 |
|
|
fpo50px |
 |
 |
 |
nefpo100090s |
 |
Vodafone announced that it will launch advanced customer services directly on the handset to give Vodafone customers customer care and billing information in real-time. The service will not only provide customers with a self care facility but also gives Vodafone an added opportunity to provide interactive promotions and tutorials, such as step by step guides on how to use the mobile internet to download music or how to send an MMS.
SNAPin Software, a specialist in mobile self-service software, has agreed to provide the capability that will allow this market leading service to be rolled out.
Following a successful trial with more than 3000 customers in the UK and Spain using SNAPin SelfService, Vodafone will begin a phased roll out of the on device self care service from this year. The service will be available on open OS handsets, including S60, UIQ and Microsoft Windows Mobile, to begin with, with the aim to extend to the majority of handsets on offer from Vodafone over time.
The SNAPin service enables customers to navigate an on-screen visual menu of options which customers can use to answer questions or solve their problems right on the handset. Customers also have the option to connect through to the call centre, bypassing traditional IVR menus, or to get an automatic response directly on their phone. The menu can be tailored according to the needs of different customers.
The trial identified that there is a strong desire among customers, both in emerging and mature markets, to have self help facilities on the phone. In more mature markets in Europe quickly solving problems in this way is highly desirable and often considered more convenient for solving routine queries such as current billing information. In emerging markets such as India, self-help on the device empowers customers who are using mobiles for the first time and helps them to quickly and easily get the most out of a new phone and the services on offer.
Paul de Laat, Global Director of Customer Value Management at Vodafone, explains, “We have conducted thorough trials over the last three months with customers. The trials have confirmed that on device self help, when simple and quick to use, is very desirable for customers as it gives them control of how and when they deal with us and makes the most of their time. It also greatly adds to their experience of dealing with Vodafone and improves overall satisfaction.”
Paul continues: “Many customers particularly liked the ability to answer set up questions themselves when trying out new services, like MMS, or the mobile internet. Customers were also more willing to try new services after receiving targeted interactive promotions. We believe that rolling out self care services could help us to grow loyalty and stimulate revenue, especially as customers become more confident to try new services.”
Rolling out user-friendly self care services will not replace current customer care channels, but merely provide the customer with more choice over when, where and how they obtain information on Vodafone’s products and services as well as their own personal account information.
Vodafone is the world’s leading international mobile communications group with operations in 25 countries across five continents and over 252 million proportionate customers at 31 December 2007, as well as 40 partner networks.
Source: Vodafone (14-2-08)
September ’07 – Sicap products
Sicap announced today (27/9) a new record of platform sharing, with no fewer than nine of its software implementations running in networks of a mobile operator group compiling and sharing statistics for marketing purposes.
World leader in Device and SIM Management, Sicap has the technological ability to allow global operators to multiply usage of the platforms by subsidiaries. In line with operator group strategy to consolidate operations among subsidiaries, Sicap has positioned itself as a leader in interoperability and modularity between the components of its in-house, Java-developed platforms.
As a result, today Sicap is the only European software partner to run both Device and SIM Management platforms among multiple subsidiaries of operator groups. The potential for automatic service marketing across group subsidiaries is huge.
For centralized marketing teams, deploying Sicap's modular Device and SIM management software means that they can track and compare regional statistics of service usage. An over-the-air Dynamic SIM tool-kit (DSTK) applet can then update handset service menus according to what the statistics reveal.
For operators, gaining and maintaining control over subscriber services has never been so important and they are achieving this through vendor-independent Sicap software. Utilising consolidated DSTK helps operator groups differentiate multimedia service offers and therefore position themselves in the best possible way to attract customers.
Another sizeable advantage of DSTK automatic handset menu sets is the ease of access to information, logos, ring tones, games and mobile banking applications for users. For the subscriber, the (U)SIM is a personal, portable gateway to new services. For operator groups, SIM-OTA menu management is the key to controlling ergonomics among subsidiaries and making sure that the most attractive offers are always presented to their customers.
Operator groups are also increasingly using Sicap SIM-OTA as part of their consolidation strategy to control roaming of their customers. New roaming agreements and international operator alliances are constantly changing; and the (U)SIM is the only linkage point between the network operator and customers. The PLMN list on the SIM card contains the parameters that control which network the subscriber will roam onto when they are outside of their home network.
