Who will win the race for 5G auction - Airtel, Vodafone Idea, or Reliance?

By: Priya Singh

|

Updated on: 15-Jun-2022

4,921 views

Follow Us:

4,921 views

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has accepted a proposal from the Department of Telecommunications to conduct an auction in which successful bidders would be given a spectrum for offering 5G services to the general public and businesses.

By the end of July 2022, a total of 72097.85 MHz of spectrum with a 20-year validity term will be placed up for sale. Spectrum in the Low (600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz), Mid (3300 MHz), and High (26 GHz) frequency ranges will be auctioned.

Telecom service providers are planning to use the Mid and High band spectrum to bring out 5G technology-based services with speeds and capacities that are estimated to be 10 times faster than what is now feasible with 4G services.

The Cabinet also decided to allow the creation and development of 'Private Captive Networks' to spur new-age industry applications such as machine-to-machine communications, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the automotive, healthcare, agriculture, energy, and other sectors.

Reforms will help telecommunications corporations.

Spectrum is an essential component of the overall 5G ecosystem. The government has already established a 5G test-bed in eight of India's premier technical institutes in order to accelerate the country's adoption of 5G technology.

The 'Indigenous 5G Testbed' project is a long-term undertaking involving a team of more than 50 academics and engineers situated on the IIT-M campus. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is supporting a large-scale 5G initiative with the goal of creating a test bed that is as similar to a real-world 5G deployment as possible. Many commercial installations are based on this testbed.

The profits of the telecom sector changes announced in September 2021 would be used to fund the spectrum auction, according to the government. Zero Spectrum Usage Charges (SUC) on spectrum bought in the future auction are part of the changes. This is expected to save service providers a significant amount of money on telecom network operating costs. Furthermore, the necessity to present a financial bank guarantee equal to one yearly installment has been removed.

Furthermore, for the first time ever, successful bidders are not required to make an advance payment. Spectrum payments can be made in 20 equals yearly installments, payable in advance at the start of each year.

This is projected to reduce the cost of doing business in this industry by dramatically easing cash flow constraints. After ten years, the bidders would have the option to surrender the spectrum with no more obligations for balance payments.

Many telecom carriers were forced into bankruptcy as a result of India's contentious 2G spectrum auction under the previous UPA administration.

The availability of enough backhaul spectrum is also required for the deployment of 5G services. To satisfy backhaul demand, the Cabinet has agreed to award Telecom Service Providers two 250 MHz E-band carriers on an interim basis. In addition, the Cabinet resolved to increase the number of classic microwave backhaul carriers in the existing frequency bands 15, 18, and 21 GHz bands.

The advantages of 5G

The PLI (Production-Linked Incentives) programs for mobile phones and telecom equipment, as well as the introduction of the India Semiconductor Mission, are intended to contribute to the development of a robust ecosystem in India for the launch of 5G services.

The telecommunications regulator The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) suggested a 39 percent cut in the reserve or floor price for 5G spectrum sales for mobile services in April.

The competition will be dominated by telecom service companies Vodafone Idea, Bharti Airtel, and Reliance Industries' Jio Infocomm.

5G networks will be faster, have lower latency, and have more capacity than 4G LTE networks. It is one of the world's fastest and most reliable technologies. 5G offers faster downloads, less latency, and a major change in how we live, work, and play. The future 5G services have the ability to launch new businesses, produce extra money for businesses, and create jobs.

The Department of Telecom has also disclosed that 5G services would be offered in 13 Indian cities at first. After then, it will be implemented in the remaining cities.

The major four metropolitan areas of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai are among the cities that might get 5G services in 2022. Bangalore, the country's software hub, and Hyderabad, the country's rising innovation metropolis, are also on the list. Jamnagar, Gandhinagar, and Ahmedabad are among the others, as are Lucknow, Pune, Chandigarh, and Gurugram. In each of these thirteen cities, Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Jio had put up 5G testing sites.

