BSNL Offers the cheapest 3G Mobile Internet Packs as of September 2014

It is observed that Operators are hiking Data tariffs while also chalking plans to increase Data consumption by users by introducing various apps related to data consumption. The entire Telecom Industry has been struggling with tariff wars and hikes with Operational Expenditures inflating month by month. Observing the scenario no operator appears to be considering reduction in voice and Data prices while the Operators themselves were also a reason for killing SMS.

Table showing New 3G BSNL Data packs:

BSNL DATA PACK	Price
240MB	Rs39
500MB	Rs78
1GB	Rs139/155
2GB	Rs251
5GB	Rs561
7GB	Rs821
10GB	Rs1011
20GB	Rs1949
Extra Data Charges Beyond free usage	2p/10KB

However, in case of BSNL Mobile Internet DATA STVs when compared are cheaper than any of the private operators. BSNL has the largest 3G Coverage and continuously expanding its Network in unreachable areas all across the country.

While I don’t draw any conclusions regarding the Qos offered by BSNL at this point of time but i can definitely say these stvs are cheapest and most affordable when compared.

Dear Readers which Network are you using for 3G services and how do you feel about the services offered. Do let us know your experiences across various circles via comments.

IFA 2014: Sony Xperia Z3, Z3 Compact and Z3 Tablet Compact announced

Sony has just taken the wraps off its next flagship device, the Xperia Z3 and joining it is the Xperia Z3 Compact and Xperia Z3 Tablet compact. Let us take a look at what each of the device is offering:

Sony Xperia Z3

Sony Xperia Z3

The new flagship comes in just 6 months after the launch of the Xperia Z2. It comes with a slight upgrade under the hood over the last generation in the form of a 2.5 GHz quad core Snapdragon 801 processor, a 3GB RAM and an Adreno 330 GPU. It gets the same screen as the last one which is a 5.2 inch full HD unit. It sheds off 11 grams of weight over the last generation and loses 1mm of thickness as well.

It makes use of Sony DSEE HX audio technology for an enhanced audio experience and its build quality surely makes you look twice at it.

Sony Xperia Z3 Specifications

• 5.2-inch Triluminos display with Live Colour LED and a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It is powered by the X-Reality engine.
• 2.5 GHz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, Adreno 330 GPU, 3GB RAM
• Android 4.4.4 KitKat
• 16GB of internal storage which can be expanded further by 128GB
• 20.7MP rear camera with Exmos RS sensor and a 2.2MP front facing camera. The rear camera supports 4K video recording while the front one supports full HD video recording.
• IP65/IP68 certified for water and dust proofing
• It tips the scales at 152 grams and its thickness stands at 7.3mm
• 4G LTE /3G HSPA+, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with GLONASS, MHL 3.0 and NFC
• Black, white, green and copper colours
• 3100 mAh Battery with STAMINA mode which allows for usage for a longer duration

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact

Xperia Z3 Compact

The successor to the Xperia Z1 compact packs in quite a punch for a device of its size. It gets a 4.6 inch 720p display which is an up from the 4.3 inch unit of the Xperia Z1 and gets a bigger battery too (2,600 mAh from 2,300 mAh). Sony has tried to keep the essence of making it a mini version of the flagship by carrying over almost everything in the hardware department.

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact Specifications

• 4.6 inch Triluminos display with a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels with the X-Reality engine powering it.
• 2.5 GHz quad core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor
• Adreno 330 GPU
• 2GB RAM
• Android 4.4.4 KitKat
• 16GB of internal storage which can be expanded further by 128GB
• 20.7MP rear camera with Exmos RS sensor and a 2.2MP front facing camera. The rear camera supports 4K video recording while the front one supports full HD video recording.
• IP 65/68 certified for water and dust proofing
• Its thickness stands at 8.9mm and weighs 129 grams
• 4G LTE /3G HSPA+, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS with GLONASS, MHL 3.0 and NFC take charge of connectvity
• Black, white, green and orange colours
• 2600 mAh Battery with STAMINA mode

Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact

Sony likes to call its the “slimmest and lightest waterproof tablet” and it is basically a Sony Xperia Z3 packed into a tablet. It will be one of the better tablets when it goes on sale. The tablet will pose quite a lot of threat to the likes of the Nexus 9 and the next generation of iPad Mini. It has an 8 inch display with Contrast Enhancement. It comes with a matte rear finish and ditches the glass panels of the Xperia Z3 for it.

