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Messages In This Digest (25 Messages)
1. Auditor submits report on Vodafone to DoT
2. Sony Ericsson brings out an exciting family of phones under the comm 3. BSNL likely to net Rs 3641cr loss
4. Udupi: BSNL Employees Protest Against Unfulfilled Demands
5. BSNL Unlimited Broadband offer for customers during IPL season 2010 6. BSNL Offering Free WiMAX Services
7. BSNL officer caught accepting Rs8,000 bribe in Maharashtra
8. A pledge to support Planet Earth
9. Tobu neglected and ignored
10. Pallamraju launches BSNLs 3G service
11. Global telco vendors must hire Indians
12. Working at cross purposes
13. Now, you can dial a complaint against that errant cabbie
14. New BSNL Broadband Users Get Unlimited Downloads
15. Action against 54 government drivers for not using seat-belts 16. ValueFirst acquires telecom software firm, Packet Shaper
17. State posts 5.14 per cent growth in mobile subscribers
18. Bharti-MTN tussle on cards
19. Pirates of the broadband lines
20. Trai releases tariff draft for non-CAS areas
21. BSNL broadband plan at 2 mbps and free registration charges in IPL s 22. BJP workers stage dharna outside BSNL office
23. Sit happens
24. KSA wins goodwill football tourney
25. Brand Power: Younger replacing the older
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1. Auditor submits report on Vodafone to DoT
NEW DELHI: The government-appointed auditor to examine the books of country’s second largest mobile operator Vodafone Essar on Friday submitted its report to the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
A company spokesperson said Vodafone has received a copy of the report submitted to the DoT and said the company’s accounts are in line with statutory standards set by telecom tribunal TDSAT. Sources said the auditors have put some licence fee liability on different heads. However, the company feels these are covered under the definition of licence fee as decided by TDSAT. The DoT had last year ordered audits on telecom companies Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar Ltd, Idea Cellular Ltd and Tata Teleservices and Reliance Communications (RCOM) after the regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) said the accounts s hould be audited every 3—5 years. - PTI
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blnus/14261915.htm
2. Sony Ericsson brings out an exciting family of phones under the comm
Mumbai, Maharashtra, March 26, 2010 /India PRwire/ -- INDIA: Living up to its brand promise of make.believe, Sony Ericsson today set off fireworks as its exciting new portfolio of phones was unveiled by Kareena Kapoor - its newly appointed brand ambassador for the region. Taking Sony Ericsson's entertainment heritage to new heights, the phones - including the much awaited XPERIA™ X10, XPERIA™ X10 mini, XPERIA™ X10 mini pro, Vivaz™, and Vivaz™ pro - combine rich graphics with intelligence capabilities.
Further building up the excitement quotient, Sony Ericsson also announced the roll out of an impelling marketing campaign with a barrage of new elements, including its association with the extremely talented and beautiful Kareena Kapoor. Another interesting aspect of the company's upcoming campaign will be the greater emphasis on digital and social networks marketing, which is in synergy with what today's evolving consumer wants.
Speaking on the launch of the new phones, Hirokazu Ishizuka, Corporate Vice President & Head of Asia Pacific region, Sony Ericsson Mobile Communication said, "As a brand, we have evolved. The proliferation of social and digital media is changing the consumer experience with mobile phones and the new portfolio we present today really takes communication entertainment to the next level."
"Being one of the most widely-followed youth-icons, Kareena matches the level of energy, vibrancy, passion and fun associated with Sony Ericsson, and thereby elevates the aspiration value of the brand. We are also extremely excited about re-energizing the digital space with Kareena, as we debut her social networking that will allow her to engage with the rapidly growing digitally-evolved fan-base over various social networking platforms," he added.
Speaking on her association with Sony Ericsson, Kareena Kapoor said, "I am very happy to be associated with Sony Ericsson. Having experienced the new phone - the XPERIA X10, I believe that Sony Ericsson truly represents the fusion of communication and entertainment in mobile device. I love my new feature rich Sony Ericsson XPERIA™ X10 that allows me to easily keep in touch with my family and friends, while keeping myself entertained on the go."
The new portfolio also introduces a new UX platform that creates a unique Sony Ericsson user experience by combining best-in-class entertainment features with signature applications, unrivalled integration of social media services and a rich graphical user interface. Among the many new features, the new phones introduce signature applications like Mediascape and Timescape™ that lets consumers organise everything in their phone in an intuitive way.
