Category: Telecom

Key Highlights

• Vi launched a baggage protection service for postpaid users
• Available for Rs. 99, it offers Rs. 19,800 per bag if lost beyond 96 hours
• Users must register and report lost baggage within 24 hours

Traveling internationally can be exciting, but lost or delayed baggage can ruin the experience. To help its users avoid such issues, Vodafone Idea has launched a new baggage protection service for its postpaid customers in India. This service is introduced in partnership with US-based Blue Ribbon Bags to provide extra security while traveling.

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Vi’s Baggage Protection Service: Features

• Exclusive for Postpaid Users: The service is available only for Vi postpaid users who recharge with an international roaming plan.
• Partnered with Blue Ribbon Bags: A trusted lost baggage concierge service will handle tracking and compensation.
• Affordable Add-On: Users can activate this service for an additional cost of Rs. 99.
• Compensation for Lost Bags: If a user’s baggage is not returned within 96 hours, they will receive Rs. 19,800 per bag.
• Maximum Coverage: Compensation is available for up to two lost or delayed bags per user.

How The Service Works

• Vi postpaid users must first recharge their SIM with a valid international roaming plan.
• Users can opt for the add-on baggage protection service by paying Rs. 99.
• Before traveling, users need to register their baggage details with the Blue Ribbon Bags.
• If baggage is lost or delayed, users must file a complaint with both the airline and Blue Ribbon Bags within 24 hours of landing.
• Blue Ribbon Bags will track the missing luggage and try to return it. If not found within 96 hours, compensation of Rs. 19,800 per bag (up to two bags) will be provided.

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Why This Service Is Useful

• With over 36 million bags mishandled globally in 2024 (as per SITA’s report), this service offers much-needed protection.
• Blue Ribbon Bags will handle the entire tracking process.
• Users can travel with confidence, knowing they have financial coverage in case of baggage loss.
• At just Rs. 99, this add-on provides significant value.

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Key Highlights

• Airtel flagged 8 billion spam calls in 2.5 months
• 252 million customers were alerted
• Delhi and Gujarat led in spam activity

Within two and a half months, Bharti Airtel has identified over 8 billion spam calls and 0.8 billion spam SMSes in a groundbreaking anti-spam campaign. Airtel has lessened the effect of spam by identifying about a million spammers per day and warning 252 million customers with its AI-powered spam detection system.

Also Read | How To Stop/ Deactivate Airtel, Vodafone, BSNL, JIO SIM Flash Messages On Android, iOS?

Airtel’s Spam-Fighting Initiative Highlights

AI-Powered Solution Launched In September

Airtel introduced its advanced AI solution to detect and alert customers about spam calls and messages in real time.

Massive Scale Of Spam

• Over 6 percent of all calls on Airtel’s network were flagged as spam.
• 2 percent of SMSes were identified as spam.

Impact On Customers

• 252 million unique customers received spam alerts.
• A 12 percent decline in customers answering spam calls was observed.

Landlines: A Surprising Contributor

• 35 percent of spam calls originated from landline numbers.

Geographical Trends

• Spam call targets: Delhi led, followed by Andhra Pradesh and western Uttar Pradesh.
• Spam call origin: Delhi topped with Mumbai and Karnataka trailing.
• Spam SMS origins: Gujarat led, followed by Kolkata and Uttar Pradesh.
• Spam SMS targets: Customers in Mumbai, Chennai, and Gujarat were the most affected.

Spam Patterns

• 76 percent of spam calls targeted male customers.
• Peak spam activity occurred between 12 PM and 3 PM with volumes rising throughout the day.

Regulatory Measures And Results

TRAI Guidelines

• Telecom providers were instructed to implement spam control strategies such as real-time spam detection and URL whitelisting. These rules are met by Airtel’s solution.

DND Numbers And Prefixes

• Service and transactional calls use a 160 prefix.
• Promotional calls appear from 140-prefixed numbers for non-DND subscribers.

Also Read | Keep Spam At Bay: Here’s How To Activate DND On Airtel

Complaint Reduction

Between August and October, the number of registered complaints regarding spam decreased by 20 percent, reaching 1.51 lakh in October.

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Key Highlights

• TRAI’s traceability rule, effective December 11, 2024
• Messages with undefined routes will be rejected
• The rule aims to reduce spam and cybercrime

A new traceability rule has been issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in an attempt to address the growing issue of online fraud and cybercrimes. The rule is set to come into effect on December 11, 2024. From the sender to the recipient, it aims to trace the path of commercial telemarketing messages, particularly OTPs. This will make it easier to spot and put an end to fraudulent activity.

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Purpose

Telecom providers will be able to follow the path of every commercial message from sender to recipient. This contains communications that are frequently used in cybercrimes, such as OTPs. Authorities are able to detect fraudulent senders by following the flow of the message.

