Tata Indicom launching Net radio

Tata Teleservices said it will be offering Internet radio services with its Tata Indicom mobile phone service.

As many as 41 international and domestic radio stations will be available on Tata Indicom phones across all Tata Indicom circles, even in those markets where FM services have not commenced, said a statement from the company.

This service is currently available on the Motorazr V3C, Samsung Wideo and Motorola World Phone handsets, at a subscription charge of Rs 25 for 15 days.

`Tata Indicom Mobile Internet Radio', will offer live streaming world radio-casts in English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and other international languages with MP3 quality sound, according to the company.

The product is easy to use and the wireless technology doesn't even get in the way of a musical experience, said Mr Pankaj Sethi, President of value added services, Tata Teleservices Ltd.

"We have identified mobile entertainment as a key growth driver and we are confident that this service will help deliver an amazing radio experience to our customers," he added.

The service offers international music, news and sports radio stations, including Bloomberg, BBC, CNN, Fox Radio, ESPN Radio and Seattle WM.

Is SBI losing the top spot?

SBI may be fighting a losing battle to retain the spot as India's largest bank with the government. Is SBI losing the top spot?

 

SBI is already second in market capitalization. The pre-issue net worth of ICICI stands at Rs 24,313 cr ore. Its post-issue net worth will be Rs 45,000 crore.

 

The net worth of SBI for FY07 stands at Rs 31,300 crore. The SBI may soon cease to be the largest bank in assets as well, given capital crunch.

 

SBI's current CAR is 12.33% and its current capital is Rs 46,000 crore. Its requirement for Basel-II is 1% or Rs 6,000 crore.

 

The government's stake in the SBI is 59.7%. However, it can be cut to 55%. Its fresh shares issuable are 4.5 crore shares. Its capital at current market price is approximately Rs 6,000 crore.

 

SBI's additional loans that may be sanctioned, stand at Rs 48,000 crore and its loan growth in FY07 is Rs. 75,000 crore

Tata Motors launches Winger, Magic

Tata Motors made an entry into the small capacity rural and urban passenger transportation segment with the launch of two new products. The first, a passenger version of the Tata Ace christened Magic and the other, a maxi-van modelled on Renault panel van `Traffic' called the Winger.

While the two new vehicles are diesel products, a CNG version of the Magic will come into the market before the end of the fiscal, Mr Prakash Telang, Executive Director, (Commercial Vehicles), Tata Motors said.

The Magic is a frills-free, last mile affordable transportation solution for the rural commuter that can transport four to seven passengers and baggage. The 9-13 seat Winger, on the other hand, modelled on the smart maxi-van and comes in four basic versions ranging from the Standard to Luxury. It can have applications for both rural and urban transportation as well as be used as ambulances and carrier vans.

Phased launch

Asserting that Tata Motors wanted to change the way people travelled in the country, Mr Telang said the company had decided to introduce the vehicles in a phased manner, starting with Maharashtra and Gujarat initially and subsequently rolling them out nationally.

The Magic has a tubular construction, rexine windows and two gates, one at the back and another on the left side. It meets BS III emission norms and is backed by a 36,000 km/12 month warranty and is currently available in a single model priced at Rs 2.6 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune). It will currently be sold through the existing chain of commercial vehicle dealerships.

Dealership chain

"One cannot rule the option of selling the product through the passenger car dealership chain in the future," Mr Telang added.

The larger Winger offers four basic variants - Standard, Deluxe and Luxury in the flat roof variant and a High Roof deluxe model. It has a `monocoque' construction (for better ride comfort) and a flexible seat configuration that can seat nine to 13 passengers. The vehicle comes with a 1.5 lakh km/18 month warranty, meets BS III norms and comes at an ex-showroom price tag ranging from Rs 4.70 lakh to Rs 6.55 lakh.