* Sony Ericsson Timescape™ manages all communication with one person in one place. Users can browse through their conversations the bright way to check out their Facebook™, Twitter™, photos, emails, and texts all in one go
* Sony Ericsson Mediascape is the smart way to get all the music, photos and videos one wants from their favourite friends and artists. It accesses content from everywhere - the phone, YouTube™, PlayNow™ - and presents all content in one place on the consumer's phone.
Reinforcing its promise of Communication Entertainment, Sony Ericsson has also partnered with regional and local content and application providers to deliver the latest in entertainment content for consumers. Highlighting one such exclusive partnership, Mr. Ishizuka said, "We have a signed a regional partnership with MTV, whereby the Xperia X10 users will have exclusive access to the MTV application that will provide them news feeds and other updates from the channel."
With India projected to become the second largest telecom market globally, Sony Ericsson sees immense potential in the region for its new portfolio. According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the number of telecom subscribers in the country increased by 3.5 percent in December 2009, in comparison to November 2009. It is estimated that by mid 2012, around half the country's population will own a mobile phone.
To tap the booming telecom market in India, Sony Ericsson has invested in multiple marketing campaigns that will help grow the brand's market share in the region. Commenting on this, Mr. Ishizuka stated, "Social media will play an important role in how we engage with our consumers here in India. Sony Ericsson recognizes the critical need to maintain consumer touch points that incorporate all digital/social media mediums that will give us an opportunity to engage create new and exciting experiences for consumers."
Sony Ericsson is also partnering with India's leading content and application providers to deliver the latest in entertainment content for consumers. This includes leading players such as Hungama, MTV India, UTV, Shemaroo, Electronic Arts, Indiagames, and Disney mobile among others, who will come together with the mobile phone brand to offer content and applications to Sony Ericsson users in India. The company already has over 200 active partners in India spanning across entertainment, functional and technical verticals, and it will continue to work towards growing this base to present its evolved Communication Entertainment portfolio to engage the Indian consumer, and excite them through various marketing initiatives.
A sneak preview into the world of Sony Ericsson's new superstars
Get set to be impressed with the awesome user experience of Xperia™ X10
XPERIA™ X10 is the signature phone in a family of phones to deliver a consistent user experience where communication truly becomes entertainment. Its new UX platform, and signature applications like Mediascape and Timescape™, lets consumers organize everything in their phone in an intuitive way. While the Sony Ericsson Timescape™ brings all communication together in one place so users can see at a glance text messages, missed calls, and Facebook™ and Twitter updates, Mediascape is the smart way to get all the music, photos and videos you want from your favourite friends and artists. It accesses content from everywhere - your phone, YouTube™, PlayNow™ - and presents everything for you. If you are the one who loves photos, then Xperia™ X10's intelligent face recognition is dedicated to you! With the capacity to recognize up to five faces in any picture, you can automatically connect photos of your loved ones with your social phonebook and all
other related communications with that person. MRP: Rs. 35, 795
Great things come in 'mini' packages - the infinite possibilities of the Xperia™ X10 mini & X10 mini pro
The Xperia™ X10 mini and X10 mini pro with slide out QWERTY keyboard, are compact versions of Xperia™ X10, and based on the human curvature design philosophy. The two sister mobile phones incorporate the signature application Sony Ericsson Timescape™ that manages all communication with one person in one place without having to open lots of different applications. To get groovy with your favourite music, let the "infinite button" on the interactive music player pull together all music content from the music store and YouTube™! It's also a smart way to search for new tracks from a favourite artist. So prepare yourself to enter the universe of an open and intuitive communication entertainment experience. MRP: Rs. 25, 695
The Xperia™ X10 mini and X10 mini pro with slide out QWERTY keyboard, are compact versions of Xperia™ X10, and based on the human curvature design philosophy. The two sister mobile phones incorporate the signature application Sony Ericsson Timescape™ that manages all communication with one person in one place without having to open lots of different applications. To get groovy with your favourite music, let the "infinite button" on the interactive music player pull together all music content from the music store and YouTube™! It's also a smart way to search for new tracks from a favourite artist. So prepare yourself to enter the universe of an open and intuitive communication entertainment experience. MRP: Rs. 25, 695
Unleash the movie director in you with the high definition Sony Ericsson Vivaz™
With Sony Ericsson Vivaz™, communication truly becomes entertainment with high quality HD video. You can produce and broadcast your most memorable experiences with the latest video capture and sharing features. Record spontaneous moments with a dedicated video button that lets you shoot video instantly with continuous auto focus for the perfect film. Review your creation in the standby panel or online via Wi-Fi on the 3.2 inch widescreen, and if it's praise-worthy, don't forget to upload your favourite video via Wi-Fi onto YouTube™ and Picasa. Want more? Enjoy easy access to social networks such as Facebook™ and Twitter, and music on the Sony Ericsson media player. For your best moments, snap out your Vivaz™, and capture life's moments in high quality with the 8.1 MP camera!