By making sure their network partners and sister companies are always at the top of the PLMN lists, operators can keep lucrative roaming revenues within the group or within a partner network alliance. Roaming Management also gives an operator more negotiating power when making roaming deals with foreign network operators. An extended application of PLMN roaming control is the ability to introduce customized special rates for customer segments such as corporate employees roaming in an international VPN environment.
An array of consolidated network access options can be deployed within operator groups via Sicap OTA platforms. Common examples are Fixed Dialling Numbers (FDN) and Abbreviated Dialling Numbers (ADN), which need to be updated whenever service numbers change.
On breaking the OTA convergence record, newly appointed Sicap Director of Product Marketing Achim Korber said, "Sharing the benefits of Device and SIM-OTA Management means that Sicap software takes on a new cost-effective dimension both for cross-network systems within operator groups, and for leasing agreements with MVNO partners."
Specialized in mobile technologies, Sicap enables operators to achieve real time converged business, whether by dynamically charging subscriber accounts or by directly updating their device and SIM configurations. The product portfolio extends to include software which facilitates business between mobile network operators and their partners.
Source: Sicap (27-9-07)
February 2008 - WiMAX Forum Lead Lab
last December, the WiMAX Forum® announced the beginning of Mobile WiMAX™ Certification Testing and evaluation of Mobile WiMAX products in AT4 wireless facilities in Malaga, Spain.
The first group of Mobile WiMAX products submitted for certification is currently being under test for Protocol Conformance Testing, Radio Conformance Testing and Interoperability Testing according to the WiMAX Forum Certification Requirements. Both, base station and CPEs are under certification testing for the 2.3 GHz and 2.5 GHz profiles.
The WiMAX Forum Certification process assures that the devices under test will be interoperable once they reach the market in 2008, allowing operators and services providers to buy equipment from more than one supplier.
“After several years of hard work and fruitful collaboration with the WiMAX Forum, we are really happy to achieve this relevant milestone. It is instrumental not only for AT4 wireless, but also for all the WiMAX community world-wide”, said Luis Fernando Martinez, General Director of AT4 wireless. “As the WiMAX Forum Lead Lab, AT4 wireless will ensure to meet the needs of member companies and their demand for Mobile WiMAX certification testing.
The WiMAX Forum is an industry-led, not-for-profit organization formed to certify and promote the compatibility and interoperability of broadband wireless products based upon the harmonized IEEE 802.16/ETSI HiperMAN standard. A WiMAX Forum goal is to accelerate the introduction of these systems into the marketplace. WiMAX Forum Certified products are interoperable and support broadband fixed, nomadic, portable and mobile services. Along these lines, the WiMAX Forum works closely with service providers and regulators to ensure that WiMAX Forum Certified systems meet customer and government requirements. Through the WiMAX Forum Congress Events Series of global trade shows and events, the WiMAX Forum is committed to furthering education, training and collaboration to expand the reach of the WiMAX ecosystem.
AT4 wireless, a global supplier of Testing Solutions for wireless technologies prides itself on being both, the most complete Wireless Certification & Testing Laboratory in the world and a leading manufacturer of cutting-edge test & measurement equipment for telecommunication technologies.
With the largest coverage in different technologies (GSM/GPRS/EDGE, WCDMA, HSPA, LTE, WiMAX, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi, RFID, NFC, EPC & UWB) and a portfolio that ranges from conformance, regulatory and interoperability testing to world-wide compliance services AT4 wireless’ Test Laboratory offers a one-stop-shop approach for the certification of telecommunication devices.
With our world-class self-developed Test Systems MINT, BITE and RIDER, AT4 wireless meets all certification aspects like R&TTE, FCC, GCF, PTCRB, WiMAX Forum®, Wi-Fi Alliance and Bluetooth SIG.
AT4 wireless was founded in 1991, has more than 300 employees and operates from it’s headquarter in Malaga/Spain and its US-based branch in Herndon/VA.
15-2-08
Septiembre ’07 – Services for small vessels
SES NEW SKIES is teaming up with SeaMobile's Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN) product group for extensive field tests of new miniaturized VSAT antennas, which will enable an array of satellite-based communications services for small vessels.
