Desktop Reporting at its Worst!: ProPakistani

Desktop Reporting at its Worst!
Mobilink Ahead in the Smartphones Race, Others Better Catch Up!
Skype Coming to Sony BRAVIA and Other TVs
PTA Issues Procedures for MVNOs Numbering Plan
Dell Inspiron Mini [Preview]
PRI – An Unexplored Market for Mobile Operators

Posted: 07 Jan 2011 12:43 PM PST

Desktop Reporting at its Worst! is a post from: ProPakistani

These days more and more people are shifting from newspapers and in part from TV channels to their corresponding e-versions.

I used to read a couple of newspapers in the morning but now I just point my browser to BBC and other news websites when I want to know what's happening in the world.

With this fundamental shift in how we obtain information, it is of paramount importance that our sources be reliable and up to date.

Unfortunately, this is not the case – as our conventional newspapers/TV channels lift content from the internet (without quoting) and not with enough knowledge on the topic.

During this, they miss out information or misrepresent facts. You don't have to look far and deep to confirm this.

The author seems unaware that the movie in question, "The Tourist" actually stars Johnny Depp as a lead, not Brad Pitt. Furthermore the article says that it's Angelina Jolie's and Brad Pitts' first movie together, which is wrong. Their first movie together was "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" which premiered in 2005.

This is simply unacceptable. Geo is a major player in the news and entertainment market and them publishing such inaccurate articles is a travesty. One wonders how many of their other articles go published without any sorts of checks and verifications.

Here's another example.

The irony is they claim to be the number one newspaper in Pakistan. The link to the firewall in question is: http://swaf.seecs.nust.edu.pk/project.php

As you can see it's actually a project being offered to the finals year students at NUST. Here's an excerpt from the project description.

"Semantic Web application Firewall is a research group in UG block at ground floor (SEECS)"

The article claims that the firewall was actually designed by a leading Japanese company and NUST professionals aided the development. – insert a facepalm here – Its quite clear on the homepage for the SWAF that NUST are working in close collaboration with a Japanese company DTS mainly and not the other way round.

One might think that the reporters just grab random parts of interesting news from internet and color it according to their taste.

IF this is so, which seems the case, I question their claim of being the number 1 newspaper. Being the best also means to produce the best stuff, a fact being ignored apparently.

The bottom-line is that major newspapers and TV channels need to realize that the editorial and reporting quality that goes into their channels and news should translate to their internet counterparts too. With inaccurate articles like these, they are only losing readers as well as being made punch lines of jokes.

Thanks to Bilal Bajwa and Kamran Bukhari for tipping us on this

Mobilink Ahead in the Smartphones Race, Others Better Catch Up!

Posted: 07 Jan 2011 04:53 AM PST

Mobilink Ahead in the Smartphones Race, Others Better Catch Up! is a post from: ProPakistani

By Talha Adil

With the recent turn in technology and the rise of ubiquitous computing the world over, it comes as a little surprise that not much has been happening to promote this 'new technology' era in Pakistan.

Although, there has been a gradual transferal in trend of cell phones users shifting from ordinary mobile phones usage such as making and receiving calls and messaging towards more value added services offered by the new generation of smart phones including emailing, documents viewing, gaming, photos and video capturing and even editing and what not.

The irony however, lies in the fact that there is very little support for these technology savvy smart phone features in the market and mobile service providers are doing little in their own capacity to promote the trend and accommodate for the shift in the nature of use of mobile phone technology.

With tablet computers being the new 'IN' thing the world over nowadays, in Pakistan, we've hardly seen telecom companies actively involved in promoting the smartphones revolution in our country.

Perhaps, Mobilink is the only one to date who has done a commendable job in taking initiative of starting the smartphones revolution in Pakistan back in 2005 when they first launched BlackBerry.

At that time, only the elite, the corporate and the professional could think of using the BlackBerry because of its usage and benefits of ultimate connectivity.

However, as the years have passed, the trend of using smartphones started shifting as mobile phone manufacturing companies like Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, HTC etc. started making smartphones for both low as well as high-end consumers.

At present, customers have a lot to choose from when it comes to purchasing a smartphone. We have BlackBerry, IPhone, Android phones, Windows Mobile phones, and two-in one tablet computer phones too.

However, once again, unlike in West, when a technology comes, it is very well supported by the complimenting service provider, in our country this practice is not so common yet.

Right now, only Mobilink has taken the step of introducing a variety of smartphones in collaboration with mobile companies like Samsung, Motorola and HTC and have launched Galaxy Tablet, Milestone and HD7 respectively in local market but others are still stuck at BlackBerry.

The question that now rises seeing the diverse lineup provided by Mobilink is, where are all other mobile service providers and why have they kept a distance from the needs of their customers so much that we actually feel deprived from what has become very ordinary the world over?