Let your fingers do the magic of speedy social networking with the Vivaz™ Pro
Stay ahead of everyone else through faster typing on your email, Twitter™, Facebook, blogging and chat with the all new Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ Pro, which adds a QWERTY keyboard to the touch screen offering to deliver a user experience optimized for messaging and entertainment. Like it's big brother Vivaz™, the Sony Ericsson Vivaz™ Pro also allows consumers to produce and broadcast their best experiences in HD video, viewed on the 3.2" 16:9 wide touchscreen. Go innovative with the open platform that allows you to personalize their entertainment experience by downloading great applications through PlayNow™ and the Symbian Developer Community.
'For the online version of this release and to access images, videos, and more product information, please visit: http://sonyericsson.webrelease.in/'
Product images: www.sonyericsson.com/press
Notes to Editor
About Sony Ericsson
Sony Ericsson is a 50:50 joint venture by Sony and Ericsson established in October 2001, with global corporate functions located in London and operations in all major markets. Our vision is to become the industry leader in Communication Entertainment; where new styles of communicating through the internet and social media, become entertainment. Sony Ericsson offers exciting consumer experiences through phones, accessories, content and applications. For more information please visit: www.sonyericsson.com.
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Sony Ericsson Mobile Communication India recent press release(s)
Sony Ericsson redefines Communication Entertainment
Communication Entertainment proposition builds on Sony Ericsson’s leadership in music, imaging, gaming, content services and applications to deliver unlimited opportunities for consumers to share
http://www.indiaprwire.com/pressrelease/telecommunications/2010032646631.htm
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3. BSNL likely to net Rs 3641cr loss
NEW DELHI: This will be a summer of discontent for BSNL, which is confronting the possibility of a 30% disinvestment at a time when its estimated losses for the financial year ending March 31, 2010 are hitting a staggering Rs 3,641 crore.
BSNL's performance has been under the lens for some time, forcing PM Manmohan Sigh himself to intervene to prevent BSNL from sinking further. The DoT and BSNL renewed an MoU on March 15 for the third consecutive year, which allows the DoT to monitor BSNL's performance quarterly against predefined revenue targets.
According to projections in the MoU document, BSNL's total income for the year ended March 31, 2010 is estimated at Rs 32,539 crore, down from Rs 35,812 crore in 2008-09. This is Rs 9,556 crore less than the MoU target of Rs 42,095 crore. However, net profit is crashing. BSNL's swift decline from a net profit of Rs 10,183 crore just a few years ago in 2004-05, is alarming considering that it comes amid an overall industry boom (see chart).
When contacted, BSNL's CMD, Kuldeep Goyal said, "the company is not in losses. He however, admitted that, "this (loss of Rs 3,641 crore) could be one projection".
BSNL, which is one of India's largest public sector units with over 3 lakh employees, is at the centre of a major union protest starting Friday over the visible mismanagement of the company. An indefinite nationwide strike starting April 20 has also been firmed up, which has the potential of paralysing services for BSNL's roughly 59.45 million subscribers.
Speaking to ToI, G L Jogi, general secretary of Sanchar Nigam Executives Association said the company's performance and growth lifelines were being choked by incompetent management and bureaucratic red tape.
Growth has been further paralysed by the recent cancellation of an order to procure 93 million new GSM lines. "We have no equipment for the east or north and only marginal surplus capacity for the south and west. Our protest signifies the failure of all attempts at reasonable persuasion with the telecom ministry and BSNL management," says Jogi. Apart from performance issues, the unions are against disinvestment, retiring of 1 lakh workers through VRS.
