Coca-Cola partners with Vodafone Idea & eBest IoT to introduce Connected Coolers to understand consumer behavior

Coca-Cola India, one of the country’s leading beverage companies, has collaborated with Vodafone Idea Business Services, the enterprise arm of Vodafone Idea Limited, the largest telecommunications service provider in India and eBest IoT, to introduce state-of-the-art Connected Coolers across the country. The IoT enabled fleet of Connected Coolers will enable Coca-Cola to understand consumer behaviour and use the insights to enhance consumer experience.

Under the partnership, Connected Coolers will be powered by Vodafone SuperIoT – an industry-first solution that enables end-to-end management of device, application, connectivity, service platform, support and security. The technology will also equip Coca-Cola’s partners to manage inventory, sales tracking, monitor usage pattern and track locations, thus enabling them to increase sales and enhance customer experience.

Commenting on the collaboration, Sanjay Rawal, Chief Information Officer for Coca-Cola India and South-West Asia said, “Coca-Cola’s portfolio is expanding, and we are harnessing the power of technology to get consumer insights which can help us engage better with our consumers and provide choices tailored to their location and behaviour. The connected cooler is the next milestone in our journey towards digitizing the marketplace and establishing a connected environment with our consumers. We are delighted to have partners like Vodafone Idea Business Services and eBest IoT.”

To ensure that customers get the best taste, this IoT solution has turned static cabinets into intelligent assets through a sensor that detects temperature, humidity and door closing/opening and helps maintain the quality of the bottle of Coke delivered to the customer.

Announcing the partnership with Coca-Cola India, Nick Gliddon, Chief Enterprise Business Offer, Vodafone Idea Business Services said, “Vodafone Idea Limited is extremely pleased to partner with a global leader like Coca-Cola India to bring the benefits of Internet of Things closer to the consumers. As organisations embark on their digital journey, collaborations like this will enable them to harness the power of IoT, driving innovation and growth. I am confident that the introduction of Connected Coolers is the beginning of Coca-Cola’s journey in building a digital ecosystem for deepening their engagement with the Indian consumers.”

Karan Bakshi, Chief Executive Officer at ebest IoT said, “We are extremely happy to partner with Coca-Cola India for our Connected Retail Solution. We are confident that our solution will provide relevant insights to Coca-Cola and help them realize better ROI on their Cooling assets”

The pilot for the Connected Coolers has been successfully completed and they will be introduced in phased manner across the country.

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Airtel customers to get Rs 2000 cashback on purchase of new 4G smartphones

Airtel India today followed the footsteps of Reliance JIO and announced Rs 2000 cashback on purchase of new 4G smartphones. The cashback will be credited in user's MyAirtel app in form of 50 Rs coupons, 40 in number. 

These digital coupons can be redeemed on subsequent recharges on select prepaid packs of Rs. 199 & above or postpaid bill payment of Rs. 399 & above. Vani Venkatesh, Chief Marketing Officer said, “As customers upgrade their smartphone this festive season, we want to delight them with exclusive benefits under our recently launched customer program #AirtelThanks. We invite all our customers to make the most of the offer.”

Customers can buy the new 4G smartphone from any online or offline store. To avail the offer, customer will have to insert a 4G SIM in a new 4G smartphone on or before October 31, 2018. The coupons will auto-apply on every subsequent recharge or bill payment via My Airtel App and will be valid only for the first 40 months of being credited to the customer’s account. Only one coupon can be availed at the time a recharge or bill payment. For more details, log on to www.airtel.in

#AirtelThanks is Airtel’s biggest customer program which aims to delight its valued customers with exclusive benefits. Under the program, Airtel mobile and home broadband customers will get access to privileged benefits including premium content, offers on devices and red carpet customer care. The benefits will be digitally delivered through MyAirtel App, Airtel TV & Wynk Music 

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Ericsson launches customized network solutions for the Indian market

Ericsson announced that it is bringing the best of technology innovations to the Indian market to enable a smooth evolution from 4G to 5G. The company has introduced a new category of radio products called Street Macro; a new site type that addresses the need of operators to grow in cities with limited available radio locations. The company has also launched new radio products that support Massive MIMO technology. These products enable a smooth evolution from 4G to 5G and address the need for increased capacity, while simplifying use for wider adoption.

