Samsung ends Nokia’s rule by becoming top cellphone brand in 2012

First time in last 14 years, Finland based cellphone maker Nokia has lost its top position as top mobile phone brand to arch rival Samsung. During 2012, Samsung is expected to capture 29% market share in global cellphone shipments compared to 24% during 2011 while Nokia’s share came down from 30% to 24% during the corresponding period.

Moreover, Korean giant Samsung extends its lead over Apple in smart phone market by capturing 28% share in 2012 compared to Apple’s 20% share. Samsung enjoyed just 1% lead over Apple during 2011 in smart phone category which is the fastest growing segment in cellphone market. Biggest loser in this category is BlackBerry maker RIM whose share has come down from 11% to 5%.

Research firm IHS expects smart phone shipments to grow by 35.5% during 2012 while overall cellphone market could experience flat growth at 1%. As a result, smart phone penetration could reach 47% in 2012 compared with 35% in 2011. It is estimated that by the end of 2013, smart phone share would cross 56% of total cellphone market.

India Wireless Telecom Market: July 2012

Click the following link to read detailed report

India Wireless Telecom Market: July 2012

MTNL says “NO” to 2G auction

State run mobile telecom operator MTNL has no plans to participate in upcoming 2G spectrum auction. MTNL chairman clarified that as the company has sufficient spectrum and license to run its existing operations, it has no intention to participate in the bidding process.

Notably, Etisalat, S Tel and Loop Telecom all of them lost their licenses and have no intentions to participate in 2G auctions. MTNL’s decision to pull out of auctions coupled with deteriorating financial condition of other telecom operators would mean that the government would certainly find it difficult to get attractive revenue out of 2G auctions.  

Mobile SIM connectivity limit for foreign visitors is 3 months in India

Indian telecom regulator put a limit of 3 months on mobile connectivity of foreign visitors in India in order to reduce misuse of mobile SIM cards.

As per new guidelines by Department of Telecommunications (DoT), telecom companies must not issue SIM cards to foreign visitors beyond validity of their tourist visa period or three months whichever is lesser.

Also, it would be necessary that foreign visitors should provide proof of address and the address of a local reference to avail new mobile connection.