Selected Breaking ICT News

State coughing up for hefty cellphone bills: The latest research by Unison Communications reveals that between 47-63 percent of government communication budgets are spent on cellphone communication. - iol

Cell C launches new network in PE: Cell C, South Africa’s third mobile operator, has launched its evolved high-speed packet access (HSPA+) network in Port Elizabeth, the first city where the network is to be rolled out. The operator was planning to roll out the network, which it had dubbed 4Gs, on a city-by-city basis. - engineeringnews

Jasco makes bid for Spescom: JSE-listed Jasco, which holds interests in telecommunications and electronics businesses, has made a firm cash and shares takeover offer for fellow JSE-listed information and communications technology (ICT) company Spescom. Jasco noted in a statement to shareholders that the combination of the two companies into one group, which would have a turnover in excess of R1-billion, would create an integrated business that could effectively participate in the growing converged communications environment. - engineeringnews

ICT rights: There're lies, and then there's the truth: Is the DMR minister engaging in double speak? - moneyweb

Tech firms 'must cater for disabled': Blind and deaf consumers, who have fought to make home phones and television more accessible, say they are being left behind on the web and many mobile devices. - iol

New wireless keyboard lights the way: Electronics company Logitech has introduced its new wireless illuminated keyboard K800, which features ambient light and motion sensors to supply the right amount of backlight when needed and to conserve battery life when not in use. - engineeringnews

Telkom says its network is more resilient following World Cup: Improved resilience and reliability of telecommunications operator Telkom’s network will benefit all local consumers beyond the 2010 FIFA World Cup, says Telkom Network Core Operations acting managing executive Leisel Ramjoo. As part of its preparations for the sporting event, Telkom made several upgrades to its existing infrastructure. - engineeringnews

Vodacom and Nedbank launch mobile money transfer service: In the next three years, mobile operator Vodacom will aim to attract ten-million customers to use its M-PESA mobile money transfer service, Vodacom South Africa executive director Romeo Kumalo said on Tuesday. The service, which was launched on Tuesday, is a collaboration with South Africa’s fourth-largest bank, Nedbank. - engineeringnews

Demand for Smartphone applications grows despite recession: The smartphone market is experiencing robust growth as consumers increasingly seek well-designed devices with innovative features and applications such as touch screen technology, wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) and location-based service (LBS) on their smartphones. - sagoodnews

New iPod, Apple TV debut: Apple unveiled a music-orientated social network as well as a new iPod Touch and Apple TV. - iafrica

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