Vodafone is not the only carrier concerned about the arrangement: Debitel has lodged a complaint with the German telecommunications regulator about T-Mobile's strategy, claiming that the practice of linking a device to a single network is not permitted.
T-Mobile sells the iPhone with a 24-month contract.
The matter seems to be self-inflicted from Apple's perspective. From the start, Apple has asserted that the iPhone is unsubsidised, even though its business model involves taking a cut of the carriers' revenues associated with iPhone usage.
One possible outcome is that Apple and T-Mobile may offer German buyers an unlocked iPhone at a large premium, perhaps as much as the cost of 24 months service.
The main disadvantage of using an iPhone on an 'unofficial' carrier is that the handset's visual voicemail feature would not work, as it relies on modifications to the carrier's voicemail system. According to one report, 5000 iPhone buyers are already using the Vodafone network.
A full hearing of the matter is expected to begin within two weeks. If T-Mobile's position is upheld, it may sue Vodafone for any damage suffered while the preliminary injunction is in effect.
The iPhone goes on sale in France later this month. So far there is no official word about how Apple and Orange will comply with French unlocking requirements.
Link
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
iSuppli seminar goes deep on iPhone plans
iSuppli will host an incisive look at the iPhone and its immediate impact on the entertainment and mobile phone industry on 28 November.
The analysts are hosting an event entitled, Apple's iPhone and its immediate impact on the entertainment industry on Wednesday, 28 November at 8.30am US Pacific time (around 4.30pm, UK time).
The researchers reveal that more than 1.1 billion mobile phones will be shipped worldwide in 2007 - but only 4.5 million iPhones - giving the product only a fractional percentage of the total market.
"Why does iSuppli believe that a device with such miniscule market share will have a revolutionary impact on the mobile multimedia market?" asked David Carnevale, vice-president of multimedia content and services for iSuppli.
"The simple answer is: It’s easy to use, so it promotes greater usage. But in fact, the iPhone is influencing a complex web of technologies, business arrangements, competitors and consumer expectations that will have a huge impact on all participants in the global mobile-handset, multimedia and entertainment industries," he adds.
The event aims to show how participants in the multimedia, handset and semiconductor markets can learn from Apple’s iPhone strategy, and asks how important 3G really is to multimedia handsets.
The webinar will also take a look at Apple's iPhone product roadmap, and its potential impact on other company strategies.
Link
The analysts are hosting an event entitled, Apple's iPhone and its immediate impact on the entertainment industry on Wednesday, 28 November at 8.30am US Pacific time (around 4.30pm, UK time).
The researchers reveal that more than 1.1 billion mobile phones will be shipped worldwide in 2007 - but only 4.5 million iPhones - giving the product only a fractional percentage of the total market.
"Why does iSuppli believe that a device with such miniscule market share will have a revolutionary impact on the mobile multimedia market?" asked David Carnevale, vice-president of multimedia content and services for iSuppli.
"The simple answer is: It’s easy to use, so it promotes greater usage. But in fact, the iPhone is influencing a complex web of technologies, business arrangements, competitors and consumer expectations that will have a huge impact on all participants in the global mobile-handset, multimedia and entertainment industries," he adds.
The event aims to show how participants in the multimedia, handset and semiconductor markets can learn from Apple’s iPhone strategy, and asks how important 3G really is to multimedia handsets.
The webinar will also take a look at Apple's iPhone product roadmap, and its potential impact on other company strategies.
Link
So, Apple Is Not Spying On iPhone Users After All
Yesterday the blogosphere erupted when evidence surfaced that Apple was potentially spying on iPhone users. Now other bloggers are claiming that Apple is not spying on its users. So which is it?
According to German site Heise Online, the user IMEI isn't being transmitted. Here is a look at the issue:
While the code says "IMEI," which stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, it seems that the actual IMEI is not transmitted. Using a sniffer, Heise says they were able to get the information that the applications are actually sending. The strings aren't the same as the test iPhone's IMEI and, in fact, each application sends its own unique code.
According to further testing by Rene at blog docpool, these IDs are identical in all iPhones he has tried. The most plausible explanation: the codes could be just application identifiers. Rumor smashed. Mystery solved. Time to get a bourbon at Big Joe's.
So it seems as if the IDs are all the same, so the iPhone isn't really transmitting IMEIs, it's just labeling some form of code as such. It's still not clear what Apple is doing with this data -- or if this process actually compromises users' privacy. But so far, it looks like it doesn't violate privacy.
I guess that ends that. Or does it? What do you think? Is Apple actually collecting user-specific information from iPhone users? Or is this just all just paranoia?
Link
According to German site Heise Online, the user IMEI isn't being transmitted. Here is a look at the issue:
While the code says "IMEI," which stands for International Mobile Equipment Identity, it seems that the actual IMEI is not transmitted. Using a sniffer, Heise says they were able to get the information that the applications are actually sending. The strings aren't the same as the test iPhone's IMEI and, in fact, each application sends its own unique code.