As of now, Ufone, Warid and even Telenor have only introduced various BlackBerry handsets but do we as tech savvy Pakistani consumers only need telecom support for BlackBerry only? Just to mention Zong came up with a low priced android handset, but this market definitely demands for more.

Every single user of a smartphone has a different set of needs and is comfortable with using a specific kind of smartphone for example, I am a hardcore Android phone person and I will never go for a BlackBerry. In that case then, I may opt Mobilink to go with because they have got what I want. It is time for the rest to follow the lead and move on!

Skype Coming to Sony BRAVIA and Other TVs

Posted: 07 Jan 2011 04:42 AM PST

Skype Coming to Sony BRAVIA and Other TVs is a post from: ProPakistani

Skype, the most popular software for VOIP calling solution for all kind of computing and mobile devices, has announced to include more televisions to get skyped.

In the ongoing CES 2011, Skype announced that it has partnered with more TV manufacturers to make them skype-enabled . Yes, you will be able to use Skype calling solutions on your big TV screens.

Customers will be able to call their contacts with audio and video, join conference calls, and call phone numbers abroad and even get calls to their online number if they have one.

Currently Samsung and Panasonic are on-board with built-in skype feature, while Sony BRAVIA and VIZIO VIA TVs with skype are supposed to get shipped later this year.

To read more details and to view compatible models click here.

According to skype spokesmen Mr. Jonathan Christensen,

I'm pleased to let you know that Sony and Vizio plan on shipping Skype-enabled Sony BRAVIA and VIZIO VIA TVs later this year, joining the products from Panasonic and Samsung that are already available to buy.

We've also been working with Panasonic and Sony to make it easy for you to get Skype on your existing TV. Soon you'll be able to buy a Skype-enabled Panasonic or Sony Blu-ray Player and webcam and enjoy rich, real-time video conversations with friends and family around the world from your living room.

Ubiquity, intimacy, accessibility: this is what Skype is all about. I'm proud to say that we're keeping our promise of letting you make video calls wherever you choose, including from your TV. So here's to looking at you – or to you looking at your wife, grandchild or best friend — for free, from the comfort of your couch.

PTA Issues Procedures for MVNOs Numbering Plan

Posted: 06 Jan 2011 08:50 PM PST

PTA Issues Procedures for MVNOs Numbering Plan is a post from: ProPakistani

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has issued draft of numbering procedures to be utilized by upcoming Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) for their services to Pakistan's customers, we have confirmed with sources.

MVNOs in collaboration with their partners Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) or cellular operators will further plan their numbers under the guidelines of the authority.

PTA directed all interesting MVNOs to submit their numbering plans prior to commence their service operation keeping mandatory features in the subscribers numbers including Mobile country code (MCC), Mobile network code, (MNC), National destination code (NDC) along with geographic number as per ITU-T recommendations.

410 is the mobile country code for Pakistan
2-digit Mobile Network Code (MNC) = 00 to 99
2-digit National Destination Code (NDC) 03x where x = 0 to 9)
MSIN (Mobile Station Identification Number) is allotted by mobile network operator

The authority will allocate numbering block of 5000 numbers against previously allocated NDC of particular mobile operator to MVNOs against each city/district/location.

MVNOs shall submit numbering utilization plan for requesting additional numbering block.

PTA directed all cellular mobile operators to reserve the pool of numbers for MVNOs and pass on this information to PTA along with fees if applicable. MVNOs will submit advance annual number charges along with application processing fee for number allocation as per "Numbering administration & allocation regulations 2005".

Sources in the PTA said that MVNOs are likely to obtain license this year as they have been exchanging detailed and persistent inquires with the authority regarding business environment of cellular sector in Pakistan.

PTA's officials are very hopeful to introduce MVNOs in coming couple of years as operators with financially sound standing have been in the contact with the authority.

PTA officials said the genuine MVNOs are likely to negotiate with operators once they finalize discussions on policy and regulations with PTA.

Mobile operators, on the other hand, did not receive any satisfactory response from MVNOs.

However, an MVNO, Friendi Mobile was engaged with Zong shunned its 100 million dollar deal in the same year subsequently PTA set the license fee.

So far, not a single MVNO has started its business in the country since its policy framework had been rolled out in October 2009. According to policy, the license fee was set at US$ 5 million for the period of 10-year, which was considered as astronomical high by the industry experts.

The regulatory measures for development of MVNO's services were taken late in Pakistan.

As per cellular phone policy 2004, the MVNO policy framework should have been issued in 2006, which was made public in 2009. After more than one years of policy, there is no report that MVNO has apparently shown interest to work in Pakistan though MVNOs have been growing significantly in other countries of the world.

