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Telecom regulator TRAI has permitted to increase the validity of mobile internet packs from 90 days to 365 days. This move will boost usage by marginal consumers and benefit the first time users.

Year-long Data Pack Validity:

According to TRAI, there have been many internet users seeking longer validity for mobile data as they fail to utilize the complete data allotted in the prescribed time. At present, when the consumer fails to use his/her mobile internet data valid for a maximum of 90 will lapse.

With the 10th amendment to Telecom Consumers Protection Regulations (TCPR), mobile data only STV’s will have a 365 days validity instead the present 90 days period.

Data Profitability:

This is a big relief to the consumers who use only wifi while indoors and are looking for longer validity packs when outside. With longer validity data packs, the price per MB data can turn out to be on higher side. But still, it is a welcome move by TRAI.

Let’s wait and check how the telecom operators will respond to the new direction.

The state-run telecom operator has rolled out 3G data STV’s exclusively for North-East and Eastern states. These STV’s ranging from 351 to 951 provides 3G data with FUP limit.

Exclusive Focus on East and North-Eastern States:

Starting from Eastern states (Bihar, Orissa, Jharkhand, and West Bengal) to North-East states (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura) to Andaman and Nicobar Islands, BSNL has introduced unlimited 3G STV’s for the benefit of customers.

Technically, one may term these STV’s as unlimited but post FUP (fair usage policy) limit; the data speed would be reduced to 80kbps. In the age of 4G, 80kbps is not a speed at all. Hope BSNL would upgrade it and provide better internet speed. The only consolation is that it will not deduct the main balance post the data limit.

As a precautionary step, one should confirm the validity of STV’s before making a recharge. It is always recommended to recharge your mobile from an authorised retail outlet or BSNL portal.

Indian Government is finally taking a big decision to make 2 Mbps as the minimum broadband speed. It’s definitely a big news in realizing Digital India. The four-fold increase in the minimum speed of broadband will definitely increase India’s competitiveness in all the sectors.

Four-Fold Jump:

During the earlier revision in August 2014, the minimum internet speed was increased from 256 kbps to 512 kbps. This big jump will definitely encourage broadband outreach programme ‘BharatNet’ to connect as many as 2.5 lakh gram panchayats through optic fibre cable network.

As per the report revealed, IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad will be taking up the matter with the communications ministry. It is to be noted that South Korea with 29 Mbps broadband speed has the fastest average connection speed on the globe and is followed by Norway at 21.3 Mbps. We are very far behind at 2.8 Mbps while the global average speed is 6.3 Mbps.

Law of Physics to Set Benchmark:

Along with the high-speed wireless internet, wireline broadband will definitely ensure inclusive growth across urban and rural areas alike. Even TRAI has recommended a better broadband speed from the current level to the wireline customers as it stimulates productivity and delivery of customer-centric services.

With 4G spectrum, there is an ongoing war with respect to speed and price. However, the situation is quite opposite in wireline broadband scenario. Hope the state-run telecom companies BSNL and MTNL will take a lead by improving their service without a price hike. Similarly, the private telecom operators should not exploit and throttle speed to maximize profit.

Image Credit: Denis Rozhnovsky / Shutterstock

Now Reliance Jio extended its preview offer to more models of LG and Samsung. This is a great news for 4G mobile users who are looking for an alternative to LYF mobiles.

Earlier the offer was limited to select premium models of Samsung but with this new extension, most of the Samsung 4G handsets are now eligible to get Jio Unlimited Preview Offer for 90 days. As you all know, this preview offer is a game-changing strategy adopted by Reliance Jio to test its services before the commercial launch. Under this offer, one can make unlimited HD voice and video calls, unlimited SMS, and unlimited high-speed internet for a period of 90 days.

Samsung Devices Eligible for Jio Preview Offer:

As per Reliance Jio company website, the following Samsung smartphones are part of the Unlimited Jio Preview Offer:

Galaxy A3, Galaxy A5, Galaxy A5 2016, Galaxy A5 Duos, Galaxy A7, Galaxy A7 2016, Galaxy A8, Galaxy Alpha, Galaxy Core Prime, Galaxy Grand Max, Galaxy J max, Galaxy J1 Ace, Samsung Galaxy J1 Ace, Galaxy J2, Galaxy J2 (2016), Galaxy J2 Pro, Galaxy J3, Galaxy J5, Galaxy J5 (2016), Galaxy J7, Galaxy J7 (2016), Galaxy K Zoom, Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy Note 5 Duos, Galaxy Note 7, Galaxy Note Edge, Galaxy S 5 Plus, Galaxy S4, GALAXY S4 4G, Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5 Neo, Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Grand Prime, ON5, ON5 Pro, ON7 and ON7 Pro

LG Smartphones Eligible for Jio Preview Offer:

Jio has been very selective in the case of LG. Under this partner preview offer, it has been limited to the following select LG devices namely K332 (K7 LTE), K520DY (Stylus 2), K520DY, H860 (LG G5), K500I (X Screen), K535D (Stylus 2 Plus), LGH630D (G4 Stylus 4G) & LGH 442 (LGC70 Spirit LTE).

