|
Bangalore: Airtel announced the launch of Airtel Group Call (AGC),
innovative, next-generation voice service applications that enable
simultaneous Voice and SMS capabilities on existing handsets. AGC
is a culmination of Kodiak Networks technology and integration efforts
provided by the Airtel Future Factory, a unique initiative which
develops innovative applications to cater to the changing needs
of customers.
A solution designed for both Corporate and Individual customers,
AGC, is an innovative voice services suite, which improve group
communications..
Presently, the service has been launched in the Karnataka circle
alone because infrastructure has to be set up as yet in other circles
as yet. The service will soon be launched in Delhi and other Airtel
circles."
The AGC application requires a 64k bit SIM card and any Phase II
plus (2000 or later) mobile handset. AGC includes the following
advanced voice services:
· Instant Availability: AGC users will have the ability
to see availability status of groups members akin to popular instant
messenger programs. Availability icons include available, not available
and do not disturb (DND).
· Voice Bridge - Provides fast and easy set-up of full-duplex,
mobile-originated simultaneous calls with up to 10 (9 group members
+ Initiator) wireless and landline participants. With Airtel, business
colleagues, social groups and families can instantly initiate an
instant conference call. Within seconds, conference calls can be
made to any combination of dialable telephone numbers.
· Group SMS - Group SMS simplifies message addressing, group
selection, and delivery, while minimizing key strokes and menu navigation.
· Quick Groups - Offers users the ability to form groups
within the application by simply selecting people from Contacts
to create a quick group and initiate a call. Users can instantly
reach their associates or friends to share news and updates.
· Contact and Group Management - Enables Airtel subscribers
to instantly create, modify and delete individuals, groups, and
group members, directly in their SIM. Contacts are then automatically
backed up on the Airtel network and can be easily restored in the
event of a new, lost or stolen phone.
These services are available to Airtel subscribers at a monthly
rental fee of Rs.99. Only the caller needs to be a subscriber of
the service, the contacts need not be. The call charges will be
defined by the customer's rate plan. There is an Initial charge
of Rs 250 for customers to upgrade to the 64 k SIM Card. Group SMS
will be charged at just is at Rs2.50/ for messaging the entire group.
Mr. Kris Patel, Executive Vice President and CTO, Kodiak Networks
USA, said, "This is the first time in the world that group
conferencing capabilities and other advanced voice services have
been enabled through commercially available SIM cards. I am confident
that this innovation will contribute greatly to improved group communications
across India."
Airtel Group Call launch currently covers Karnataka license circle;
and will be rolled out nationally in a phased manner.
| 