Sony Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact Specifications

• 8-inch display, 1920 x 1200 pixels
• Android 4.4.4 KitKat
• 2.5GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processor, Adreno 330 GPU, 2GB RAM
• 16GB of internal storage which can be expanded further by 128GB
• 8.1MP rear camera and 2.1MP front camera
• IP 65/68 certified for water and dust proofing
• Its thickness stands at 6.4mm and weighs 270 grams. This weighs pretty less when compared to many and slim waistline makes it really easy to hold it.
• Black and white colours
• 4500 mAh Battery which provides upto 13 hours of video playback

The three devices will be launched in October globally and their pricing will be one of the key factors determining their success.

IFA 2014: Sony Xperia E3 and Xperia E3 dual announced with 4.5-inch screen

Sony has just launched the Xperia E3 and Xperia E3 dual at their IFA 2014 event. The E3 Dual as the name suggests is just the dual-SIM version of the regular Xperia E3.  The Xperia E3 will be a mid-range Android smartphone aimed at the likes of the new Moto G. It comes with 1.2GHz quad-core Snapdragon 400 processor coupled with Adreno 305 GPU and 1GB of RAM. It brings LTE connectivity on a budget.

• 4.5-inch LCD display,  854 x 480 pixels, capacitive multitouch
• Android 4.4 KitKat
• 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor, Adreno 305 GPU, 1GB RAM
• 4GB of internal storage, microSD card slot (up to 32GB)
• 5MP primary camera with autofocus and LED flash, VGA front-facing secondary camera
• dual SIM, 4G LTE, 3G HSPA+, Bluetooth v4.0, Wi-Fi, GPS with A-GPS and microUSB v2.0 port
• 2330 mAh battery, STAMINA Mode
• Colours: Black, White, Lime and Copper

It will succeed the Xperia E2 and will look towards bringing 4G LTE experience on a budget. Let us see how things pan out for it in the future.

Asus Fonepad 7 (2014) launched in India for Rs 8,999

Asus showcased the 2014 version of the Fonepad 7 in India alongside the launch of the Zenfone series a few weeks ago. It has now launched the tablet in India at a price of Rs 8,999 which makes it the cheapest tablet from a renowned manufacturer. It is also cheaper than the last generation of the Fonepad 7 and is slightly lighter on specs. It gets voice calling abilities and dual SIM functionality. Let us take a look at its specifications:

Asus Fonepad 7 (2014) Specification Details:

• 7 inch display with a resolution of 1024 x 600 pixels
• 1.2 GHz dual core Intel Atom Z2520 processor
• PowerVR SGX544 GPU
• Android 4.3 Jelly Bean with ZenUI on top of it. It is upgradable to Android 4.4 KitKat too which is quite good.
• 1GB RAM
• 4GB of internal storage which is further expandable by 64GB via a microSD card slot
• 2MP rear camera and VGA front camera
• 3G HSPA+, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, GPS and Dual SIM with dual standby for connectivity
• 3950 mAh battery
• Red, Blue, Black and White colours
• Rs 8,999

It is expected to be popular among the people looking for a budget tablet with calling abilities.

TRAI to initiate the Consultation process for Upcoming bout of Spectrum Auctions

The Telecom Authority of India (TRAI) began its consultation for the upcoming rounds of auctions to be held for mobile operators. The licenses were issued based on 20 years basis according to which license of some of the Telecos like Vodafone, Airtel, Idea and Rcom are set to expire this year.