RBI to Launch Local Cloud Services in 2025, Challenging Global Giants

By: Bhumika

|

Updated on: 18-Nov-2024

21,342 views

Follow Us:

21,342 views

Key Highlights:

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) plans to launch a cloud data storage service in 2025 for financial firms in India.
• This initiative aims to compete with global giants like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure by using local IT companies.
• The cloud platform will help smaller financial firms access affordable data storage options and support the growth of India’s cloud services market.

In an ambitious move to strengthen India's digital economy, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to roll out a pilot cloud service in 2025 aimed at providing local cloud data storage solutions for the country's financial sector. This initiative, which will use local IT companies, seeks to provide an affordable alternative to global cloud giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.

A Growing Market for Cloud Services in India

The cloud services market in India is rapidly expanding. In 2023, it was valued at $8.3 billion, and experts predict it could grow to $24.2 billion by 2028. Despite this growth, most of the market is dominated by foreign companies. The RBI's move to introduce local cloud solutions is seen as a strategic step to create competition and promote data localization, an important part of India's digital policy.

Details of the RBI's Cloud Project

The cloud service pilot will be targeted at smaller financial institutions that find it difficult to afford services from big international providers. The RBI has emphasized that this initiative will be affordable, aiming to help financial firms with their data storage needs without the high costs often associated with foreign cloud platforms.

The cloud platform will be built in phases, starting small and expanding gradually. Initial work will be handled by the Indian Financial Technology and Allied Services (IFTAS), which is part of the RBI's research wing. The RBI has also brought in EY as an advisor for the project. The platform will be designed and developed in collaboration with one or more private tech firms that specialize in cloud services.

Supporting India's Digital Sovereignty

The project aligns with the RBI's push for data localization, which aims to keep financial data within India’s borders. In line with this vision, the RBI is only inviting Indian companies with prior experience in cloud services to bid for the project. These companies will need to set up data centers in key locations like Mumbai and Hyderabad to ensure smooth operations across the country.

The pilot project will be funded by the RBI’s asset development fund, which is valued at ₹2.72 billion. Over time, the RBI plans to invite financial firms to take equity stakes in the cloud platform.

Casio Launches Ring Watch for 50th Anniversary: Compact, Stylish, and Functional

By: Bhumika

|

Updated on: 18-Nov-2024

21,871 views

Follow Us:

21,871 views

Key Highlights:

• Casio's new ring watch, the CRW-001-1JR, celebrates the brand's 50th anniversary and is priced at $128.
• The six-segment LCD shows time, with features like flashing lights, stopwatch, and time zone adjustments.
• Made with advanced metal technology, it’s waterproof and offers a 2-year battery life, but lacks health-tracking features.

Casio is marking its 50th anniversary with the launch of the CRW-001-1JR Ring Watch, priced at $128 and available from December 2024. This compact, high-tech ring is a unique accessory designed for those who want a minimalist, futuristic timepiece. '

Design and Features

The ring watch features a six-segment LCD that shows the hours, minutes, and seconds. It also includes a flashing light function that illuminates at a set time. Despite its small size, the watch includes three buttons for controlling additional features like the stopwatch and time zone settings.

Made using metal injection molding and powdered metal, the ring is durable and features airtight glass bonding, making it waterproof for everyday use.

Battery Life and Durability

Powered by a replaceable battery, the CRW-001-1JR lasts up to 2 years on a single charge. With waterproofing and a sleek design, it’s built for daily wear. However, it doesn’t have the health-tracking features that are common in many smartwatches today, such as heart rate monitoring or sleep tracking.

A Unique Timepiece with Limited Features

While the Casio CRW-001-1JR Ring Watch may not offer the advanced health-tracking capabilities seen in many smartwatches today, its innovative design and durability make it an intriguing option for tech enthusiasts or those looking for a unique, compact timepiece. Whether you're seeking a stylish accessory or simply a different way to tell time, this ring watch provides an affordable and functional choice.

ANARC Smartwatch Launches in India: Premium Features at an Affordable Price

By: Bhumika

|

Updated on: 18-Nov-2024

24,312 views

Follow Us:

24,312 views

Key Highlights:

• The ANARC Smartwatch has officially launched and is now available for Rs 6,999 on the official website.
• It offers a premium stainless steel design, 7-day battery life, and advanced health tracking sensors.
• With features like a 1.85-inch AMOLED display, Bluetooth calling, and IP68 water resistance, it promises great value at an affordable price.