How to Avail Unlimited Jio Preview Offer?

• With an eligible Samsung / LG handset, install MyJio App from the play store and get offer code.
• Take a screenshot of it and print.
• Make sure that you carry the same handset and offer code print.
• Along with it, carry an original and a copy of Proof of Identity and Address and a passport size photograph.
• Visit the nearest Reliance Digital or Dx Mini store to get your Jio SIM.
• Complete the tele-verification by dialling 1977 for activating the 4G SIM. Keep a record of document details for faster verification.
• After the successful installation of Jio Apps, you will be assigned interim benefits of 2GB data, 100 minutes video/voice calling and 100 SMS.
• Within no time, you will get an exclusive preview of true 4G services.

During the initial days, only the company personnel were allowed to have the preview of 4G services. Later on, Unlimited 90 days Preview Offer was announced on LYF devices. Then it extended services to select HP India laptop users, followed by the launch of JioFit hotspot device. Reliance Jio strategically extended its Unlimited Preview Offer to Samsung and LG handsets.

A Smart Move:

What next? Don’t be surprised if this offer gets extended to other smartphone brands as well. Reliance Jio may strike a deal with Xiaomi India, LeEco and Lenovo at any time. Probably this would be a better bet to grab the market even before its commercial launch.

Though Reliance Jio is not yet ready for its 4G commercial launch, it has been giving shivers to the existing players. Vodafone, India’s second largest telecom operator, introduced high-value postpaid plans to keep its user base intact.

After Bharti Airtel’s move to protect its top revenue-generating customers, Vodafone India launched new Vodafone Red postpaid plans offering unlimited voice calls and cheaper data. The all-in-one 1,999 postpaid plan provides unlimited voice calling, roaming and 8GB 4G/3G data to retain its high-value customers.

Under the new Vodafone Red series, there are 6 monthly plans starting from INR 499 to INR 1,999. Though these plans have limited voice calls but could be successful due to its double data benefit. The only exception being Vodafone Red 1999 plan where one access unlimited voice calls even while roaming bundled with 8 GB 4G/3G data.

Vodafone RED Postpaid Plans:

*After the data quota consumption, further data usage will be charged at 50p/MB

Probably, these new plans may work for unlimited voice calling users who are on business trips now and then. Need to analyze whether every mobile user can afford two thousand bucks on their bill. What’s your take on it?

The state-run telecom operator BSNL has withdrawn call forwarding packs in all telecom circles. Earlier the BSNL prepaid customers used to recharge Call Forwarding STV 72 that had a validity of 90 days whereas the postpaid customers opted Add-on-Pack 22.

Free to Home Services:

With the launch of “Free to Home Services", BSNL customers can have call forwarding facility for free. It is applicable to all BSNL users on PAN India basis. Under this “Free to Home Services”, BSNL mobile users can forward their calls to any BSNL landline of their choice.

The service is 100% free within the circle and roaming. However, calls forwarded to BSNL landline outside the circle will be charged as per the existing tariff.

Our top priority is keeping you connected to the latest telecom news, views and updates. Stay tuned and share your opinion.

Are you a customer of BSNL Broadband? Then it’s time to rejoice. The state-run telecom operator BSNL has upgraded its minimum broadband speed to 1 Mbps at no additional cost.

Starting from August 1st 2016, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has upgraded its entire landline broadband plans to offer a minimum speed of 1 Mbps. This upgrade is applicable to all the new and existing customers of BSNL broadband services.

Earlier the speed used to be 512 Kbps post FUP. Say, if you are in BBG UL 545 plan, you will get 2 Mbps till 2GB (FUP) and then up to 1 Mbps beyond. This is really a need of hour to benefit millions of BSNL customers.

More Freebies:

Customers opting for BSNL broadband will be availing free unlimited night calling facility between 9 pm to 7 am without any extra charges. Recently, BSNL has also introduced unlimited free Sunday calling facility.