Sam Pitroda, who led a 3-member committee including HDFC chairman Deepak Parikh and DoT secretary P J Thomas for revamp of BSNL made these recommendations to the PM recently.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/biz/india-business/BSNL-likely-to-net-Rs-3641cr-loss/articleshow/5729302.cms
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4. Udupi: BSNL Employees Protest Against Unfulfilled Demands
Udupi, Mar 27: The District BSNL Employees and Officers United Forum staged a protest in front of Telecom Centre here on Friday March 26, seeking redressal of their grievances and meeting of their demands.
The protest was staged to put pressure on the union government to withdraw its proposal to allow foreign investment in telecom sector, to include Indian Telecom Services (ITS) officers functioning under the department of telecommunications with BSNL, to withdraw the implementation of compulsory retirement in the guise of voluntary retirement benefits, opposing the initiative of outsourcing of basic facilities in BSNL, demanding supply of adequate essential technical accessories to BSNL and to fulfill the demands of the retired BSNL employees.
On this occasion, the United Forum also has given a call for an indefinite strike from Tuesday April 20, in case the union government fails to fulfill their pending demands by then.
Shashidhar, H D Pai, Purandar Shetty, Ganapathi Samaga, Govind Nayak, Mukundan, M A Poojary, Guddappa Nayak, Satyanarayan Upadhyaya and others were present.
http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=74608&n_tit=Udupi%3A+BSNL+Employees+Protest+Against+Unfulfilled+Demands
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5. BSNL Unlimited Broadband offer for customers during IPL season 2010
IPL fever is in. There is a mad rush about this game across the country and marketers are keen to cash on it. There are various schemes etc keeping the IPL in mind and almost all marketers are rolling out new schemes to be a part of the IPL.
So what makes BSNL special among marketers so that the new scheme that it has doled out becomes special? Well in a sense nothing really; however what makes it special is that usually BSNL is perceived as a slow moving organisation. With introduction of new scheme this however is set to change and people thus have sat up and taken note of the new development.
This surprising announcement by BSNL might also be an attempt to counter the offer from Airtel for free connection up grades of up to 2 Mbps till the IPL is on. So the battle is on fast and furious in the airspace and even entities like BSNL are keen to cash in to its demand.
A customer who takes a new connection from BSNL before March 31st would be able to make unlimited downloads at a speed of up to 2mbps. This speed would be offered for the first 15 days following the connection. However, after 15 days, the plan would be reverted to the one that the customer had chosen initially. The minimum period for the customers to hire this available scheme would be a period of one month. This would also include the free download period as well.
For the new connection, BSNL would not charge any registration fees. They however, would have to pay Security Deposits for the opted plan and it would be reflected in the first bill that is received by the customer.
This surprising announcement by BSNL has raised great expectations in the market. It has now to be seen how many customers take the connection from BSNL before 31st March. This would also perhaps indicate the success of BSNL over Airtel.
http://www.infocera.com/BSNL_Unlimited_Broadband_offer_for_customers_during_IPL_season_2010_8503.htm
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6. BSNL Offering Free WiMAX Services
BSNL is currently offering free WiMAX services in India. It will last until April 15, 2010 . Customers won’t be charged any monthly fee or modem rental fee for 30 days from the date of activation. It will offer free downloads of 400 MB and there is a security deposit of Rs2000. The money will be refunded if the customer is not interested in continuing the WiMAX service.
BSNL Wireless Broadband offers flexible pricing plans and rates for usage. The network is adjustable as service and customer demands grow. The network is backed up by BSNL’s reliable hard line backbone network. BSNL offers mobile WiMAX services in rural and urban areas in India.
BSNL’s marketing effort to get subscribers is a bold effort and should help get subscribers for BSNL’s WiMAX services. It should be interesting to see what kind of impact this has because India is such a burgeoning market for WiMAX.
http://www.goingwimax.com/bsnl-offering-free-wimax-services-9854/
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7. BSNL officer caught accepting Rs8,000 bribe in Maharashtra
Nashik: A telecom officer was caught in Nashik, red-handed by sleuths of the Anti-Corruption Bureau for accepting a bribe of Rs8,000 from a contractor, ACB officials said.
Haribhau Laxman, a junior officer with the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) was held yesterday taking the amount from a contractor to settle his bill for laying a few pole less network at Parner in Ahmednagar district, they said.
ACB laid a trap after contractor and complainant Premshankar Dubey approached them, officials said in a press release in Nashik.