The consultation process will help in determining the reserve price of spectrum to be auctioned for a total of 18 service areas spread across 900MHz and 1800 MHz These spectrums are primarily used for facilitating service based on Mobile GSM technology.

The Companies will be able to renew their licenses by shelling out a fixed fee but they are expected to bid afresh for continuing Mobile and other wireless services. TRAI has clearly outlined that it will segregate the spectrums.

TRAI further added that “In future, spectrum will not be bundled with the license. The license to be issued to telecom operators will be in the nature of a unified license? and the license holder will be free to offer any of the multifarious telecom services, In the event the license holder would like to offer wireless services, it will have to obtain spectrum through a market driven process.”

This Auction is expected to replenish the Government’s coffers by Rs 9,355 Crores. The open house discussions will be held on September 22. Government had set a revenue target of Rs 40, 847.06 crore in the fiscal year of 2013-14. The Auctions in February helped the Government to earn revenues exceeding Rs61,652 Crores which is well over the in target.

Airtel To offer 5GB of free 4G data for Samsung S5 4G LTE (G900I)

Indian operators are ramping up the spread of 4G networks throughout India. Airtel is going one step ahead by offering free 4G data for the recently launched Samsung Galaxy S5 4G LTE (G900I) in India. According to our sources, says Airtel will be offering 5GB of free 4G data per month for 2 months to all the Samsung S5 4G LTE (G9000I) users in India, though, there is no official confirmation from Airtel yet. We would advise you to check with Airtel customer care before opting into the 4G plans which are described below.

Offers For Samsung Galaxy S5 4G LTE (G900I)

1. Postpaid Offer: 5 GB 4G data per month for 2 months on special 4G data packs / boosters.
2. Prepaid Offer: 5 GB 4G data per month for 2 months.

Process to activate 4G LTE on Samsung Galaxy S5 4G LTE (G900I) for Postpaid Users

1. Insert special Airtel 4G SIM (USIM) into your new Samsung S5 4G LTE (G900I)
2. Choose special 4G data plans (boosters for myPlan) amongst Rs 450, Rs 650, Rs 999
3. After plan change, SMS GET4G to 51619 to claim the offer
4. Offer will be activated within 48 hours of receiving the SMS request

Process to activate 4G LTE on Samsung Galaxy S5 4G LTE (G900I) for Postpaid Users

1. Insert special Airtel 4G SIM (USIM) into your new Samsung S5 4G LTE (G900I)
2. Benefit will be automatically provisioned from the backend within 4 hours

Terms & Conditions

1. These offer are available  only in Bengaluru, Kolkata and Punjab (Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Patiala, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, Phagwada).
2. Plan change can be done at nearest Airtel store or through the call centre.
3. New customers have to first activate their 4G SIM before inserting it and using it.
4. Offer not applicable on corporate connections.
5. Post usage of free data VBC charges may apply
6. Offer valid till 31st October’14.

Samsung Galaxy S5 price drops to Rs 40,000 on various online stores

After being launched at an exorbitant price of Rs 51,500, the Samsung Galaxy S5 price has been dropping significantly. As we reported, the first price drop for Galaxy S5 came in late last month when it dropped to Rs 46,000 on Flipkart. After the news spread, Samsung came out and clarified that they did not drop the price officially. But today, prices of the Samsung Galaxy S5 have been dropped around Rs 40,000 on multiple online stores including Flipkart, Amazon and IndiaTimes Shopping.

Samsung Galaxy S5 Price In India

At this price, buying the Galaxy S5 seems worth the money. Its rivals, Apple iPhone 5S, HTC One M8 and Sony Xperia Z2 are priced at Rs 46,560, Rs 44,995 and Rs 44,999 respectively. All these rival smartphones are priced over Rs 5,000 higher than the Galaxy S5. This has been the case with Samsung’s flagship smartphone offerings every year. Samsung manages to launch its smartphones earlier than other brands and then keeps on dropping the prices faster than its rivals to attract more buyers. Would you buy the Galaxy S5 at this price? Or would you still shell out some extra money for better alternatives?