According to further testing by Rene at blog docpool, these IDs are identical in all iPhones he has tried. The most plausible explanation: the codes could be just application identifiers. Rumor smashed. Mystery solved. Time to get a bourbon at Big Joe's.
So it seems as if the IDs are all the same, so the iPhone isn't really transmitting IMEIs, it's just labeling some form of code as such. It's still not clear what Apple is doing with this data -- or if this process actually compromises users' privacy. But so far, it looks like it doesn't violate privacy.
I guess that ends that. Or does it? What do you think? Is Apple actually collecting user-specific information from iPhone users? Or is this just all just paranoia?
Link
T-Mobile Germany ordered to allow iPhone use on rival carriers
The German carrier has been given to the close of business on Wednesday to alter its marketing (subscription required) of the Apple handset to reflect the Court's demands. The change in conditions will reportedly be valid until another hearing before a Hamburg court, which is expected in two weeks.
For its part, however, T-Mobile is standing firm, claiming that its marketing model for the iPhone is correct. In a statement Tuesday, it said that sales of the Apple handset are continuing and that it reserves the right to claim damages from Vodafone.
As was reported yesterday, T-Mobile rival Vodafone Deutschland filed for the motion because it wants the German court to review T-Mobile's exclusive marketing rights to the iPhone in Germany, which it believes are in breach of local German laws.
"We're not taking any plans to replicate these actions anywhere else, or in the U.K.," a Vodafone spokesman told the Journal. "It's a different regulatory environment."
Specifically, Vodafone is objecting to the iPhone being restricted for use only on T-Mobile networks and also questions T-Mobile's fare packages for the iPhone, which are limited to just three.
Vodafone Deutschland chief executive Friedrich Joussen was quoted on Monday as saying his firm's goal was not to prevent sales of the device but rather to allow for consumers to purchase iPhones without restrictions.
"We want the iPhone to be available to everyone without being tied to a contract," he said.
Although mobile carriers have historically declined to share service revenues with handset makers, the allure of iPhone has allowed Apple to successfully do just that with AT&T Inc. in the U.S., Telefonica's O2 in the U.K. and Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile in Germany -- garnering what is believed to be an approximate 10 percent share of service revenues in each case.
The Journal notes that Apple tried to secure a similar exclusive deal in France with France Telecom SA's mobile operator Orange, but due to French consumer law other telecommunications companies have been selling the iPhone, offering contracts with rival operators Bouygues Telecom, the telecom division of Bouygues SA, and Virgin Mobile.
In its statement Tuesday, T-Mobile Deutschland said it will oppose the preliminary injunction filed by Vodafone.
Link
For its part, however, T-Mobile is standing firm, claiming that its marketing model for the iPhone is correct. In a statement Tuesday, it said that sales of the Apple handset are continuing and that it reserves the right to claim damages from Vodafone.
As was reported yesterday, T-Mobile rival Vodafone Deutschland filed for the motion because it wants the German court to review T-Mobile's exclusive marketing rights to the iPhone in Germany, which it believes are in breach of local German laws.
"We're not taking any plans to replicate these actions anywhere else, or in the U.K.," a Vodafone spokesman told the Journal. "It's a different regulatory environment."
Specifically, Vodafone is objecting to the iPhone being restricted for use only on T-Mobile networks and also questions T-Mobile's fare packages for the iPhone, which are limited to just three.
Vodafone Deutschland chief executive Friedrich Joussen was quoted on Monday as saying his firm's goal was not to prevent sales of the device but rather to allow for consumers to purchase iPhones without restrictions.
"We want the iPhone to be available to everyone without being tied to a contract," he said.
Although mobile carriers have historically declined to share service revenues with handset makers, the allure of iPhone has allowed Apple to successfully do just that with AT&T Inc. in the U.S., Telefonica's O2 in the U.K. and Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile in Germany -- garnering what is believed to be an approximate 10 percent share of service revenues in each case.
The Journal notes that Apple tried to secure a similar exclusive deal in France with France Telecom SA's mobile operator Orange, but due to French consumer law other telecommunications companies have been selling the iPhone, offering contracts with rival operators Bouygues Telecom, the telecom division of Bouygues SA, and Virgin Mobile.
In its statement Tuesday, T-Mobile Deutschland said it will oppose the preliminary injunction filed by Vodafone.
Link
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
'Go Green' With Your Wireless Phone
MORRISTOWN, N.J., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- November 15th is the America Recycles Day and Verizon Wireless encourages all wireless customers to make a difference by recycling their no longer used wireless equipment. Verizon Wireless was the first wireless carrier in the nation to collect and recycle old cell phones and has done so since January 1999 -- first in New York and New Jersey and then across the U.S. The company offers the following tips on how to 'go green' while saving money, the environment and, quite possibly, someone's life.
