2006
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Huge surge in spam
Spam was up 73% in the three months to December 2006, and now accounts for 92.6% of all email messages, the BBC reports. Spammers are using hijacked computers to send 80% of mail, and are disguising it with images and html code to trick spam filters. McAfee says it is seeing up to 200 new pieces of malware every day. Cisco says that viruses and trojans are also being sent out in a more targeted way to specific organisations.
Telcos sign interconnection deal
UAE telcos Du and Etisalat today signed an agreement covering interconnection arrangements between them. An agreement between the companies was a pre-condition before new entrant Du could start operations. Du is expected to announce its launch date soon.
Intent21 distributes Penguin Linux
The UK's Intent21 has signed an agreement with Fairford PLC for distribution rights of Rogue Penguin Linux server software in the Middle East. Linux is the primary operating system for back-end processes such as mail, data and web services, Intent21 said in statement.
Flaws in Microsoft's Vista
Security researchers are already finding potentially serious flaws in Microsoft's new Windows Vista operating system, the New York Times reports. Vulnerabilities include a serious error in the code underlying Internet Explorer 7, which could cause PCs to become infected if users visit a booby-trapped site. So far no actual attacks have been reported, but Trend Micro claims to have discovered someone on an underground web forum offering to sell information on flaws for $50,000.
Almarai joins MTC mobile bid
Saudi-based dairy group Almarai has joined Kuwaiti telco MTC in its bid for a mobile licence in Saudi, Bloomberg reported. Other unnamed Saudi companies have also signed onto MTC's bid. Almarai says it wants to diversify income. The kingdom's telecommunications regulator has extended the application period for the third licence to 24 February 2007.
Etisalat directory charges
Etisalat will begin to charge for 181 service calls, following a review of its Directory Enquires services, according to Trade Arabia. There will be a charge of Dh1 for the first minute and 50fils for each additional 30 seconds. The 181 text back service automatically sends a text message containing the number requested to mobile callers. Calls will be charged from 24 January 2007.
Etisalat, du interconnection deal
Dubai's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority has announced that Etisalat and du have reached an agreement on interconnection. The agreement was reached after intensive and prolonged negotiations between both parties. The agreement will be formally signed this Tuesday, December 26, after which the TRA will scrutinise it before giving final approval.
Empost, system upgrade
UAE courier service Empost is to install an advanced IT communications system in its fleet of delivery vans and motorcycles. Under the upgrade plan, Empost courier vehicles will be equipped with wireless communication technologies such as GPRS and the satellite-based navigation system, GPS, as well as messaging and tracking systems. The new system will also provide a billing programme that will make it easier for customers to pay online.
Etisalat, BusinessOne packages
Etisalat has launched new 3MB and 4MB BusinessOne Broadband packages. The two packages bring the total number of BusinessOne packages available to six, starting from the 512k single user package up to the 4MB multi user package. Customers taking the 3MB offer will receive provision for 50 personalised email accounts, while the 4MB package offers 60 accounts, with email storage capacity of 1GB per account.
STC, Mobily gear up for Hajj
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Communication and Information Technology is satisfied with the telecommunication and postal facilities available at Mecca and other holy sites prior to this year's Hajj, reported Arab News. Both the Saudi Telecom Company and Mobily have almost doubled their capacities in order to meet the demands of pilgrims and to avoid any repeat of last year's network jams.
Etisalat may lower rates
Etisalat is to undertake an upgrade of its network in the New Year which could lead to lower prices for its customers by mid 2007, reported Gulf News. The firm plans to offer phone, TV and Internet services via one single fibre optic cable. Etisalat is unable to say how much prices might fall as this will depend on the TRA and rival firm du, which will also offer convergent technology.
Vodafone, bigger Egyptian stake
Vodafone is planning to increase its stake in Vodafone Egypt from 50.1% to 55%, reported the UK's Financial Times. The telco operator is prepared to spend around $200m in order to strengthen its position in Egypt as emerging markets become increasingly significant with revenue growth slowing in its core European business. Meanwhile, the firm is also looking to sell its 25% stake in Swisscom for up to $3.2bn.
Saudi extends licence deadlines
Saudi Arabia's telecom regulator has extended the deadlines for submitting applications for a new mobile licence until February 24 and for a fixed line licence until March 10, reported Arab News. The Communication and Information Technology Commission said the extensions were due to requests from interested parties in order to give them more time to prepare their bids.
du, Etisalat DVB-H negotiations
UAE telco providers Etisalat and du are eyeing possible tie-ups with satellite TV providers as they test out digital video broadband-handheld technologies, reported Gulf News. It is thought DVB-H mobile TV services will be launched in the UAE at some point in the middle of next year and it is likely specially tailored content will be streamed to subscribers. Both Orbit Communications and Showtime are in talks with the operators.
Maps for UAE mobiles
Navicore, a Finnish supplier of navigational maps for mobile phones, is to release its software in the UAE, reported Gulf News. The software allows users to navigate through the city streets of all GCC countries via maps displayed on the screens of GPS enabled mobile phones. The software, which will retail at around Dhs800, works with Nokia N Series phones, as well as select Sony Ericsson and LG handsets.
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