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_bsnl-officer-caught-accepting-rs8000-bribe-in-maharashtra_1363583
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8. A pledge to support Planet Earth
A woman walks down steps that feature a painted promotional design of Earth Hour. Earth Hour 2010 is on Saturday and is a global call to turn off lights for 60 minutes in a bid to highlight Global Climate Change. (AP Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 26
Earth Hour 2010 will be on March 27 at 8:30pm - 9:30 pm (local time). Climate Change Leaders of Nagaland, organizations from all sectors and an expected part of the civil society have been preparing to make this year’s Earth Hour more successful than 2009’s. A global act to fight against Global Warming, Climate Change and to raise awareness about prudent use of energy resources, people across the world will show their solidarity by switching off power and equipments for one hour.
The goal of Earth Hour is to maintain a low carbon economy in addressing the problem of Global Warming and also prove that humankind has every possible chance to take action against climate changes. “Earth Hour will bring together people from all walks of life and unite countries across the planet to show the world we can work together to resolve the issue of Climate Change,” said Earth Hour Co-Founder and Executive Director, Andy Ridley.
Earth Hour 2009 remains as a successful global event with millions of people all over the world observing it. It was also successful in India, where approximately 5 million people turned off the lights and saved 1000 MW of power in just 1 hour. The WWF is hoping that Earth hour 2010 will reach huge millions of people and will become a successful global event than the year 2009. Nagaland joined Earth Hour in 2009 with the support of Government of Nagaland, Kohima Municipal Committee (KMC), Dimapur Municipal Committee (DMC), NEZCC, and Youth Action for Rural Development (YARD) and Music Task Force.
The response from churches, schools and civil society were overwhelming and reassuring like the campaign by school children of Mokokchung, NBCC giving out circulars to all churches across Nagaland, acoustic concerts by various local artistes in Dimapur and Kohima, youth organizations, household campaigns and prayer meetings in Tuensang.
Climate Change Leaders of Nagaland informed that currently Airtel and BSNL are the sponsor networks for Earth Hour and the telecom companies will be sending out two SMS on Earth Hour day so as to reach out to as many people as possible. BSNL representatives are reported to be ‘extremely enthusiastic’ and are trying to negotiate to the rest of north east states as well.
A CCL also revealed that through the advertisement ‘Green Dreams’, there has been a good response and especially from churches. A particular church organization even called up asking how and what information could be announced during evening service. An option for those people who really feel that they cannot totally ‘Switch off’ is to at least switch off ten non-essential lights.
Also, it was let known that Jakhama Students’ Union observes social work on a Saturday of every month with the intention of eradicating polythene bags and to sensitize people on water scarcity; related to deforestation and also on polythene bags that cause blockage of water passage.
CCL also informed that the Dimapur administration has been very responsive to the Earth Hour initiative and has taken ten posters and streamers to give out to the public. CCLs will also be handing out posters and streamers to schools in Kohima and to the Chief Secretary, Secretariat Kohima.
A note issued by Rev. S. Vitoshe Swu from the Western Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (WSBAK) has also informed all the members of the churches under WSBAK to join hands in observing the Earth Hour by switching off the lights in their respective residences for one hour on March 28 from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
CCLs are working with a zero budget but trying to reach out to people and hence “initiative is very important” a CCL mooted and added that changing of people’s mindset is very important to bring about green issues to Nagaland.” On the effective result of observing Earth Hour, the CCL remarked, “In the long run it will get into people’s consciousness and added that it is not only about March 27 but how we can save energy everyday.” With the severity of climate variation badly affecting the land, it is time for one to act and make few changes in life styles by making use of natural resources sensibly.
http://www.morungexpress.com/frontpage/45970.html
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9. Tobu neglected and ignored
Tobu area comprises of more than 20 villages sharing international border with Myanmar. It is far away from its state capital Kohima. Since inception every intellectual have turn a blind eye to this backward area and the innocent people are left only to enjoy their dreary life, totally out from every reach.
It is now more than 50 years since the existing Tobu sub-division was recognized by the state government. Many great political and sincere bureaucrats have come and gone playing their role in various capacities but leaving aside the far-flung backward people, still suffering, no way to go and blame but to keep on crying over the curse of darkness. We too appreciate many development taking place in Nagaland and many new good things coming out in this prone implementations. But why the people coming here are made not even aware of their basic necessities. It is amazing to remark upon the functions of various government offices with no head of departments and their negligence in discharging their duties.