RECYCLE: Consumers and businesses can recycle their no-longer-used wireless phones through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine(R) program. HopeLine accepts wireless phones and accessories in any condition from any manufacturer or service provider. Simply drop-off your phone, battery and accessories at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store and the company will dispose of them in an environmentally sound way. To date HopeLine has:
-- Kept more than 200 tons of electronics waste and batteries out of
landfills.
-- Collected nearly 4.2 million wireless phones.
-- Properly disposed of nearly 1 million wireless phones.
-- And in cooperation with Call2Recycle(TM) recycled more than 170,000
pounds of batteries.
REUSE: Phones collected through HopeLine are refurbished, resold and reused whenever possible. Proceeds from HopeLine are donated to domestic violence advocacy groups or used to purchase wireless phones for survivors. As a result of HopeLine, Verizon Wireless has donated:
-- Over $4 million in cash grants.
-- More than 45,000 phones with airtime to domestic violence prevention
organizations.
-- Locally, HopeLine's direct and in-kind donations total nearly $700,000
including more than $150,000 to the New York City Family Justice
Center Initiative.
REDUCE: When left plugged in, empty cell-phone chargers consume standby or 'phantom' energy. The same goes for all chargers. To help save energy - and energy costs -- consumers should plug all chargers (cell phone, digital camera, mp3 player etc.) into a power strip and switch it off when not in use. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates appliances and home electronics are responsible for about 20 percent of a typical home's energy bill. Simply unplugging appliances, electronics and their chargers, when not in use, can save each household hundreds of dollars a year.
For store locations and additional information about HopeLine, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 63.7 million customers. The largest U.S. wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, NJ, with 68,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone . Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Link
RECYCLE: Consumers and businesses can recycle their no-longer-used wireless phones through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine(R) program. HopeLine accepts wireless phones and accessories in any condition from any manufacturer or service provider. Simply drop-off your phone, battery and accessories at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store and the company will dispose of them in an environmentally sound way. To date HopeLine has:
-- Kept more than 200 tons of electronics waste and batteries out of
landfills.
-- Collected nearly 4.2 million wireless phones.
-- Properly disposed of nearly 1 million wireless phones.
-- And in cooperation with Call2Recycle(TM) recycled more than 170,000
pounds of batteries.
REUSE: Phones collected through HopeLine are refurbished, resold and reused whenever possible. Proceeds from HopeLine are donated to domestic violence advocacy groups or used to purchase wireless phones for survivors. As a result of HopeLine, Verizon Wireless has donated:
-- Over $4 million in cash grants.
-- More than 45,000 phones with airtime to domestic violence prevention
organizations.
-- Locally, HopeLine's direct and in-kind donations total nearly $700,000
including more than $150,000 to the New York City Family Justice
Center Initiative.
REDUCE: When left plugged in, empty cell-phone chargers consume standby or 'phantom' energy. The same goes for all chargers. To help save energy - and energy costs -- consumers should plug all chargers (cell phone, digital camera, mp3 player etc.) into a power strip and switch it off when not in use. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates appliances and home electronics are responsible for about 20 percent of a typical home's energy bill. Simply unplugging appliances, electronics and their chargers, when not in use, can save each household hundreds of dollars a year.
For store locations and additional information about HopeLine, visit www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline.
About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation's most reliable wireless voice and data network, serving 63.7 million customers. The largest U.S. wireless company and largest wireless data provider, based on revenues, Verizon Wireless is headquartered in Basking Ridge, NJ, with 68,000 employees nationwide. The company is a joint venture of Verizon Communications and Vodafone . Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.
Link
Broncos & Verizon Wireless phone collection
Wireless phone collection drive Oct. 29 at INVESCO Field at Mile High Stadium
Verizon Wireless and the Denver Broncos are teaming up for the fifth consecutive year to help curb domestic violence. Fans attending Oct. 29 home game are invited to donate used wireless phones and accessories to benefit victims of domestic violence through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine® program.
HopeLine drop boxes will be located outside Gates 7 and 10 at INVESCO Field at Mile High Stadium from 4 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. on Oct. 29.
Through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program, used wireless phones, batteries and accessories from any service provider are recycled, or refurbished and sold. Verizon Wireless uses the proceeds to award grants and to donate wireless phones with prepaid airtime to local shelters and non-profit organizations to aid survivors of domestic violence. Last year, Broncos fans donated more than 350 used wireless phones and accessories to the program.
"Verizon Wireless is pleased to partner with the Broncos for the fifth straight year during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month," said Melanie Braidich, regional president for Verizon Wireless. "We encourage Broncos fans to donate their no longer needed wireless phones and accessories to help us provide a HopeLine to more victims of domestic violence, an epidemic affecting more than one out of every three American women during their lifetime."