All installed base of radios from the Ericsson Radio System delivered since 2015 will be 5G NR-capable by a remote software installation. Ericsson recently completed its 5G platform with the launch of 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) commercial software, based on the recently approved first 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) standard. The 5G radio network software complements Ericsson’s already launched baseband and 5G radios. Operators can simply activate their 5G networks and take the first steps with commercial 5G capabilities and new applications leveraging advanced mobile broadband services.

This will cater efficiently for growing data traffic and enable access to multimedia content, such as 4K/8K video streaming and virtual reality/augmented reality. According to Ericsson’s new economic study of enhanced mobile broadband, evolution to 5G will enable 10 times lower cost per gigabyte than current 4G networks. To help operators capture growth opportunities presented by new 5G use cases, Ericsson has expanded its 5G Core System offering with new capabilities to support 5G NR and also enhanced its Distributed Cloud solution.

Nitin Bansal, Managing Director, Ericsson India said, “Operators today are looking at ways and means to increase network capacity especially in urban areas. It is here that Ericsson’s Street Macro adds a new layer in the network layer to boost capacity enabling service providers to cater to the growing demands of data users. Our studies in fact indicate that Enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) will be the first large-scale global 5G use case, driven by a need for more efficient networks and better user experience.”

The announcement came on the sidelines of Ericsson’s annual technology roadshow in India, where the company recreated a “Do Zone” to showcase the highlights from Mobile World Congress 2018. Over 20 state of the art proof points were displayed at the ‘Do Zone’ to give a glimpse of the future that will be enabled by 5G.

Build your 5G Future on Today’s 4G – Efficiencies and business innovation can be created today on 4G. By running scenarios on a city model, we showcase Centralized and Decentralized Radio Architecture, Core and RAN Virtualization, Network Slicing, 5G deployment scenarios, Transport Evolution, among other technological deployments on the road to 5G.

VR Experience Optimization – As networks evolve to 5G, issues in the E2E scenario will need to be addressed to ensure best end-user experience. The demo deals with scenarios where ‘App Experience Optimization’ detects issues like latency spikes and low throughput, suggests and implements actions to improve end-user experience.

NFV here and now – NFV is a prerequisite for 5G. It is crucial to enable efficiencies and agility to support new business. The demo showcases Ericsson’s complete distributed NFV-based core network, ready for delivery for 4G and 5G platform. It enables shorter TTM for new services and higher efficiency with short upgrade cycles.

Cellular for Massive IoT – NB-IoT and Cat-M1 leverage existing network infrastructure, open up great business and revenue growth potential for mobile operators with new services and applications. This proof point addresses the potential use cases with the new technologies and Ericsson e2e Massive IoT solutions.

Mixed Reality Mining – This demo displays the future concepts on AR and VR which can be adapted for a mining use case. It offers users a chance to experience what could be done with great connectivity, i.e. 5G, precise positioning, and augmented, mixed and virtual reality (AR/MR/VR) in a mining context.

Insight Driven Automated Operations – Data-driven network analysis in real time enables more precise service operations and Customer Experience Management, thereby creating more value. Ericsson Expert Analytics makes analytics-driven CEM a reality by creating insights based on unique real-time network correlations across different domains. After many years of work with standards and technology, 5G is moving into the commercial phase. To date Ericsson has signed 39 memorandums of understanding with service providers for trials. Even more importantly, Ericsson has signed several commercial contracts with deliveries already by the end of this year.

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Videocon Telecom forays into Indian Security and Surveillance market; launches CCTV brand WallCam

Videocon Telecom announces its entry into fast growing Rs 6600 Cr Security and Surveillance market with its new brand of ‘Videocon WallCam’. The brand will bring in wide range of security and surveillance products with its prime focus on Video Surveillance products to cater Enterprise, Government, institutional and retail (residential and small commercial set-ups) segments.

Videocon WallCAM products

In addition to basic Video Surveillance products such as AHD (Analogue high definition), IP (Internet Protocol )& wireless cameras, DVRs & NVRs, Video-Door Phones, intrusion alarms etc; the brand will also offer customized security solutions to institutional, corporate and government sector including PTZ (Pan, Tilt & Zoom) and vandal proof cameras, mobile vehicle cameras, access control systems, scanners and detectors, number plate reader solution, central monitoring system, boom barriers, X-Ray baggage inspection system, cloud storage with secure remote access etc.