Extended Deadline

The traceability rule was initially scheduled to go into effect on November 1, 2024. However, telecom companies including Vodafone-Idea, Jio, and Airtel asked for an extension. After that, the deadline was rescheduled for November 30 and has since been extended until December 11, 2024.

Rejection Of Unidentified Messages

Any commercial messages, including OTPs, that do not follow the pre-approved route or have an unclear sender’s chain will be refused as of December 11, 2024. This implies that the recipient will not receive any telemarketing or OTP messages delivered through unapproved channels.

Tracking Fake OTP Messages

One of the biggest benefits of this rule is the ability to trace fake OTP messages. If you ever fall victim to a fraudulent OTP, telecom companies will be able to identify where the message came from. This feature will help stop cybercriminals from exploiting this method for illegal activities.

Stopping Spam, Fraud

This traceability rule will also help in reducing spam messages and unwanted calls. By tracking where the messages come from and ensuring they follow a legitimate path, the rule will make it much harder for spammers and fraudsters to reach users.

Also Read | Keep Spam At Bay: Here’s How To Activate DND On Airtel

Benefits To Mobile Users

• By tracking the path of messages, telecom companies will be able to easily identify suspicious or fraudulent activity, leading to increased security for mobile users.
• With the growing number of spam calls and fake messages, the new traceability rule comes as a huge relief to millions of users. It will make sure that they are protected from unwanted messages, especially those that might try to steal sensitive information.

For the tech geeks, stay updated with the latest cutting-edge gadgets in the market, exclusive tech updates, gadget reviews, and more right on your phone’s screen. Join Giznext’s WhatsApp channel and receive the industry-first tech updates.

Key Highlights

• New Mobile Number Portability rules from July 1, 2024, aim to prevent SIM swap fraud
• They introduce a seven-day waiting period for issuing UPCs after a SIM swap
• These changes enhance security and protect users’ phone numbers

Starting today (July 1, 2024), the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will implement new rules for Mobile Number Portability (MNP). These changes aim to make mobile phones safer from fraud. One of the key changes is a seven-day waiting period for issuing Unique Porting Codes (UPCs). This is an important move to stop scammers from using your number without permission.

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New MNP Policy: What Is It?

The new rules are designed to fight a type of scam called SIM swap fraud. In this scam, criminals get a new SIM card for your number and use it to steal your personal data or money. The new rules make it harder for scammers to do this by adding more checks before a UPC is issued.

Key Changes

• Seven-Day Waiting Period: If you get a new SIM card, you have to wait seven days before you can get a UPC. This is to make sure that the request is genuine and not a scam.
• Stricter Criteria for UPC: There are now stricter rules to get a UPC. If you request a UPC within seven days of a SIM swap, your request will be rejected.

Why TRAI Changed The MNP Policy

TRAI implemented these changes to safeguard mobile users from fraud. By adding a waiting period after a SIM swap, they hope to stop scammers from easily getting a UPC and stealing your number. This change is meant to make the MNP system safer and more reliable.

How Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Works

MNP allows switching mobile service providers without changing your phone number. To do this, you need a Unique Porting Code. The UPC is like a special key that allows you to move your number from one network to another.

Security Through The New MNP Policy

The new rules are a proactive step by TRAI to keep your mobile number safe. By delaying the UPC issuance after a SIM swap, they add an extra layer of security. This makes it harder for scammers to port your number without your permission. The waiting period gives enough time to detect and stop fraudulent activities.

Benefits Of The New Rules

• Enhanced Security: The waiting period makes it harder for scammers to quickly use your number.
• Consumer Protection: It helps protect your personal and financial information.
• Trust in MNP System: With these changes, people can trust the MNP process more.

Also Read | SIM Provisioned Error: Here’s How To Resolve

Conclusion

The new MNP rules starting from July 1, 2024, are a significant step towards making mobile phone usage safer. By adding a seven-day waiting period for UPC issuance, TRAI aims to protect users from SIM swap fraud. This change ensures that only genuine requests for number portability are processed, keeping your mobile number and personal information secure.

Key Highlights

• Airtel has raised its prepaid and postpaid tariffs by 11-21%, effective July 3, 2024
• Monthly, 2-month, 3-month, annual plans, and add-ons now cost more
• The hikes follow Airtel’s Rs. 6,857 crore investment in 97MHz spectrum for 5G services

Airtel has announced a significant hike in its prepaid and postpaid tariffs. This comes just a day after Reliance Jio increased its own prices. The price hikes range from 11-21 percent and will affect monthly, 2-month, 3-month, and annual plans, as well as add-ons. These new prices will be effective from July 3, 2024, the same day Jio’s new prices come into effect.