In the past five years, the company has awarded nearly $250,000 in HopeLine grants to Colorado domestic violence agencies and has donated hundreds of HopeLine wireless phones with prepaid airtime to domestic violence agencies across the state.
Wireless phones and equipment can be donated to the HopeLine program year-round at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store across the country.
Link
Verizon Wireless and the Denver Broncos are teaming up for the fifth consecutive year to help curb domestic violence. Fans attending Oct. 29 home game are invited to donate used wireless phones and accessories to benefit victims of domestic violence through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine® program.
HopeLine drop boxes will be located outside Gates 7 and 10 at INVESCO Field at Mile High Stadium from 4 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. on Oct. 29.
Through the Verizon Wireless HopeLine program, used wireless phones, batteries and accessories from any service provider are recycled, or refurbished and sold. Verizon Wireless uses the proceeds to award grants and to donate wireless phones with prepaid airtime to local shelters and non-profit organizations to aid survivors of domestic violence. Last year, Broncos fans donated more than 350 used wireless phones and accessories to the program.
"Verizon Wireless is pleased to partner with the Broncos for the fifth straight year during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month," said Melanie Braidich, regional president for Verizon Wireless. "We encourage Broncos fans to donate their no longer needed wireless phones and accessories to help us provide a HopeLine to more victims of domestic violence, an epidemic affecting more than one out of every three American women during their lifetime."
In the past five years, the company has awarded nearly $250,000 in HopeLine grants to Colorado domestic violence agencies and has donated hundreds of HopeLine wireless phones with prepaid airtime to domestic violence agencies across the state.
Wireless phones and equipment can be donated to the HopeLine program year-round at any Verizon Wireless Communications Store across the country.
Link
Nigeria: PNN to Develop 105 Mobile Phone Retail Outlets
Hilda Esin
Lagos
Private Networks Nigeria Limited (PNN), an NCC licensed telecommunications company, set up to provide various telecoms services in the communications sector and the winner of the Best Value Added Service Provider for Year 2004, at the Nigerian Telecoms Awards, has announced that it has secured additional funding for her operations from Aureos West Africa Fund (AWAF). AWAF is injecting Four million dollars (USD 4 Million) into PNN to expand her operational base as well as introduce various new innovative service offerings.
Speaking at a media parlay recently, Alhaji AbdulRahman-Abiola-Odunowo(AJ) confirmed that the investment of AWAF in PNN will further position PNN in taking leadership position in her 4 core areas of operations. "As you are aware, PNN has been in the fore front of providing integrated site maintenance within the telecommunications sector since 2003. With this investment, PNN will now be able to expand its capacity to effectively manage between 2,000 and 3,000 BTS within Nigeria and West African sub region. Also, PNN will in the nearest future be offering sales of mobile phones and accessories in the One hundred and Five (105) retail outlets it will be opening during the next 12 months"
Also speaking at the media parlay, Mr. Jacob Kholi, the Managing Partner for Aureos West Africa Jacob Kholi, the Managing Partner of the AWAF, said that the investment in PNN fits well with its portfolio strategy of identifying and investing in companies that have strong fundamentals in their respective industries. He noted that the investment will strengthen the company ahead of its competitors to enable it take advantage of the many opportunities in the telecoms services sector and facilitate the generation of good returns to all stakeholders.
Link
Lagos
Private Networks Nigeria Limited (PNN), an NCC licensed telecommunications company, set up to provide various telecoms services in the communications sector and the winner of the Best Value Added Service Provider for Year 2004, at the Nigerian Telecoms Awards, has announced that it has secured additional funding for her operations from Aureos West Africa Fund (AWAF). AWAF is injecting Four million dollars (USD 4 Million) into PNN to expand her operational base as well as introduce various new innovative service offerings.
Speaking at a media parlay recently, Alhaji AbdulRahman-Abiola-Odunowo(AJ) confirmed that the investment of AWAF in PNN will further position PNN in taking leadership position in her 4 core areas of operations. "As you are aware, PNN has been in the fore front of providing integrated site maintenance within the telecommunications sector since 2003. With this investment, PNN will now be able to expand its capacity to effectively manage between 2,000 and 3,000 BTS within Nigeria and West African sub region. Also, PNN will in the nearest future be offering sales of mobile phones and accessories in the One hundred and Five (105) retail outlets it will be opening during the next 12 months"
Also speaking at the media parlay, Mr. Jacob Kholi, the Managing Partner for Aureos West Africa Jacob Kholi, the Managing Partner of the AWAF, said that the investment in PNN fits well with its portfolio strategy of identifying and investing in companies that have strong fundamentals in their respective industries. He noted that the investment will strengthen the company ahead of its competitors to enable it take advantage of the many opportunities in the telecoms services sector and facilitate the generation of good returns to all stakeholders.
Link
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