The ANARC Smartwatch has officially launched and is now available for purchase at Rs 6,999 on the Layer website. Designed in London and manufactured in China, this smartwatch brings global expertise to a sleek, budget-friendly wearable. Whether you're looking for a stylish accessory or a fitness tracker, the ANARC Smartwatch promises a range of features that combine both form and function.

Key Features and Specifications

Here’s a breakdown of the standout features of the ANARC Smartwatch:

Premium Build Quality

Crafted from durable stainless steel, the ANARC Smartwatch boasts a premium look and feel, designed to withstand daily wear while offering a long-lasting finish. Whether you’re heading to the office or working out, this smartwatch is built to keep up.

Health Tracking & Sensors

Equipped with a 6-axis Accelerometer and a Gyroscope, the ANARC Smartwatch can accurately track your movements, balance, and activity. It also includes a Heart Rate Sensor for real-time heart rate monitoring, a SpO2 Sensor to track blood oxygen levels, and sleep tracking to help improve your rest. Additional features include stress monitoring and breathing exercises to help manage your mental well-being.

Display and Battery Performance

The 1.85-inch AMOLED display offers a vibrant viewing experience with a smooth 60Hz refresh rate and an impressive 700 nits brightness for visibility even in direct sunlight. The watch is powered by a 350mAh battery, providing up to 7 days of usage on a single charge, making it perfect for those who prefer fewer recharges.

Water Resistance and Durability

With an IP68 rating, the ANARC Smartwatch is water-resistant up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes, meaning it can handle everyday splashes, rain, or a quick dip in water. It’s also resistant to dust, making it a great choice for outdoor use.

Connectivity Features

For seamless connectivity, the smartwatch supports Bluetooth 5.2 for faster and more stable connections. It also offers Bluetooth calling, allowing you to make and receive calls directly from your watch, with noise cancellation for clear audio. Additionally, the smartwatch is compatible with True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earphones for a full audio experience.

What’s in the Box

The ANARC Smartwatch comes with everything you need to get started:

• Smartwatch
• Charging cable
• USB-to-Type-C converter
• Welcome card with setup instructions

Durability Testing

The ANARC Smartwatch has been rigorously tested for durability. It passed several high-stress tests, including the Crown Press Test (50,000 presses), Salt Spray Corrosion Test (48 hours), Micro-Drop Test (6,000 drops), and Humidity Test (48 hours at 95% humidity). The watch also exceeded industry standards for electrostatic discharge resistance, ensuring it can withstand everyday wear and tear.

iQOO 13 India Launch on December 3: Smaller Battery but Packed with Power

By: Bhumika

|

Updated on: 18-Nov-2024

20,123 views

Follow Us:

20,123 views

Key Highlights:

• The iQOO 13, launching in India on December 3, 2024, will feature a 6000mAh battery, slightly smaller than the 6150mAh battery in the Chinese variant.
• Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, it also includes the iQOO Q2 Supercomputing chip for better gaming performance.
• The phone will support 120W fast charging, and come with IP68+IP69 water and dust resistance.
• iQOO 13 will be available in Nardo Grey and Legend Edition (in collaboration with BMW).

The iQOO 13, iQOO’s upcoming flagship phone, will officially launch in India on December 3, 2024. It’s shaping up to be a powerful device, but with one small difference compared to its Chinese counterpart: a slightly smaller battery. Here’s everything you need to know about the phone before it hits the Indian market.

Smaller Battery, Same Performance Power

The iQOO 13 will come with a 6000mAh battery in India, smaller than the 6150mAh battery found in the Chinese variant. While the smaller battery might raise a few eyebrows, it’s still large enough to support a full day of heavy use. Plus, the phone supports 120W fast charging, which means you’ll be able to top up the battery quickly, making it convenient for those who need a quick recharge.

Top-Notch Performance

Inside, the iQOO 13 packs some serious hardware. It will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, paired with the iQOO Q2 Supercomputing chip. This combination promises outstanding performance, particularly for gaming, with 144fps game frame interpolation and 2K super-resolution. So, whether you're gaming or multitasking, the iQOO 13 should handle everything smoothly.

