Pixel 6a users can claim $100 cash or $150 credit from Google under battery performance program
For handling payments, Google is working with Payoneer, a third-party financial platform. To process the money, users might need to share personal details like identification numbers, this will depend on the rules of the country the user is in. For example, users in the US may be asked to share their Social Security Number, while other regions may require alternate ID proof.To know if they are eligible, Pixel 6a users must visit a dedicated eligibility page set up by Google. They'll be required to enter their email address linked to the device and the IMEI number of the phone. In case someone is helping a family member or friend with the process, they can submit the details using another email ID, although Google has warned that it might ask for more information in some cases for verification.Once eligibility is confirmed, users can go ahead and choose whether they want the free battery service or claim compensation. This move from Google gives users flexibility and support, especially those using older units or planning an upgrade. The combination of a required software update and hardware support shows that the company is taking battery issues on the Pixel 6a seriously while giving affected customers practical solutions.- Ends
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Mint
an hour ago
- Mint
Backhaul spectrum clash: Telcos face off against tech giants over India's internet backbone
Every time we make a video call, stream a movie, or send a message, there's a lot happening behind the scenes to keep us connected. One important part of this process is something most people don't hear much about—backhaul spectrum, the new battleground between telecom operators and technology companies such as Meta, Google, Amazon. A rift is also brewing among telcos on India's spectrum allocation method for backhaul services. Backhaul is the link that connects mobile towers and Wi-Fi points to the main internet network, helping data travel between devices and the wider web. As the government looks to decide how the backhaul spectrum should be allocated, telcos and tech firms have presented sharply different views. Telecom operators want all such spectrum to be reserved for them owing to growing data traffic on their networks. Technology companies, represented by the Broadband India Forum, are calling for allocation of spectrum to other entities as well, and in some cases, for licence-free use of certain bands to support wider internet access and innovation. 'We are of the view that the demand for these traditional microwave bands will persist due to rapid urbanization and densification requirements (and) increased cellular traffic from 5G and future network technologies. Therefore, the existing spectrum in traditional microwave backhaul bands should be made fully available to TSPs (telecom service providers)," said S.P. Kochhar, director general of the Cellular Operators Association of India, in a submission to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on 2 July. The issue of backhaul spectrum is important for India, where patchy fiber connectivity makes wireless backhaul crucial for expanding 5G, rural broadband, and public Wi-Fi networks. However, a lack of clear policy on how backhaul spectrum will be allocated— whether through auction, administrative assignment, or delicensing—has created uncertainty for both telecom operators and tech companies. Tech companies for a non-auction route For backhaul purposes, the telecom operators have been assigned provisional spectrum in bands such as 6 GHz and 21 GHz, as well as in E (71-76 GHz, and 81-86 GHz) and V bands (57-64/ 66 GHz). In areas where laying fiber is difficult or delayed, backhaul using E and V bands is critical for supporting 5G and high-speed internet as these bands can wirelessly carry large volumes of data between towers. According to the department of telecommunications, only 46.09% of the towers in Indiawere connected to the core network using optical fibre cables(called tower fiberization), as of March, underscoring the need for backhaul spectrum to meet higher traffic demand on telecom networks. 'Some of these traditional/legacy spectrum bands are now being used and some more are likely to be used for other mobile/Wi-Fi/satellite services. Hence it may be required not only by TSPs but also for other entities, viz. Satcom Service Providers, Wi-Fi service providers, research institutions and academia for fuelling innovation," the Broadband India Forum told Trai in a recent communication, advocating for a non-auction route for allocating spectrum. The technology companies forum's and the cellular operators association's submissions to Trai were in response toa consultation on the assignment of the microwave spectrum. The forum also argued for licence-free use of 9 GHz spectrum in the lower V band (57-66GHz) to support contactless ports, device-to-device data transfer, and motion-sensing. 'V-band is already allowed on license-exempt basis world-wide except for a few countries. If V-band continues to be restricted and licensed, innovative new technologies and products would be unable to see the light of the day and consumers in the Indian market would be deprived of the latest and innovative solutions," it said. The technology forum added that new technology such as WiGig, which allows wireless data transfer at multi-gigabit speeds, faster than regular Wi-Fi, requires such a band. Airtel vs Jio on spectrum allocation Although telecom operators are on the same page on backhaul spectrum, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel are at loggerheads over the method for allocation of spectrum. Jio is against allocating backhaul spectrum without holding an auction, citing national security concerns from non-telco entities. Airtel, echoing the views of other technology companies, has called for a non-auction method for spectrum allocation. As per Schedule 1 of the Telecommunications Act 2023, backhaul spectrum is among items for which spectrum is to be assigned administratively (the non-auction route). 