All these new schemes will definitely enhance customer satisfaction. Really a good step towards digital India! Hope the state-run telecom operator continues to offer amazing service in building India.

@Admin

Redmi 3S Next Flash Sale On August 24th 12 pm

It was again a splendid day for Mi. The devices went out of stock within minutes. Though there is no official announcement regarding the duration of the sale, it is less than 8 minutes.

As per the sources, Mi India will commence next sale on August 24th at 12 pm. Just check the space on Mi.com and Flipkart.

Telenor India rolls out high-speed 4G services in Telangana town Warangal. The customers will now able to use high-speed wireless mobile internet starting at just INR 85.

Affordable 4G Plans:

After the successful test pilot, Telenor India has paved one more step towards its ambitious goal of achieving the Internet for All. The 4G data packs are priced competitively starting from INR 85 to INR 249. Special tariff voucher (STV) 85 offers 500MB 4G data with 21 days validity.

To encourage voice calls, Telenor has offered STV 97 through which one can make unlimited Telenor to Telenor calls and 300MB 4G data. The other 4G special tariff vouchers are as follows:

Telenor India 4G Special Tariff Vouchers:

First Recharge Offer for New Subscribers:

Booster Pack:

Spectrum in Six Telecom Circles:

As part of its network modernization plan, Telenor India successfully modernized 64% of its sites. In all the 6 circles namely AP (including Telangana), Bihar (including Jharkhand), Gujarat, Maharashtra, UP (East) and UP (West), the telecom company has been offering improved network experience for its subscribers. This enables superior data speed and voice calls thereby reducing congestion.

It’s an important fact to note that the above 6 circles account for more than 50% of Indian population. Though Telenor India has permission for Assam, it is yet to start services. However, in AP circle, the Telenor India 4G services are currently available in Bhimavaram, Elluru, Tenali, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and Warangal.

This is to bring to your notice that Xiaomi Redmi 3S would be for sale starting at 12 PM today. As per the press release made by Mi India, the first batch, 90,000 units of Redmi 3S Prime were sold within 8 minutes of the sale.

Both the variants (Redmi 3S Prime and Redmi 3S) will be available for sale on today. You don’t need to pre-register for the sale happening on Mi.com and Flipkart. It is to be noted that the Redmi 3S Prime and Redmi 3S are priced at INR 8,999 and INR 6,999 respectively with a focus on big battery.

Except the fingerprint sensor placed at back panel and inbuilt storage plus RAM, there is no other difference to spot. The Redmi 3S Prime comes with 3GB RAM and 32GB inbuilt storage whereas Redmi 3S sports 2GB RAM combined with 16B inbuilt storage.

Flipkart Exchange Offer:

The e-commerce giant Flipkart also announced an exchange up to INR 7,000 for functional and display intact smartphones provided they have valid IMEI number and verified on collection. That means you can get the power packed Redmi 3S Prime for just INR 1,999. If you are not using any exchange offer, you need to purchase it at INR 8,999.

Mi Raksha Bandhan Special Offer:

As a promotional Raksha Bandhan Special offer at Mi.com, one can win Mi band. The company spokesman announced that 1000 lucky fans who make a purchase order between 17th and 18th August to be selected at random. The winners list would be announced on 23rd August in Mi community.

With best-in-class hardware and affordability, Xiaomi will definitely change the ecosystem of smartphones.

It is to be noted that all existing operating systems developed by Google are based on Linux kernel. Whether Android or Chrome OS, Google is powering its OS on Linux kernel. However, due to practical issues, Google is unable to integrate them into a single OS. Keeping this in mind, the software giant is working on the development of a new operating system called Fuchsia.

Integration of Android and Chrome OS?

As per the reports published by Android Police, Google is leaving no measures to integrate both Android and Chrome OS. This new Google experiment is based on the Magenta kernel that can run a variety of services on different devices without any problem. Moreover, it is believed that this new project can build a high-performance app from a single codebase.

Also Read: Google Maps to Display Parking Availability at Your Driving Destination

The new OS Fuchsia will be using Dart as the primary language for programming as it gives a easy access in terms of scalability and better user interface. In fact, Google wants to mould it into an OS for the Internet of Thing (IoT) rather than sticking to a particular device.

What’s the Future of Android?

As of now Google’s plan to develop an integrated operating system is still at the nascent stage and there is no danger to Android. Even if everything goes right as per its plan, Google will definitely not turn Android into a dead elephant. Let’s watch this space for further details.

The state-run telecom operator BSNL has come up with a lowest monthly rental plan of just INR 49. This is really an awesome promotional plan to revive interest in landline telephony.