The company has finalized its range of products to be offered in the institutional and retail market segments, and is now scouting for system integrators and Distributors for its Go to market. The company is also seeing a lot of synergy from its existing business lines including its Broadband business for IP based solution, cloud storage and access; and DTH business for installation of CCTV. 

Videocon is already engaged in select Government and Enterprise Security & surveillance projects and has bagged many prestigious accounts in the domain, and with the launch of its own brand, VideoconWallCam is eyeing 15% of the organized player market share by the end of FY 2019 and aims to be among the top 3 players in the category by 2021. 

Riding on its diversification into new business verticals like security and surveillance, smartphone accessories, smart homes & city solutions and Mobile VAS, Videocon Telecomis targetingtopline revenue of INR 300 Cr during the FY 2017-18.The company’s existing business lines including Broadband & FTTH business in Punjab, Haryana & Himachal Pradesh; Wholesale ILD Carrier business; Smart Solutions and Tower business are projected to contribute a topline revenue of INR 1358 Cr during theFY taking the total consolidated revenue to INR 1658 Cr in the current financial year.

Announcing the company’s foray into the new verticalMr.Arvind Bali, CEO, Videocon Telecom said, ‘The currentVideo surveillancemarket of approxRs 3650 Cr is 55% of the overall Rs 6600 Cr security & surveillance market and is projected to growat a CAGR of 26% and reach Rs9150Cr by 2021, which is 2.5 times the current market size. The growth will be driven by households,including small commercial establishment(Shops& offices) segments and the key success factor for market expansion will be affordability, ease of use (plug n play), and quality.This is where Videocon as a brand has its expertise in.We are all set to enter this market in a big way and capitalize on brand acceptability, manufacturing capabilities, R&D, distribution strength and reach.”

Talking about the ‘WallCam’ brand, Mr Bali further added, “Why ‘WallCam’, there is a very interesting background behind this. The term CCTV is a technical lingo and stands for Closed circuit television, while what we are selling is surveillance cameras. There is no product name to identify the category with, and this is where our marketing team came up with this interesting thought of a brand name which could represent the product category, something similar to Handycam for mini-camcorders, and Walkman for mini music players. Our objective is to make our brand ‘Wallcam’ a synonymous to CCTV cameras.”

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Idea rolls out e-KYC ‘Aadhaar’ based SIM activation across its service centres

Idea Cellular, India’s fastest growing telecom operator has announced the roll out of ‘electronic – Know Your Customer (e-KYC)’ based activations for both Prepaid and Postpaid customers across its service centres in 22 circles. The pan-India roll-out of e-KYC has been enabled after the successful pilot by Idea in Delhi circle, in association with UIDAI, and as per the DoT guidelines. 

 

The e-KYC solution allows users to avail instant verification using their ‘Aadhaar’ Number, enabling quicker SIM activation.

Image for representation purpose only

 

The facility for enabling biometric verification of customers is being rolled out across all exclusive Idea stores, and will be extended to multi-branded prepaid outlets, in a phased manner.

Speaking about the initiative, Mr. Navanit Narayan, Chief Service Delivery Officer, Idea Cellular said, “The roll-out of paperless and completely digital mode of customer acquisition based on ‘Aadhaar’, is in line with Idea’s customer centric approach. It will ensure quicker customer acquisition and greater convenience for new customers. This is also a step towards achieving a greener environment through reduced paper usage and is key to enabling the vision of Digital India by facilitating many e-Governance services to be rolled out in future.”

 

Customers can now walk in to any Idea Company Retail Store or My Idea outlet and avail a fast, paperless and secured activation service for both postpaid and prepaid, using the Aadhaar No. and biometric verification process.

 

The e-KYC process is in addition to the existing format of issuance of mobile connection to subscribers and is not be applicable for bulk, outstation and foreign customers.