I think it is appropriate to mention some of the few major services through which the people are benefited here; such as the only depended Government hospital existing without doctor and proper medicines, PHE department with no water supply, power department with not even a BSNL office, not even a single telephone connected etc and many others. In this manner people are deprived of their necessities despite of their hue and cry.
Now at this paralytic juncture leaving aside the other habituated and accustomed problems, coming to the present context of the changing world, life is dead without electricity. The sun and the moon has become the only source of light for us. People are also aware of the computerized or say mobile world where nothing could be worked out without power. And it is overwhelming distress to see that there is not even a single line wire connected with electricity in the villages of Tobu area till today.
People are existing but leaving under the curse of darkness and to show the impact of power failure for instance just to get one Xerox copy we have to travel 150-200 kms spending hundred and thousand of rupees and how can they survive tomorrow? In this way we are totally ignored and cut-off from every facilities. Had there been a concern government yesterday, then we have seen the world today. And it would be a miracle for us to see light if the responsible government and the department give us a chance to be a part of your development for better Nagaland.
http://www.nagalandpost.com/ShowStory.aspx?npoststoryiden=UzEwMjM5ODQ%3D-%2Fc4iK3RAm1s%3D
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10. Pallamraju launches BSNLs 3G service
Kakinada: Union Minister of State for Defence M M Pallamraju today launched BSNLs 3G service at a function held here in the evening.
Describing the 3G service as a revolution in communication, he complimented the BSNL for being in the forefront in launching the innovative service and also for rendering effective and reliable landline telephone service and internet facility through broadband connection.
He also complimented the industrial houses and educational institutions for sponsoring laptops to students under the BSNLs novel scheme to spread internet facility through broadband to rural areas.
Stating the Software technology Parks of India (STPI) had ushered a new era in spreading the software technology in Kakinada by creating employment avenues to the engineering graduates in East and West Godavari Districts, Mr Pallamraju asked the BSNL authorities to strive for percolating deep into rural and interior areas the advanced technologies.http://www.mynews.in/News/Pallamraju_launches_BSNLs_3G_service_N41701.html
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11. Global telco vendors must hire Indians
NEW DELHI: Global telecom gear makers like Nokia Siemens, Ericsson, Alcatel-Lucent and others, which maintain and manage mobile networks of
cellphone companies here, must only employ Indian engineers, a government directive said.
“The operation and maintenance of telecom networks should be entirely by Indian engineers and dependence on foreign engineers should be minimal or nil within a period of two years,” the communications ministry said in a notification posted on its website. The government said it would amend licence conditions soon to add the new norms.
Communications ministry officials said new rules were drafted, after the government agreed to demands by intelligence agencies to tighten security norms for the industry that is witnessing an influx of foreign companies and executives.
India is the world’s largest market for telecom gear makers and offers a $150-billion opportunity to vendors over the next five years. All telecom gear makers combined have several hundreds of foreign employees on their rolls in India, according to rough estimates. The new norms may slow down telecom companies’ expansion to rural India.
The networks of India's largest phone firms — Bharti Airtel, Reliance Communications, Vodafone, Tata Tele and Idea — are being managed by either Sweden’s Ericsson, Finland-based Nokia Siemens, China’s Huawei or Paris-headquartered Alcatel-Lucent. Reliance Communications has outsourced its GSM network management to China’s Huawei while Loop Telecom has tied up with another Chinese firm, ZTE, for its GSM rollout across India. The directive also adds that all foreign gear makers will have to manufacture core telecom equipment locally or mandatorily transfer technology to Indian manufacturers within a three-year period.
Security threat
In the interim period, all imported equipment will have to get security clearance from the technology arm of the communications ministry.
“In case of non-compliance of the transfer of technology clause, the vendor/service provider shall be penalised. Criminal proceedings would also be started in this case,” the directive said.
All major vendors, including Ericsson, Huawei, Motorola, have manufacturing units in India, but these are small plants that largely assemble finished products. The new norms will force these companies to upgrade their existing plants, or transfer technology to domestic manufacturers.
The home ministry has repeatedly warned that equipment vendors may install back-door entries, remote logic facilities and also design Trojan horses in networks and hardware they sell to telcos here. This could be used to remotely bring down the network or to monitor the voice and data traffic on it, security agencies have said. The agencies are particularly concerned about Chinese vendors such as Huawei and ZTE.