According to Mr. Anupam Shrivastava (BSNL CMD), the new plan ‘Experience LL 49’ is meant for new customers for a period of 6 months. Thereafter the customer can shift to any other plan of his or her choice. After 6 months promotional period, you can even migrate it to INR 99 monthly rental plan. As a promotional offer, there is no installation charge for new customers.

All Benefits @ 49 Monthly Rental

It is to be noted that BSNL has recently launched unlimited free calls on Sunday. Apart from this, customers of Experience LL 49 monthly rental plan can also avail free unlimited night calling facility without any charge. Moreover, there is an Unlimited Sunday Calling too. This is truly an excellent opportunity to get fixed landline connection from BSNL.

With the equipment of modern technology, you can now call forward landline calls to mobile phones. This unlimited free calling feature will definitely save on mobile bills.

First off, a very happy Independence Day wishes to all our readers! State-run telecom operator BSNL offers Unlimited free calls on Independence Day. Under this offer, BSNL landline customer can make unlimited calls on any network for free on this Monday. To be precise, today!

It doesn’t matter whether you call to a mobile or landline, every call made from your BSNL landline is completely free. This is an exclusive offer to celebrate Indian Independence Day on August 15th. As informed earlier, BSNL is offering Unlimited Calls on Every Sundays. This is in addition to unlimited free night calls being offered between 9 pm and 7 am.

Truly, a great complimentary offer!

Reliance Jio has been in the news for a long time. Though there is no official word on the date of commercial launch, many experts point that something BIG is going to happen on August 15th. As of now, Jio has added recharge and bill pay option on its website.

Quick Recharge option enables the customer to recharge Jio mobile and JioFi. Similarly, the option of Quick Pay enables the user to pay a bill. One can easily assume that the new payment option caters prepaid and postpaid respectively.

Currently, the mobile numbers under Jio Preview Offer are set to auto renewal. The payment page is definitely meant for early adopters to make recharges. It is to be noted that Reliance Jio started its services via special employee referrals.

Best Indian Retailer:

Except Reliance Digital and Xpress mini stores, there is no retail platform to make a direct interaction with customers. Hope this update along with Jio self-care app will solve Reliance Jio retailing difficulties to a certain extent.

However, there is an opinion that Reliance Jio can handle retailing services in a big way as it is the biggest retail chain now in India. With 200+ Reliance Digital stores, 1500+ Reliance Digital Xpress Mini and 1700+ Reliance Fresh outlets across the country can easily handle end-to-end solutions including bill-payments, mobile recharge and more.

DataWind is popular for offering low-budget educational tablet computers. The company aims to drive the cost of technology downwards so that it becomes affordable to everyone and is already taking steps in that direction by launching such an affordable smartphone.

Canada-based low-cost tablet maker, Datawind has come up with another low-budget phone – PocketSurfer GZ. This is a Linux-based smartphone at a price of only INR 1,499 and bundled with 1-year free internet browsing.

Suneet Singh Tuli, CEO of Datawind claims that the company focuses on affordable technology. The launch of PocketSurfer GZ is a step in that direction. Officially, it may not be the lowest cost mobile but still, Datawind PocketSurfer GZ comes with an affordable price tag. It is to be noted that Freedom 251 smartphone from Ringing Bells at INR 251 is the most affordable smartphone launched in India.

PocketSurfer GZ Specifications:

Though the company didn’t reveal any specifications, it is believed that PocketSurfer GZ runs on Linux OS with basic features. It might include a touch screen, rear camera, 512MB RAM and 2000 mAh battery at max.

The USP of this low-cost smartphone is its bundled offer of 1-year free internet access. Probably, this is the only cheapest phone providing free internet for one year.

No more requirement of an invitation code, Reliance Jio has started offering its premium MiFi hotspot device JioFi 2 to all subscribers at a retail price of INR 2,899. Earlier, it was available only for the selected HP India customers who’ve got an invitation.

Starting from 12th August, Reliance Jio will be selling JioFi 2 MIFi device in an open market. As per the sources, the company has procured sufficient stock to sell it at Reliance Digital or Reliance Digital Xpress mini stores. The customers would get access to Free Preview Offer for a period of 90 days.

Power Packed Specs:

The MiFi hotspot device is a great buy that allows you to connect up to 31 devices without any hiccups. Moreover, the device has a got a strong battery that can last for up to 6 hours. With Reliance Jio launch hype, there have been an unprecedented sales of LYF phones. When contacted, the Reliance Digital executive says, Jio SIM card with MiFi device is locked.