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Vodafone Unveils Flex plan - One stop solution for Pre-Paid users

Vodafone today unveiled its Flex plans for pre-paid customers, which will allow users to have unified recharge solution for all their needs. Using new system you don't have to worry about multiple recharges  for calling, SMS or Internet usage now you can simply recharge your phone with Vodafone Flex plan (details of recharge values given below) and you will get balance in terms of 'Flex'. Now you can use these Flex points for data, sms, outgoing call or in Roaming.
Launching this new, revolutionary concept, Sandeep Kataria, Director – Commercial, Vodafone India, said,“Vodafone has always been at the forefront of innovation. With Vodafone FLEX, we aim to revolutionaise the pre-paid world by addressing the needs of the customers.  90% of customers prefer to use prepaid and Vodafone FLEX has been specially designed with the singular objective of making the user experience of the hundreds of million prepaid customers simpler, richer and more enjoyable. It gives prepaid customers total control with the flexibility to use their Flex as per their individual choice and usage style - more for voice or more for data - offering greater value for money.” 

Flex Explained

Developed following extensive research and after gaining insights into the preparid customers usage, preferences and evolving needs, Vodafone FLEX goes much beyond a conventional pre-paid tariff plan. Vodafone FLEX customers can carry forward their unused Flex, keep a tab on their exact usage, and enjoy savings of up to 25%, all this with a single recharge valid for 28 days.
“Vodafone FLEX provides a novel breakthrough from the conventional way in which  customers currently use and manage their various mobile plans for voice and data. Eliminating the need for managing multiple recharges or validities, Vodafone FLEX gives ready access to talktime, data, SMS and roaming – all with just a single recharge”, said Arvind Nevatia, National Head Consumer Marketing, Vodafone India.
Vodafone FLEX  is  available in denominations of ranging from Rs 119 (325 Flex), Rs 199 (700 Flex), Rs 299 (1200 Flex) Rs 399 (1750 Flex). Additional packs can be availed at attractively lower cost.

Flex Recharge Options

To avail Vodafone FLEX , customers just need to visit any Vodafone retail outlet or logon to www.vodafone.in  and choose from a host of FLEX options that offer full talktime, SMS, internet, cheap data connection and roaming – a variety of services under one plan.  

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Tata Docomo announces unlimited calling packages starting with Recharge value of as low as Rs9 for Mumbai Subscribers

If you are in Mumbai and on Tata Docomo network then you are in luck as the network has just announced its unlimited calling packages for Mumbai subscribers, even if you are on any other network you can make use of  Mobile Number Portability and avail the benefits. The offer is for calls from Tata Docomo to Tata Docomo on local and STD numbers accompanied some time with data depending upon the recharge amount. The unlimited calling pack starts from Rs 9 with validity of one single day to Rs 229 for 14 Days.

Tata Docomo

‘Unlimited Calling’ offers are available at recharge amounts of INR 9, INR 48, INR 88, INR 201 and INR 229. For New Customers ‘Unlimited Calling’ offer is available at INR 151 which offers Unlimited Local Tata Docomo to Tata Docomo Calls for 30 days along with 512 MB Data for 60 days & Rs. 50 Talktime. For INR 9, customers can avail unlimited local Tata Docomo to Tata Docomo Calls free for a day, while customers opting for the offer at INR 48 can enjoy unlimited local Tata Docomo to Tata Docomo Calls free along with 500MB data for 3 days. The offer at INR 88 provides unlimited local Tata Docomo to Tata Docomo Calls free for duration of 15 days. Customers requiring longer validities on their offers can choose the offer at INR 201 which allows for unlimited local Tata Docomo to Tata Docomo Calls free along with 500MB data for a period of 30 days. The offer at INR 229 provides unlimited local and STD Tata Docomo to Tata Docomo Calls Free with a validity of 14 days. RCV 229 available in My Best Offer.

MRP	Benefits	Validity
RC 9	Unlimited Local Tata Docomo to Tata Docomo Calls Free	Same Day
RC 48	500 MB + Unlimited Local Tata Docomo to Tata Docomo Calls Free	3 Days
RC 88	Unlimited Local Tata Docomo to Tata Docomo Calls Free	15 Days
RC 201	Unlimited Local Tata Docomo to Tata Docomo Calls Free + 500 MB	30 Days
RC 229	Unlimited local and STD Tata Docomo to Tata Docomo calls Free	14 Days

“We are happy to announce our new ‘Unlimited Calling’ product portfolio, now every Tata Docomo customer can stay connected with their loved ones as per their flexibility. Keeping in mind the customer-centric focus of our brand, our new product line will allow customers travelling anywhere in Mumbai, Maharashtra & Goa to stay constantly connected, without paying roaming charges,” said Mr. Jamshed Gilani, Vice-President, Mobility Operations, Mumbai-Tata Teleservices.

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