Apple® today introduced the new iPhone™ 3G, combining all the revolutionary features of iPhone with 3G networking that is twice as fast* as the first generation iPhone, built-in GPS for expanded location based mobile services, and iPhone 2.0 software which includes support for Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync and runs the hundreds of third party applications already built with the recently released iPhone SDK. In the US the new iPhone 3G is priced at a stunning $199 for the 8GB model, and just $299 for the 16GB model.** iPhone 3G will be available in more than 70 countries later this year, beginning with customer availability in 22 countries—Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK and the US—on July 11.

“Just one year after launching the iPhone, we’re launching the new iPhone 3G that is twice as fast at half the price,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “ iPhone 3G supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync right out of the box, runs the incredible third party apps created with the iPhone SDK, and will be available in more than 70 countries around the world this year.”

“Just one year after launching the iPhone, we’re launching the new iPhone 3G that is twice as fast at half the price,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “ iPhone 3G supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync right out of the box, runs the incredible third party apps created with the iPhone SDK, and will be available in more than 70 countries around the world this year.”

iPhone 3G gives users ever faster access to the Internet and email over their cellular network with quad-band GSM and tri-band HSDPA for voice and data connectivity around the world. iPhone 3G supports Wi-Fi, 3G and EDGE networks and automatically switches between them to ensure the fastest possible download speeds. The new iPhone 3G also makes it easier to multi-task with simultaneous voice and data communications, so with iPhone 3G you can browse the web, get map directions, or check your email while you are on a call.

Via Apple Press release — more at  [Apple Introduces the New iPhone 3G - Twice as Fast at Half the Price]

India is set to become the world’s second largest wireless network market after China , overtaking the U.S. to the third slot, by April 2008. Penetration of Cell phones in India is beyond our imagination.

India with the total mobile subscriber base crossing the 26-crore mark, India will have over 30-crore phone subscribers in April , according to telecom regulator TRAI.

India’s monthly wireless subscriber addition is the highest in the world, adding 8-9 million wireless users a month, compared with China’s 6-7 million and only 2-3 million new subscribers in the United States.

China tops with over 540 million wireless customers in February 2008, followed by the US with 260.50 million and India with 250.93 million.

• Subscribers base to cross 300 million in April 2008.
• Wireless subscribers base reaches 250 million mark.
• India to become second largest wireless network in the world by April 2008.
• Wireless Subscribers addition is 8.53 million in February 2008.

The TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India ) ordered Vodafone Essar Mobile Services Limited , to refund all money to all the customers that it has charged for providing value added services to its subscribers without their approval, within 15 days.

TRAI had received complaints from the subscribers that they have been provided with value added services without their consent.