SeaMobile and SES NEW SKIES will test two new 60cm VSAT antennas, that set new standards with respect to size and weight of VSAT installations: the heavy-duty "Ruggidized" for fishing, work boats and oceangoing support vessels, and the lighter "Sure Lock", which at less than 90lbs addresses more specifically the sailing, yachting and power boat markets.
Both antennas use iDirect Spread Spectrum technology, allowing for small-sized, lightweight antennas which are effectively shielded against adjacent satellite interference. SES NEW SKIES is providing Ku-band capacity for the Spread Spectrum Technology demonstrations on its NSS-7 satellite at the orbital location of 338(degree) East.
States Richard A. Hadsall, CTO for SeaMobile's Maritime Telecommunications Network product group: "These miniaturized VSAT antennas will now provide small vessel users with "always on, always available" access for phone, fax, data and internet services. As an optional service the antennas can also provide live television via the same small 60cm antenna, real time GSM cellular telephone services, or a complete portfolio of passenger and crew welfare service offerings."
States Scott Sprague, Senior Vice President Global Sales of SES NEW SKIES: "Small-sized and light-weight VSAT antennas open up completely new markets for small vessel broadband connectivity, be it for professional use, navigation support, safety services or pure leisure/entertainment. The SES NEW SKIES global satellite fleet is particularly well positioned to support communications on the move, be it maritime, land- or air-based."
NSS-7 is a powerful, state-of-the-art Ku-band and C-band satellite located at 338(degree) East over the Atlantic Ocean. The satellite provides optimized coverage and power for the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East for video, data, Internet and Government services. As the leading satellite for transatlantic video traffic and the primary satellite for video distribution across the whole of Africa, NSS-7 highlights include:
SES NEW SKIES is an SES company offering satellite communication services to a range of customers including telecommunications providers, broadcasters, corporations and governments around the world. SES NEW SKIES operates a global fleet of seven satellites in orbit, with two additional spacecraft under construction (NSS-9 and NSS-12) and ground facilities around the world. Headquartered in The Hague, the company has offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Washington, D.C. In addition to SES NEW SKIES, SES wholly owns the market-leading satellite operators SES ASTRA in Europe and SES AMERICOM in North America and also holds strategic participations in SES Sirius in Europe, Ciel in Canada and Quetzsat in Mexico. SES provides outstanding satellite communications solutions via a global fleet of 37 satellites in 25 orbital locations.
SeaMobile Enterprises is the dominant global service provider of at-sea communications, connectivity and content services. The industry leader, Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN), delivers our global VSAT satellite communications network. With our additional acquisition of GeoLink, SeaMobile now provides broadband satellite and other services for more than 300 maritime vessels throughout the world. Combined with our superior technology and customer support, we provide always-on connectivity to deliver a vast array of services for businesses, government entities and consumers. Services include mobile phone voice and data, wireless for PDAs and laptops, access to printed versions of more than 580 daily newspapers, live television, Internet cafes and much more. SeaMobile Enterprises offers solutions for cruise lines, ferries, yachts, casino boats, container ships, fishing vessels, offshore platforms and the government and military. The company has offices in Seattle, WA, Miramar, FL, Paris, France, Rome, Italy and Athens, Greece. •
Fuente: SES NEW SKIES (19-9-07)
Cantabria infinita
Cueva de El Soplao • Año Santo Lebaniego • Turismo y gastronomía
Propuestas en Brasil
Cabo Frío: paraíso a 200 km de Río • Niterói: playas, arquitectura y agenda cultural • El camino de Niemeyer: recorrido arquitectónico
Propuestas en Argentina
Ruta Nacional 40: Recorrido de la parte Norte • Recorrido del Centro (Cuyo) • Recorrido de la parte Sur (Patagonia)
Propuestas de turismo
en la Comunidad Valenciana
Ibi, Onil, Foia de Castalla • Belén de Tirisiti - Patrimonio cultural en Alcoi • Los Baños del Almirante (Valencia del s.XIV) • Mundo Naval en el museo Príncipe Felipe • Arte rupestre valenciano (Museo de la Valltorta)
Transporte aéreo
Air Nostrum • Ryanair • Spanair • Vueling
