Mobile cos gear for new round of competition

The threat of iphone has Indian mobile players worried reports ET and gives an insight into how the battle for the indian mobile market is shaping up. Iphone has no official launch date but unofficially its already available in Indian grey market and its growing threat means a renewed focus on touchscreen based and music phones by its competitiors and better for us the consumers.
Motorola

For starters, Motorola intends to roll out its music service, christened MotoMusic, in India. This will be an internet and WAP-based platform from where subscribers will be able to download songs directly on their handsets. The MotoMusic service is currently confined to China.Motorola is working with various partners like Soundbuzz to build a India-specific music library. “We are evaluating the best model to roll out the MotoMusic service in India.

Nokia

Motorola’s decision comes on the heels of the Finnish mobile phone major Nokia’s announcement to roll out its mobile services brand Ovi in India by the first half of 2008. Ovi will bundle a host of services, including gaming, music and navigation such as maps.Nokia is also planning to roll out a portfolio of touch-based mobile handsets in India next year.

Samsung

“We are working on a business plan to combat the competition from iPhone in India. For the moment, we are beefing up our distribution network and expanding retail presence with 150 exclusive brand outlets over the next six months,” said Samsung Telecom India head, marketing, Asim Warsi

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