In August 2009, the government banned BSNL from sourcing mobile networks and other related hardware from Chinese vendors in any region that shared international boundaries. In the same month, facing intense opposition from telecom companies, the government failed in its efforts to limit Chinese telecom vendors to just eight states —Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh. The move was vehemently opposed by mobile firms benefiting from cut-rate Chinese products. As a compromise, it was decided that equipment suppliers must register with DoT, agree to monitoring by security agencies, and obtain clearance to operate from the home ministry.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/jobs/Global-telco-vendors-must-hire-Indians/articleshow/5730081.cms
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12. Working at cross purposes
T. N. Pandey
The income-tax law falls in the domain of the CBDT (Central Board of Direct Taxes) and service tax that of the CBEC (Central Board of Excise and Customs). As the two wings come under the Finance Ministry, one expects no contradictions in the administration of the aforesaid taxes. But the CBEC has been taking a different stand with regard to taxation of services falling within its jurisdiction.
The CBEC, in the context of charitable institutions (Reference Code 07601/23.08.09), had said that exemption under the I-T Act on the ground of they being public charitable institutions is of no consequence/relevance for service tax purposes. This is quite surprising. Now, in the context of service tax on construction activities, inter alia, of residential houses, a contradictory approach is being taken again.
Section 23(2) of the I-T Act, 1961 provides that where the house property is used by the owner for residential purposes, its annual letting value shall be taken as ‘nil' for income-taxation. Further, the second proviso to Section 24 of the Act provides that in respect of such properties constructed after April 1, 1999, by borrowing, a sum up to Rs 1.5 lakh per annum will be allowed as deduction.
Also, under Section 80C(2)(xviii), a sum up to Rs 1 lakh each year can be claimed as deduction for repayment of loan taken to construct the property, including stamp duty, registration and other expenses.
Service tax provisions
The proposals in the Finance Bill 2010 are quite in contrast to the I-T provisions, which are intended to give incentives for housing for residential purposes. The proposals are:
To extend service tax to real estate, including residential units. The proposal is to levy service tax on sale of properties by builders to buyers, if any part of the consideration for the sale is received before the construction gets completed, that is, even before the certificate of completion is issued by the competent authority.
In other words, even in respect of incomplete properties, the construction activity would be considered as creating a taxable event.
Besides, in the proposed legislation there is no clarity whether the levy would apply prospectively to new constructions or also to existing but incomplete constructions, that is, where the bookings have been made and payments are being made in instalments? Whether, in respect of such properties also, after the notification is issued, the builders/developers/promoters would be liable for service tax. To do so, would be unjust.
The basic issue
However, the basic issue is whether in selling a house on outright payment or payment in instalments basis, any service is involved, attracting service tax? In other words, when the properties are sold, whether the sellers are engaged in selling goods or in rendering any service?
An oft-repeated axiomatic statement is that ‘goods' are not services. Hence, any transaction which tantamounts to sale of ‘goods' simpliciter cannot be considered to be involving an element of service.
The term ‘goods' is defined under Section 65(50) of the Finance Act, 1994 to bear the meaning assigned to it in clause (7) of Section 2 of the Sale of Goods Act, 1930, where, inter alia, it is defined to mean “every kind of immovable property.”
In BSNL vs UOI (2006 145 STC 0091 SC), the Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court has laid down five tests to determine what could be considered as goods, namely: there must be goods available for delivery; there must be a consensus ad idem as to the identity of the goods; the transferee should have a legal right to use the goods; such legal right has to be to the exclusion to the transferor; and the owner cannot again transfer the same rights to others.
A builder, when he sells flats/buildings, cannot be said to be rendering any service and, hence, the proposed levy seems to be, prima facie, invalid.
It can, thus, be seen that there are two major issues:
Anomaly in the working of the two departments, that is, one giving concession to house construction and the other imposing tax on their construction, needs to be removed; and
The proposal to levy service tax on sale of residential houses is apparently invalid, and needs to be dropped.(The author is a former chairman of CBDT.)
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2010/03/27/stories/2010032750110900.htm
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13. Now, you can dial a complaint against that errant cabbie
By Santosh Andhale
Posted On Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 02:10:02 AM
An ambitious plan is underway to bring respite to commuters who have to face rude, uncooperative taxi drivers. The transport ministry has announced that it will introduce a toll-free number for registering complaints against errant taxi-drivers.
