speed of up to 21.1 Mbps. EVDO is the 3G equivalent on the CDMA platform.

Qualcomm takes steps to boost broadband uptake

US chip maker Qualcomm on 30th August, 2011, announced a couple of initiatives with its partner vendors including two smartphones priced at under Rs 5,000 in the Indian market.

The company also announced the launch a new 3D navigation device with MapmyIndia.

RW Promotions upbeat on channel mapping & monitoring system

RW Promotions, a BTL advertising and promotions company, is very positive about its online digital channel mapping and monitoring system.

The mapping system was launched in 2005 and went digital in May 2011. RW Promotions is looking for some quick expansion across networks after the digitalisation of its system.

RW Promotions upbeat on channel mapping & monitoring system

RW Promotions, a BTL advertising and promotions company, is very positive about its online digital channel mapping and monitoring system.

The mapping system was launched in 2005 and went digital in May 2011. RW Promotions is looking for some quick expansion across networks after the digitalisation of its system.

Radio Mirchi eyes digital expansion

Radio Mirchi has been expanding its digital footprints. The first step in this direction was the launch of Mirchi Mobile last year. Since its launch on Airtel last year, Mirchi Mobile has now been extended to almost all telecom operators in the country.

This product is powered by Mobile Value Added Services (VAS) Company Spice Digital.

HIT 95 FM unpacks its fresh style

HIT 95 FM is all set to woo its audience through its new packaging of the channel. It has changed its music, style and jingle completely in order to bring freshness in presentation.

While talking to a news website, Sanjay Hemady, chief operating officer of HIT 95 Fm said that they are still playing the international music in the station but the jingles and style of presentation have been changed.