Dell Inspiron Mini [Preview]

Posted: 06 Jan 2011 08:45 PM PST

Dell Inspiron Mini [Preview] is a post from: ProPakistani

Manufacturers: Dell

Class: Inspiron Mini

Model: Mini 10

Price: Rs.32,000 approx

Specs Overview:

Operating System: Win 7 Home Starter
Processor: Intel atom 470 (1.8GHz)
RAM: 1 GB DDR3
Hard Drive: 250 GB
Battery: 6 cell, 7 hours max
Display: 10.1" LED Display
DVD-ROM: None
Webcam: 1.3 MP Integrated Webcam
Wireless: Wireless Network Card 802.11b/g/n
Bluetooth: Dell Wireless Bluetooth Module

Unlike the past reviews, this time I have decided to focus on something that is becoming the trend very fast. Being a student I have seen many other students leaving the big bulky laptops and going for minis or net book.

So this week, we will try to find out if it's a system for you or not.

Looks Stylish:

This little machine obviously looks stylish. Its compact and small design is definitely worth a second look. Its design is based on the larger inspiron laptops.

The ports and connectors are also placed neatly on the sides. There are no touch buttons on the keyboard like the usual laptops but still has accounted for that functionality in its keyboard keys.

No Multi Tasking:

In these mini machines, multi tasking can be done but not without difficulty. You can use programs like explorer, MS office and media player at one time but not anything heavier.

Basically it can perform multi tasking for programs related to lighter office work only. You cannot even have two parallel installations sometimes. You can not open programs like Adobe Photoshop or any such heavier 2 or 3 programs at a time. It would not generate an error or anything but its performance would be very slow.

Light as the Wind:

The laptop is pretty impressive in terms of weight even with a six cell battery. It weighs hardly a KG. The smaller screen size also makes it easier to work for a longer time because it does not cause stress for your eyes.

Carrying it around is almost as easy as carrying a cell phone with you. It would fit in a briefcase or a small carrying case with utmost ease.

Overheating?

Although I have used many systems myself, but I must say this is one of the best in terms of generating heat – because it does not get even a little hot after working continuously for 3,4 hours.

I have seen people using it even in blankets or bed sheets and never complaining about the heat. (But this definitely does not mean that you should try this too)

Windows 7 Starter:

Most of you will have no experience using windows seven starter editions because usually Win 7 Basic or Win 7 Ultimate is used.

Starter edition has some features missing as compared to other more expensive editions. I am not sure about how much starter costs or if it's even available but Win 7 Basic costs Rs. 7,500 and Win 7 Premium costs around Rs. 9,000.

Some of the missing features are as weird as not having the ability to change your wallpaper. This thing, not being a problem, can be irritating for many users.

Pre-Installed Software:

There are some preinstalled software like Win 7 Starter, McAfee Anti virus and the basic programs that come preinstalled. In terms of software, this machine is not much to talk about.

Good Speakers:

The speakers are somewhat small but are good in terms of quality. Sound is usually not an issue and there is a headphone jack too in case you like to use head phones.

Official Rating: 4/5

Underline:

It is a good system for office, home and business applications but only if you don't have to run very heavy programs.

PRI – An Unexplored Market for Mobile Operators

Posted: 06 Jan 2011 08:40 PM PST

PRI – An Unexplored Market for Mobile Operators is a post from: ProPakistani

Primary rate Interface (PRI) is a service level of Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) which gives specifications for carrying multiple voice and data transmissions between a user and the network.

In layman terms, PRI is a standard which help provide services for business concerns and offices which are operating digital PBXs for their cellular communication needs.

There are a large numbers of organizations and call centers which have immense communications needs and need to make thousands of calls over all networks such as fixed line, mobile operators etc.

At this current time, organizations & companies need to have digital PABXs in which they keep Sims of different mobile operators and make calls through these SIMs.

With PRI, they do not need any SIM, as their exchanges can directly be connected to the nearest cell site or MSC of the concerned service provider.

This connection is usually based on fibre optic although other mediums can be used. For this purpose, the services of a local loop operator are utilized who provides this medium, at a monthly rent of course.

The advantages of a PRI solution are as follows:

Multiple channels over a single line (24 line in T1 and 32 in E1)
Having a large numbers of SIMs may result in service deterioration but PRI solves this by directly being connected to the nearest cell site or MSC
Billing is made easier, instead of individual bills, customer can be billed for actual utilization
Better network utilization on the side of the cellular service operator
Customer gets the advantage in terms of better rates. Currently most of the postpaid packages being offered by service providers are based for individual users. Think of it in terms of retail and whole sale. Currently packages being offered are retail, once you shift to PRI, you will be offered rates in wholesale

Currently such solutions are being offered by PTCL since it has its own fibre optic backbone but cellular operators have rarely ventured into it.

This could be due to licensing problems with PTA since the licenses were issued for GSM services, and according to some legal experts, cellular companies are not allowed fixed line telephony whereas others have the opinion that this is not fixed line telephony.

Whatever the legal opinions, cellular companies should explore this solution. Big business/corporate customers should also look into this option to get better deals.