Though there is no official confirmation about the commercial launch of Reliance Jio services, it has been speculated that August 15th would be the launch date. Just download JioJoin App and get unlimited access to internet, HD voice and video calls for a period of 90 days.

A Simple Procedure:

To avail this feature, one should visit the nearest Reliance Digital store and provide the required ID and address proof along with Customer Acquisition Form. After getting validated, just enjoy unlimited Jio Preview Offer for 90 days. Post offer, no information. Keeping my fingers crosses that they turn up soon!

Finally, Samsung has launched its flagship phablet for 2016 in India. Priced at INR 59,900, the smartphone will be available for sale on eCommerce websites from September 2 in Gold Platinum, Blue Coral, Silver Titanium and Black Onyx colour variants.

Pre-bookings of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 would start from August 22 until August 30th. Surprisingly, Samsung has come up with Reliance Jio Unlimited Preview Offer for a period of 90 days. Moreover, the pre-booking customers can also purchase a new Gear VR for just INR 1990 which otherwise would cost INR 7290. Truly, an awesome offer!

Strong and Sturdy with Next-Level Security:

Coming to the specifications of Samsung Galaxy Note 7, Samsung has introduced iris scanner feature for the first time to enhance security protection. The phablet will run on Android Marshmallow and sports a 5.7 inch Quad D dual-edge Super AMOLED display of 1440X2560 pixel resolution protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 will feature a hybrid dual-SIM slot that can take a microSD card instead of the second SIM card. Out of the box, it will house 64GB inbuilt storage that can be further expanded up to 256GB with a microSD card. Apart from this, the users can also avail 15GB free cloud storage on Samsung Cloud.

Samsung Galaxy Note7 Rumor Roundup:

There was a speculation that Samsung will incorporate 6GB RAM and 128GB inbuilt storage. However, the device is bundled only with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage. The upgraded variant is limited to China as it faces a severe competition with local manufacturers. Due to massive demand, the upgraded variant will not be available soon in our country.

For imaging duties, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is equipped with a 12-megapixel dual-pixel rear camera with LED flash, smart Optical Image Stabilization, along with the 5-megapixel front camera for a selfie. The smartphone offers a wide range of connectivity options including 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11ac etc to support different networks in different regions. With just 169 grams and 153.5 X 73.9 X 7.9 mm measurement, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is the one of the best phablet launched by Samsung till date.

Samsung Galaxy Note7 Specifications:

• 5.7-inch Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with Corning Gorilla Glass 5 back panel
• Octa-Core Exynos 8890 processor clubbed with 4GB RAM
• 64GB internal storage, expandable up to 256GB via microSD card
• Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
• 12MP Dual Pixel rear camera with LED Flash, Smart OIS, f/1.7 aperture and 5MP front-facing camera
• IP68 rating water and dust resistance and S Pen stylus
• 4G LTE Cat.12, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 4.2 LE, Heart rate sensor, Fingerprint sensor, Iris scanner
• Equipped with USB Type-C port
• Weighs 169 grams and measures 153.5 x 73.9 x 7.9 mm
• 3500mAh battery

Youtube Video

To further boost its landline business, the state-owned telecom operator BSNL has announced unlimited free calls to any network on all Sundays. This facility is applicable to all the BSNL landline customers across India from August 15th onwards. As of now, BSNL is offering free night calling facility from 9PM to 7PM.

This new offer will definitely attract new customers and encourage the existing customers to feel satisfied with its services. With this freebie, one can avail unlimited calling both local and STD across the nation. In the days of smartphone, BSNL move would definitely encourage landline users and report higher business.

The state-run telecom company, BSNL, has been significantly improving with new technology. However, there is a strong criticism that it should even concentrate on update its staff as per the technical advancements.

It should be noted that BSNL is the only telecom operator that provides services through length and breadth of the nation. And, BSNL is the only service provider to offer free national roaming across all the circles without any hiccups.

@Admin

With respect to the sale of Lenovo Vibe K5 Note, Lenovo India just announced that the mobile has achieved the distinction of fastest selling smartphone in India. As per the company sources, the mobile has made a revenue of INR 100 crores since its first sale on August 3rd with Flipkart.

It is to inform that Lenovo Vibe K5 Note comes in 2 variants. The 3GB RAM variant is priced at INR 11,999 and the 4GB RAM phone costs INR 13,499. The USP of Lenovo Vibe K5 Note is that it allows the users to have two Facebook, WhatsApp, Gmail etc on their device without any rooting. Indeed a smart move by Lenovo India!