WIRELESS - DEVICES

Wireless Phones Become Fashionable
Fashion designer Anna Sui announced the debut of the Anna Sui Mobile by Samsung. Sui designed the limited edition version of Samsung and T-Mobile's e315 camera phone. The wireless handset is purple with rosettes, a butterfly and a dangling charm. Samsung has collaborated with Vogue Magazine to launch the product in an 8-page advertising section of the magazine's March 2005 issue.
Source: The Mercury News


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WIFI – MARKET

Cities and Companies Consider WiMax
U.S. cities and companies are considering offering WiMax as a way to make high speed wireless Internet services available in larger areas than Wi Fi service offers. According to a Reuters report, WiMax could be a spoiler for cable modems and other traditional Internet connections as it beams Internet access across cities. Some broadband operators are considering offering WiMax as a way to expand networks, while city officials consider offering it in order to provide low cost Internet access in public places and low-income housing areas.
Source: Reuters


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MOBILE – SERVICES

New Rules for Ringtone Sellers
Internet firms that disregard rules on how ringtones and other wireless extras are sold could be cut off from all U.K. wireless networks in order to protect wireless subscribers. Under new rules, companies can be cut if they do not tell wireless subscribers exactly what they are paying for and how to turn off services. In the first month of the new rules, at least 10 Internet firms have been suspended. Source: BBC News


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WIRELESS - DESIGN

Wireless Handset Manufacturers Focus on Design
Wireless handset manufacturers are finding new ways to make their wireless handsets sell. Some manufacturers opt for fashion and design, while others design wireless handsets that incorporate the newest technologies. According to research firm Gartner, wireless phone technology is beginning to stabilize, which forces manufacturers to consider other elements such as design.
Source: Reuters



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WIRELESS – SOFTWARE

Wireless Companies Believe Anti-Piracy Software is Over Priced
Some consumer electronics manufacturers argue that technology companies are overcharging for anti-piracy software needed for online digital music stores. Wireless phone and consumer electronics manufacturers believe the price to protect movies and videos against illegal copying is too high and they will not be able to recoup the money through revenues expected from digital entertainment. The Open Mobile Alliance, a group of wireless handset manufacturers and carriers, has proposed a $1 charge for anti-piracy technology.
Source: Reuters



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UMTS – STATISTICS

Predictions for 3G Remain Moderate
In 2000, the idea of 3G services caused mass excitement among wireless service providers. At a recent 3G conference in Cannes, wireless handset manufacturer Nokia said it expects 3G/WCDMA subscribers to increase to 70 million in 2005, up from the current 16 million subscribers. Equity analysis firm Creditsights reported that with 1.2 billion global wireless subscribers, only a small percentage should be expected to make the switch to 3G.
Source: Barron's


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MOBILE – BUSINESS

NTT DoCoMo Lowers Outlook Due to PHS
NTT DoCoMo cut its earnings estimate for the current fiscal year ending in March 2005, due to a possible withdrawal from its personal handyphone system (PHS) business. The company will book ¥61 billion in special losses from the move and lowered its group net profit outlook to ¥722 billion from ¥758 billion. NTT DoCoMo plans to stop accepting new subscribers to its PHS on April 30, 2005, and is considering ending the services all together.
Source: Dow Jones Newswire


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WIRELESS – BANGLADESH MARKET

GrameenPhone Cuts Tariffs
Bangladesh's leading wireless service provider, GrameenPhone, has cut prepaid wireless phone call tariffs by 25% amid a price war with Egyptian wireless carrier Orascom. Analysts predict the price cut by GrameenPhone is only the first of more to come for consumers.
Source: AFP

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