Cool Features and Design

The iQOO 13 isn’t just about raw power — it also comes with unique design elements. The phone features a cool iQOO Monster Halo light around the camera module, which can change colors for different notifications like calls, messages, gaming, and music. The phone also boasts an ultra-slim design, measuring just 0.813cm thin.

For durability, the iQOO 13 comes with IP68+IP69 certification, meaning it is both dustproof and waterproof, capable of surviving brief submersion in water and exposure to dust.

Key Specs Overview

Here’s a quick look at the confirmed specifications of the iQOO 13 for the Indian market:

Pricing and Availability

The iQOO 13 will be available in two color options: Nardo Grey and Legend Edition, a special variant made in collaboration with BMW. It will compete with other flagship phones like the OnePlus 13 and Xiaomi 15 in the Indian market. More details about the device’s pricing and additional features will be revealed closer to the launch date.

Realme GT 7 Pro India Launch on November 26, 2024: Smaller Battery, Same Flagship Power

By: Bhumika

|

Updated on: 18-Nov-2024

21,453 views

Follow Us:

21,453 views

Key Highlights:

• The Realme GT 7 Pro will launch in India on November 26, 2024, with a slightly smaller battery than the Chinese version.
• The Indian model will feature a 5,800mAh battery, compared to the 6,500mAh battery in the China variant.
• Despite the smaller battery, the phone will still support 120W SuperVOOC fast charging.
• It will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and feature a triple rear camera setup, including a 50MP primary sensor and periscope telephoto lens.

Realme is set to launch its highly anticipated Realme GT 7 Pro in India on November 26, 2024. The smartphone, which first debuted in China, will arrive with some notable differences in specifications. While the Indian variant of the GT 7 Pro will still pack high-end features like the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and 120W SuperVOOC fast charging, it will come with a slightly smaller battery than its Chinese counterpart. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming phone.

Smaller Battery but Still Packed with Power

One of the key differences between the Indian and Chinese versions of the Realme GT 7 Pro is the battery size. The Indian variant will have a 5,800mAh battery, while the Chinese model boasts a 6,500mAh battery, which is a 700mAh difference. While this might seem like a downgrade, it’s important to note that the phone will still support 120W SuperVOOC fast charging, meaning you’ll be able to quickly charge the phone even with the slightly smaller battery.

Flagship Performance with Snapdragon 8 Elite Chipset

Under the hood, the Realme GT 7 Pro will be one of the first smartphones in India to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, which is expected to deliver top-tier performance. The phone is also said to score over 30,00,000 on AnTuTu benchmarks, which means it will be capable of handling everything from heavy gaming to multitasking without breaking a sweat. Whether you're gaming, streaming, or working on demanding apps, this phone promises smooth and fast performance.

Impressive Camera Setup

The Realme GT 7 Pro doesn't just excel in performance; it's also designed to capture stunning photos. The phone will feature a triple rear camera setup that includes:

• 50MP Sony IMX906 primary sensor for sharp and detailed photos.
• 50MP Sony IMX882 periscope telephoto lens, which offers 3x optical zoom and 120x digital zoom.
• 8MP wide-angle lens for capturing more of the scene.

Additionally, Realme is touting features like underwater photography, with the phone’s IP69-rated build, which means it can withstand depths of up to 2 meters for 30 minutes. The phone will also have a sonic water-draining speaker that ensures water won’t get trapped inside the device after being exposed to moisture.

Quick Specs Overview

Here’s a quick look at the confirmed specifications of the Realme GT 7 Pro:

Other Notable Features

Beyond the core specs, the Realme GT 7 Pro will come with several other features designed to enhance the user experience. It will have an in-display ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, ensuring secure and fast unlocking. The phone will also offer AI Snap Mode for enhanced photo capture, as well as Live Photo Capture for dynamic, moving images.

Realme is also focusing on durability and usability, ensuring the GT 7 Pro is built to withstand tough conditions, including water exposure and drops, making it a reliable choice for everyday use.