3G connectivity in India?
Note the little icon on the top-left.

A screenshot of my N70’s desktop while descending the Western Ghats en route to Mangalore. Service provider is Airtel. Read the rest of this entry »

The long awaited decision to conduct a global auction for the Indian 3G spectrum is finally out with the Communications Minister Andimuthu Raja saying that the licence auction would be held by December and the process would be “fully transparent.”

AirTel and Vodafone are expected to be the big players during this auction, which might also see international players like AT&T.

Five operators will initially be allowed for each circle. State-run BSNL and MTNL will get one allocation each out of the 22 telecommunications circles in the country. However, the New Delhi and Mumbai circles will only see two to three operators being allowed, Raja said.

“The number of operators can go up to 10 in the circles… when more spectrum becomes available,” Raja said, in a move boosting competition.

What 3G essentially will essentially mean for the 280 million mobile users in India is better data speeds, enhanced voice quality, video conferencing, video streaming, among other services that need high-speed data connectivity. It would also decongest the networks allowing for lesser call-drops.

What it means for the Apple iPhone users? You can now make complete usage of those apps that are bundled with the iPhone 3G. Imagine streaming videos off YouTube without lag on your iPhones. Sounds good? Let the wait begin.

[Thanks Abhishek]

I’ve been bringing my readers constant updates about Airtel and the Apple iPhone 3G. Why not let me deliver those updates to you via email? It’s free, and zero spam/advertising. You’ve got nothing to lose.

Vodafone iPhone 3G in India

There you go, after nearly one and a half months after the Apple iPhone 3G hit stores abroad, Indians will finally be able to get their hands on the iPhone 3G from Vodafone on August 18th. Pricing and other details are unknown at this moment, but updates will be delivered on this blog as and when the news comes out. Stay tuned.

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I’ve been bringing my readers constant updates about Airtel and the Apple iPhone 3G. Why not let me deliver those updates to you via email? It’s free, and zero spam/advertising. You’ve got nothing to lose.

Indians anxiously waiting for the release of the Apple iPhone have been given a jolt by the Telecom regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in the form of increased base price of 3G auctions.

The revised base price for the 3G services has been set to Rs. 2200 crore, up from the previously set Rs.1400 crore for a Pan-India license.

To put it in simple terms, companies have to bid for their share of the 3G spectrum in India. TRAI sets the base price above which the bids fall. By increasing this base price, TRAI is causing the companies to invest heavily. What this means for us? Increased tariff for 3G. And we need 3G if we want to experience the complete features of the iPhone.

Ready to pay more?

Read the rest of this entry »

Saw Subbu’s list, and it reminded me to note down my list. The list is in order of preference and/or need.

• DELL SP2208WFP 22″ TFT — I love this! However, I might settle on a 19″ TFT instead. Suggestions welcome. This is needed ASAP to replace my decade old 14″ CRT always-5months-pregnant monitor. GOT THIS.
• External 500GB/750GB HDD — My current 300GB+40GB combo has almost run out of space. Low disk space warnings appear on multiple drives! I’m planning an external hard disk because that way I can use it with the laptop. GOT THIS (although I settled for an internal 750gig HDD).
• SONY MDR-XD200 Headphones — I need this pretty badly. Every time I play music or even watch a movie, parents downstairs start to complain. 8-) And besides, I can’t Counter-Strike without a headphone. GOT THIS. Check review.
• DELL Inspiron 1525 — Well this depends on which college I get into since most of the colleges in my list give a free laptop on admission. But it is one heck of a sexy laptop.
• Logitech Cordless mouse — Previous cordless Logitech mouse is screwed. Using a spare 4-yr old optical mouse now, and that has put my gaming off. Haven’t decided on which model to buy. Corded or cordless will depend on whether I get a laptop or not. Current choices — G5 or MX518. Was also planning for the G15 keyboard. Having used it at the SKOAR! expo, I know I WANT it. Then again, there’s nothing wrong with the current keyboard I have. GOT THIS. Got a Logitech MX518.
• Better, more ergonomic, comfortable chair — The current one is not made for the desk I’m using. So kinda hinders my usage of the keyboard+mouse, not to mention give me a pain in the back.
• Lite-On DH-20A4P-08 DVD-RW — Dunno if this is the best, but this sure is the last thing on my list. It’s been years since the DVD became a common part of life, and yet, I have no desire to want one. I have teh Internet, and teh pen drive. But I guess with a drive costing ~1.2k, I can buy it now.

Suggestions welcome people.

Edit: This post was written on July 1st, 2008. It was, however, published on June 1st, 2008. I beg of you not to ask questions, atleast for the sake of my respect (if any left)! I’ve republished this on July 3rd, 2008. Sorry.

Edit 2: Post updated on 9th of July, 2008. Bought a WesternDigital 750GB hard disk, a Logitech MX518, and the Dell SP2208WFP.