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New Prepaid Tariffs

Here are the revised monthly prepaid plans:

• Rs. 199 (old price Rs. 179): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 2GB of data for 28 days.
• Rs. 299 (old price Rs. 265): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 1GB of daily data for 28 days.
• Rs. 349 (old price Rs. 299): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 1.5GB of daily data for 28 days.
• Rs. 409 (old price Rs. 359): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 2.5GB of daily data for 28 days.
• Rs. 449 (old price Rs. 399): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 3GB of daily data for 28 days.

For the 2-month plans:

• Rs. 579 (old price Rs. 479): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 1.5GB of daily data for 56 days.
• Rs. 649 (old price Rs. 549): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 2GB of daily data for 56 days.

For the 3-month plans:

• Rs. 509 (old price Rs. 455): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 6GB of data for 84 days.
• Rs. 859 (old price Rs. 719): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 1.5GB of daily data for 84 days.
• Rs. 979 (old price Rs. 839): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 2GB of daily data for 84 days.

For annual plans:

• Rs. 1,999 (old price Rs. 1,799): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 24GB of data for 365 days.
• Rs. 3,599 (old price Rs. 2,999): Unlimited voice, 100 SMS per day, and 2GB of daily data for 365 days.

New Add-On Tariffs

• Rs. 22 (old price Rs. 19): 1GB of data for 1 day.
• Rs. 33 (old price Rs. 29): 2GB of data for 1 day.
• Rs. 77 (old price Rs. 65): 4GB of data valid till the base plan’s validity.

New Postpaid Tariffs

The revised postpaid plans are as follows:

• Rs. 449 (old price Rs. 399): 1 Connection, 40GB data with rollover, Unlimited calling, 100 SMS per day.
• Rs. 549 (old price Rs. 499): 1 Connection, 75GB data with rollover, Unlimited calling, 100 SMS per day, Disney+ Hotstar (12 months) and Amazon Prime (6 months).
• Rs. 699 (old price Rs. 599): 2 Connections, 105GB data with rollover, Unlimited calling, 100 SMS per day, Disney+ Hotstar (12 months) and Amazon Prime (6 months).
• Rs. 1,199 (old price Rs. 999): 4 Connections, 190GB data with rollover, Unlimited calling, 100 SMS per day, Disney+ Hotstar (12 months) and Amazon Prime (6 months).

Also Read | Keep Spam At Bay: Here’s How To Activate DND On Airtel

Conclusion

The price hikes come right after the spectrum auction where Airtel bought 97MHz of spectrum for Rs. 6,857 crore, primarily for 5G services. With both Airtel and Jio increasing their prices, it is likely that Vodafone Idea will also raise their tariffs soon. Customers will now have to pay more for the same services they were enjoying earlier.

Key Highlights

• Airtel offers new prepaid and postpaid plans with data and Disney Plus Hotstar subscriptions
• Ranging from Rs. 399 to Rs. 1,499, these plans provide up to 200GB of data
• Prepaid plans start at Rs. 499, and international roaming allows streaming for Rs. 133/day

Airtel has launched new data plans for both prepaid and postpaid subscribers, aimed specifically at T20 Cricket World Cup enthusiasts. These plans come with attractive offers, including a subscription to Disney Plus Hotstar, and simplified international roaming packs to ensure fans don’t miss any live action, even while traveling. Also Read | Airtel, Ericsson Test India’s First RedCap Tech On 5G Network: What’s The Buzz?

New Postpaid Plans

Airtel has introduced six new postpaid plans, each designed to cater to the varied needs of cricket fans. Here’s a breakdown of these plans:

• Airtel Rs. 399 Plan: This plan offers 40GB of data and a three-month subscription to Airtel Xstream Play.
• Airtel Rs. 499 Plan: It includes 75GB of data, a three-month Airtel Xstream Play subscription, and a one-year Disney Plus Hotstar Mobile subscription.
• Airtel Rs. 599 Plan: This plan offers 75GB of data plus 30GB for a single add-on number, along with three months of Airtel Xstream Play and one year of Disney Plus Hotstar Mobile subscription.
• Airtel Rs. 999 Plan: It provides 100GB of data plus 30GB for three add-on numbers, unlimited Airtel Xstream Play, and one year of Disney Plus Hotstar Mobile subscription.
• Airtel Rs. 1,199 Plan: This plan includes 150GB of data plus 30GB for three add-on numbers, unlimited Airtel Xstream Play, and one year of Disney Plus Hotstar Mobile subscription.
• Airtel Rs. 1,499 Plan: It offers 200GB of data plus 30GB for four add-on numbers, unlimited Airtel Xstream Play, and one year of Disney Plus Hotstar Mobile subscription.

