Telkomsel takes 4G to 100 cities
Indonesia’s largest operator Telkomsel said it expanded 4G service to 100 cities, with 70-80 per cent population coverage per location.

The operator, with a 44 per cent market share, said it plans to boost its 4G subscribers from five million to 12 million by the end of the year.

Media reports said the expanded coverage was supported by 4,500 4G base stations, which is the same number the company reported last month when it had 4G service in 40 cities.

Chunghwa develops usage-based auto insurance
Taiwan’s largest operator Chunghwa Telecom is cooperating with an insurance firm to develop a usage-based insurance product that analyses driving behaviour to create a reference for setting insurance premiums.

The operator is working with Taiwan Fire & Marine Insurance to develop a smartphone app that collects data about the vehicle, including distance traveled, time and route, as well as info relevant to driving safety such as speed, distance between cars, lane changes and speed when making turns.

The operator aims to test at least 2,000 customers of Taiwan Fire & Marine Insurance initially and collect data for six months, DigiTimes reported.

Telenor Pakistan signs backhaul deal with PTCL
Telenor Pakistan signed a fibre leasing agreement with the country’s state-owned operator, PTCL, that will enable Telenor to upgrade its cellular backhaul to keep up with soaring data demand.

PTCL, which has more than 35,000km of fibre across the country, said the partnership will help Telenor expand its 3G footprint for its growing customer base.

Globe launches app for enterprise clients
The Philippines’ second largest operator Globe Telecom developed a mobile app for its enterprise clients to give them a better customer experience via self-service account management.

Available for free on the App Store and on Google Play, the Globe Business app allows users to view their statements, file service modification requests such as changing plans, activate roaming services, and send remarks and converse with an authorised agent.

“The app will allow our customers to enjoy an all-in-one platform for all their account-related transactions with a swipe, click or tap on their mobile device,” said Jacq Fuentes, Globe’s VP for customer experience operations.

Baidu raises $155M for new video unit
Chinese internet search and maps provider Baidu raised about CNY1 billion ($155 million) for a new video business unit, Reuters reported today.

The subsidiary includes Baidu’s online video streaming service iQIYI, group-buying service Nuomi and its video portal.

Nokia, Accenture partner to address digital transition
Equipment vendor Nokia and professional services firm Accenture formed a strategic alliance to support telecoms operators and enterprises make the transition to digital networks.

The Nokia Accenture Business Group will build on the experience of the Accenture Alcatel-Lucent Business Group, set up on September 2014, after Nokia acquired Alcatel-Lucent. The group has worked with operators, such as Telefonica and TIM, and other large enterprises to improve the customer experience and optimise their networks across the globe.

Accenture will be Nokia’s preferred ally to complement its software integration and network services, and Nokia will be a preferred provider for the customer experience, SDN and network services and solutions that Accenture provides to its clients, the firms said in a statement.