Notable Regional Developments

Asia/Pacific

South Korean operator SK Telecom will launch an ultra-mini wireless pico projector as a follow-up product to its Smart Beam “appcessory,” which it launched in 2012. These products enable smartphone users to project images from mobile devices onto a wall, with the difference being that the original Smart Beam needs a wire, whereas the ultra-mini does not. Appcessories, app-enabled peripheral devices that function in a complementary relation to mobile devices, are starting to be seen by telecom providers as revenue opportunities.

Europe

Mobile operator Tele2 Netherlands is partnering with e-office, a digital work-space provider, to expand mobile device management (MDM) service for its business customers. The operator has sought the partnership to ensure that employees of its business customers are able to securely access their organizations’ networks remotely.

Latin America

The Chilean government has announced that the country’s ChileGob Wi-Fi Zones program began the implementation of its first phase in July. With this first step, the program deployed 196 free access points in over 150 locations in the country. The second phase of this project, which will begin in September, will include an additional 416 Wi-Fi access points. Users, who access the internet through these free hotspots, will be able to remain online for up to 30 minutes per session.

Middle East/Africa

MTN Swaziland has launched MTNEducare, a website that contains past examination papers that high school students can download to prepare for their own final exams. The site also provides other school information and forums and discussion boards that students can use. This initiative is part of the operator’s corporate responsibility program.

North America

U.S. operator AT&T will be the exclusive provider of the Samsung Rugby 4 mobile phone. This device will extend the operator’s push-to-talk options to over 20 handsets. The phone, which features a larger and louder speaker than previous models, has Wi-Fi connectivity and a navigation system for customers who subscribe to AT&T Navigator. The device also comes with military-grade protection against temperature, dust and sand, shock and water.

The above item appeared in a recent issue of Tarifica's "The Story of The Week", a weekly report that analyzes noteworthy developments in the telecoms industry from around the world. For past issues or to learn more about The Story of The Week :  http://www.tarifica.com/storyoftheweek.aspx