New Prepaid Plans

Airtel’s new prepaid plans are perfect for fans who prefer a shorter commitment but still want to enjoy their favorite cricket matches live. Here are the details:

• Airtel Rs. 499 Plan: This plan offers 3GB of data per day, totaling 84GB over 28 days. It includes unlimited local and STD calls, a three-month Disney Plus Hotstar subscription, and access to over 20 OTT platforms, including Sony LIV and Airtel Xstream.
• Airtel Rs. 869 Plan: With a validity of 84 days, this plan provides 2GB of data per day, totaling 168GB. It also offers unlimited local and STD calls, a three-month Disney Plus Hotstar subscription, and access to over 20 OTT platforms.
• Airtel Rs. 3359 Plan: Designed for long-term users, this plan offers 2.5GB of data per day, totaling 912.5GB over a year. It includes unlimited local and STD calls, a one-year Disney Plus Hotstar subscription, and access to OTT platforms via the Airtel Xstream app.

Simplified International Roaming Packs

For fans traveling to the US, Airtel has simplified its international roaming packs, which now include in-flight connectivity. This allows fans to live stream matches for as little as Rs. 133 per day, ensuring they don’t miss a moment of the World Cup action.

Also Read | Airtel Xstream AirFiber: How To Buy And Set Up Wireless Home Wi-Fi Connection

Conclusion

Airtel’s new data plans are a great offering for T20 World Cup fans, providing ample data, exciting subscriptions, and seamless connectivity, even while traveling. Whether you’re a postpaid or prepaid user, Airtel has a plan to enhance your cricket-watching experience.

Key Highlights

• Ericsson showcased 5G applications at Imagine Live for better sports and streaming
• Their new 5G toolkit improves gaming and video conferencing
• Ericsson drives 5G adoption in India with collaborations like IIT Kharagpur and IIT Madras

Ericsson’s Imagine Live event provided a platform to showcase the immense potential and innovative applications of 5G technology. The event focused on demonstrating how 5G can transform various industries by offering advanced connectivity solutions. Also Read | MAI Labs Unveils MayaaVerse: A Revolutionary Immersive Tech Platform

5G Differentiated Connectivity

At the heart of Ericsson’s showcase was a new software toolkit designed to enhance the performance of 5G Standalone networks. This toolkit is crucial for service providers aiming to deliver high-quality and reliable services. Key features of the toolkit include:

• Massive MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output): Enhances network capacity and efficiency, allowing for more devices to connect simultaneously without compromising performance.
• Advanced RAN Slicing: Allows for the creation of multiple virtual networks within a single physical network, tailored to specific needs such as gaming or video streaming.
• Time-Critical Communication: Ensures ultra-reliable and low-latency communications, essential for applications like remote surgery and autonomous driving.

These features enable service providers to offer specialized services, such as lag-free mobile cloud gaming and high-quality video conferencing, thus meeting the diverse needs of their customers.

Empowering Service Providers

The enhanced toolkit supports service providers in offering high-performance mobile broadband services. By providing differentiated connectivity, service providers can ensure superior network performance, which is critical for retaining customer loyalty and driving business growth. This approach helps them meet the increasing demands for high-speed and reliable internet services.

Innovation In The Indian Market

Ericsson is playing a significant role in the adoption and innovation of 5G technology in India. The company has been actively involved in research and development, focusing on areas such as AI, 6G networks, and sustainable cyber-physical systems. Ericsson collaborates with prestigious Indian institutions like IIT Kharagpur and IIT Madras to advance AI and 6G technologies, contributing to the country’s technological progress.

Practical Demonstrations Of 5G Applications

Imagine Live featured several practical demonstrations showcasing the capabilities of 5G technology:

• Enhanced Sports Experiences: This demonstration illustrated how sports clubs can leverage network slicing and APIs to engage fans more effectively. By providing personalized and interactive experiences, clubs can enhance fan engagement and loyalty.
• Superior Uplink for Live Streams: This demo showcased the potential of 5G for live streaming through smart glasses. With Uplink Carrier Aggregation, users can experience significantly improved upload speeds, enabling real-time live streaming with enhanced video quality.

Future Prospects

Ericsson’s initiatives extend to enabling private 5G networks for critical infrastructure industries. These networks can enhance worker safety and efficiency by providing reliable and secure connectivity. Additionally, Ericsson is committed to advancing network capabilities, fostering the creation of new business models, and ensuring sustainable development.

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Conclusion

The Ericsson Imagine Live event highlighted the transformative potential of 5G technology. Through continuous research, development, and collaboration, Ericsson is well-positioned to lead the 5G revolution. By driving digital transformation and innovation, particularly in markets like India, Ericsson aims to capture the full value of 5G connectivity.