The number will be displayed on the vehicles and inside, behind the driver’s seat, for the convenience of passengers.
All you will need to do is dial the number and lodge a complaint with the details of the taxi.
The transport department will take punitive action against the drivers with the help of traffic police. This plan was revealed by transport minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, who added, “We are launching the project with BSNL and are waiting to finalise the number.”
What comes as a bonus is that, this toll free number will also be applicable for auto-rickshaw drivers who misbehave with passengers. In fact, it will be mandatory for both taximen and rickshaw drivers to display this number prominently on their vehicles.
One of the most common complaints by the commuters is that taxi and rickshaw drivers refuse to ply to certain destinations and also refuse to ply for minimum fare. According to Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Rules 177, refusal to ply to any destination is a punishable offence for which the traffic police can impose a fine ranging anywhere between Rs 100 -Rs 1,200.
Patil says, “If some commuters have issues with the cabbies, he can connect with the call centre and lodge the complaint. The commuter will be required to explain his complaint and quote the taxi number. With the help of traffic police we will trace the taxi driver and fine him based on the nature of the complaint. The action can vary from suspension of licence to monetary fine. We are also looking at the feasibility of other punitive measures.”
He also pointed out, “Complainant’s name will be kept confidential but to avoid any undue advantage and abuse of the facility, we will fine the drivers only after verifying the facts. The cabbies will have the right to defend himself.”
A L Quadros, secretary of Mumbai Taximen’s Union said, “We hope the issue is discussed in detail with us before the service is launched.”
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/article/2/20100327201003270210023757a4c3d90/Now-you-can-dial-a-complaint-against-that-errant-cabbie.html
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14. New BSNL Broadband Users Get Unlimited Downloads
While private playersare doing all they can to cash in on the recent IPL fever, BSNL, who never seemed least interested in the cashing in on any phenomenon has thrown a surprise and has announceda plan that might just make all you BSNL broadband users happy. Even though existing users would not be benefited by these offers, they can always hope for something on these lines would be introduced for them as well.
BSNL has revealedthe details of a new plan for broadband service that can be availed by users taking a new connection from BSNL. Under this offer, all users who register for the service before March 31 will enjoy unlimited downloads at speeds of up to 2mbps.
BSNL also adds that they will not charge registration charges for these new connections. Note that BSNL will offer speeds of up to 2mbps for the first 15 days on these connections. After the 15 day period, the plan will revert to the one that the customer had originally chosen. Users who chose a plan that offers less than 2 mbps, will get a speed upgrade for 15 days after which the speed will drop. The user will need to pay SecurityDeposit for the opted Broadband Plan and the ModemSecurity Deposit (in case Modem is taken on hire basis from BSNL). These would reflect in the first bill you receive. BSNL has also informed that the minimum period of hire for customers who avail this scheme would be one month. Head to the BSNL website for more information on this.
http://www.techtree.com/India/News/New_BSNL_Broadband_Users_Get_Unlimited_Downloads/551-110162-643.html
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15. Action against 54 government drivers for not using seat-belts
In a drive against those not using seat belts, the traffic control branch of Pune police took action against the drivers of 54 government vehicles, in the last three days.
These included vehicles from the police department, Army, Ammunition Factory, State Social Welfare department, Irrigation department, Health department, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), Agriculture department, Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL), Meteorological department, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and others.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (traffic) Manoj Patil said in a press release that a special drive was launched on March 22 against the drivers of government vehicles who are not using seat belts while driving.
Patil said that as per motor vehicle rules, it is mandatory for the drivers on four wheeler vehicles to use seat belts or safety belts while driving. The rules are meant for the safety of drivers and passengers.
The traffic control branch of Pune police has fined 84,658 persons in the year 2009 for not using seat belts while driving. And since January 2010 till date, the traffic police have taken action against 11,014 drivers for the same reason.
Traffic police claimed that the drive has given good results as it has reduced the number of deaths and serious injuries during the road accidents.
As many as 10 drivers and 10 passengers died in 18 fatal road mishaps involving four wheelers in the year 2008. The number had reduced in 2009, when two drivers and seven passengers were killed in similar road mishaps.
http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Action-against-54-government-drivers-for-not-using-seat-belts/595753/
www.bsnlnewsbyashokhindocha.blogspot.com w-9426201999
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