TechNews
Banglalink enterprise GPRS
A potential solution for subscribers
Edward Apurba Singha
In this competitive world people always look for all-in-one solution to make their lives easier. The introduction of cellphones has added a new dimension to this trend as it enables us to enjoy different functionalities. At the same time, this palm-held device has brought the entire world into our hands through the mobile internet technology. Cellphone penetration in Bangladesh is quite impressive and recently all operators have incorporated mobile internet service in their regular services. As a result, people can now easily surf the internet with GPRS/EDGE-enabled handsets. Banglalink, one of the leading mobile phone operators in the country, has unveiled cutting edge GPRS service for their subscribers. At present, this service is available to the postpaid subscribers only, but the operator is planning to extend it to its prepaid subscribers by the end of the year. GPRS service enables the Banglalink subscribers to use their handset to browse the web, send and receive emails with attachments and share MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service). They can download free software like opera mini for faster browsing. They can also use various messenger services after downloading free software such as mig 33, agile messenger and ultraIM. Subscribers can also use their handset as a modem by connecting it to a laptop or PC. This set-up requires relevant accessories, such as data cable, infrared, bluetooth and driver software. PCMCIA card or USB device can, however, substitute for the handset to establish connectivity. For this, subscribers need to insert the SIM (Subscribers Identity Module) into the particular device to get the service. Presently, Banglalink offers two packages for its postpaid subscribers. Package 1 is pay-as-you go and charges TK 0.015/KB. Package 2 offers unlimited use at a monthly charge of TK 650, excluding VAT. A subscriber can personally configure this service or may contact the call centre for relevant information. Besides the GPRS facility, Banglalink has also introduced some exciting services such as enterprise SMS broadcast, enterprise short code, missed call alert service etc in its enterprise solution. Enterprise SMS broadcast enables business personnel to send SMS to hundreds of people of any operator within few seconds. Enterprise short code service frees the subscribers from the hassle of memorising long phone numbers. They just need to dial a short number, which will then be automatically routed to the desired mobile or PSTN number. Missed call alert service let the subscribers know about the calls that were missed when the phone was switched off or unreachable. This service keeps the record of those calls and sends SMS with details about them.
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