On 7 November 2002, Idea Cellular announced the launch of its prepaid and post-paid GSM-1800 network in Delhi, at the same time it commercially launched GPRS and MMS. Nokia is the complete systems supplier, and supplied the GSM and GPRS core network, radio access network, Intelligent Network, mobile Internet systems and value-added services.
Nokia supplied its mPlatform, USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Services Data) Centre and messaging solutions including the Nokia SMSC and NAMP (Nokia Artuse Messaging System).
The network rolled out with over 300 cell sites and can be upgraded to EDGE. Idea Cellular says that theoretical data speeds of up to 42Kbps are possible with GPRS. A summary of mobile data charges are as follows:
| |
Internet on Mobile (WAP) |
Wireless Surfing (GPRS) |
MMS |
All in One |
| Services |
Net on your mobile |
Browse Internet onGPRS |
MMS and Interneton Mobile |
Internet on Mobile browsing and GPRS |
| Activation Charge
(INR) |
None |
250 |
500 |
500 |
| Monthly Rental
(INR) |
50 |
200 |
250 |
400 |
| Usage Charge (INR) |
INR 0.30/ KB |
INR 0.30/ KB |
INR 0.30/ KB andINR 5 per picture |
INR 0.30/ KB and INR 5 per picture |
| Free Units |
None |
None |
50 pictures |
50 pictures |
| Source: Idea Cellular |
James Moore, Research Analyst, Asia-Pacific Team is currently working on analysis of MMS launches in the Asia-Pacific. EMC is tracking MMS service launches and subsequent pricing models being adopted by operators.
EMC World Cellular Data Metrics tracks MMSC contract awards, launch status and tariffs among other mobile data indicators, and is backed by EMC's comprehensive research programme tracking cellular operations worldwide.
For more information on EMC World Cellular Data Metrics see: http://www.emc-database.com