'The current administrative assignment methodology of temporary assignments at a high percentage of AGR (adjusted gross revenue) as spectrum charge has not worked and a large amount of spectrum remains idle with the government, while the TSPs have shortage of backhaul capacities," Jio told Trai in a submissionon 2 July. 'Unlicensed access to spectrum usable for IMT (international mobile telecommunication) services distorts the level playing field and impacts the investments in the sector, besides being technically ineffective," Jio added. Airtel said subjecting these bands to auction-based allocation would not jeopardize service continuity due to non-availability of required backhaul spectrum and could create an artificial scarcity by provisioning more spectrum towards access services. 'It is pertinent to note that the operators with limited fiber infrastructure are especially dependent on wireless backhaul, and exposing these critical resources to auction dynamics for varied purposes would create severe competitive imbalances," Airtel told Trai on2 July. A call for pricing reforms Both Jio and Airtel, as well as tech companies, however, have called for a reduction in the pricing of backhaul spectrum. Currently, telecom operators pay the government 0.15% of their adjusted gross revenue for a single E-band carrier—or about ₹96 crore. That's about 3,000 times what telecom service providers in Iraq pay and nearly 1,400 times what TSPs in Saudi Arabia pay, the Broadband India Forum said. A carrier refers to a block or channel of spectrum that an operator uses to transmit wireless signals; more carriers mean more capacity, but also higher costs. India follows an escalating payment mechanism that involves charging 0.35% of a company's adjusted gross revenue for two carriers to as high as 1.45% and 2.30% for six and eight carriers, respectively. 'A rational SUC (spectrum usage charge) model which is flat, low, and predictable must be adopted for backhaul spectrum," Airtel said in its submission to Trai. 'Delinking SUC from number of carriers would not only promote efficient deployment but also help optimize access spectrum utilization and improve consumer experience." Jio has pitched a lower reserve price for spectrum based on the auction method and for easier spectrum payment terms. Satellite interference In another potential rift, satellite companies including Eutelsat Group, Amazon Kuiper and Inmarsat, represented by the Global Satellite Operators' Association, have urged Trai to move with caution as it looks to expand backhaul services in the 18 GHz band for telecom networks. The association said backhaul bands are critical to supporting mobile and fixed wireless infrastructure, particularly in regions where fiber deployment is not feasible. 'However, increased use of these bands must not come at the expense of satellite services that share co-primary status, particularly in the 13 GHz and 15 GHz bands," it said. The satellite operators association called for a balanced approach to ensure reliable operation of fixed satellite services, especially in frequency ranges that support essential services such as disaster recovery, remote education, and broadband access in underserved regions. 'As the Trai evaluates the potential expansion of spectrum assignment for terrestrial use in the 18 GHz band, Amazon encourages it to take a cautious approach," Amazon Kuiper told Trai on2 July. 'This band—which has historically been 'much less utilized" by terrestrial services to provide radio backhaul service in India—is critical to the Kuiper System's ability deliver reliable, affordable, and widely-accessible wireless broadband access to Indian consumers," the company said. In May, the department of telecommunications issued guidelines requiring satellite operators to submit a yearly plan to the government showing how they will gradually increase local manufacturing of ground segments of their satellite network in India. India has so far approved the applications of Bharti Enterprises-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, Jio, and Elon Musk-owned Starlink to launch satellite internet services in India, whereas Amazon Kuiper and Globalstar are waiting regulatory clearances.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Mysuru a hub for innovation and business growth: Priyank
Mysuru: IT-BT minister Priyank Kharge on Friday said that Mysuru is poised to become a model for distributed innovation—one that can be replicated across India and cater to global needs. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking virtually at the inauguration of the 5th edition of the Mysuru Big Tech Show held at the Infosys campus, the minister said, "Mysuru is not just the cultural capital of India but is also emerging as a strong player in the country's technological landscape. With its robust ecosystem, talent pool, excellent connectivity, and the proactive support of industrial leaders, the city has immense potential for rapid acceleration in the tech sector. " Highlighting Mysuru's strategic advantage, Kharge noted, "It takes nearly the same time—around one-and-a-half hours—to travel from Kempegowda International Airport to Bengaluru's central business district as it does to reach Mysuru. Given this, Mysuru becomes an attractive destination for businesses looking beyond the crowded metropolitan hubs." Quoting industry body Nasscom, he added that Mysuru is among the top three emerging cities in the country and was the second-largest IT exporter in Karnataka last year, recording exports worth Rs 5,700 crore. "Over 50 national companies have not only considered Mysuru as an alternative to metro cities, but have also chosen it as a preferred destination. In the past year alone, 47 companies set up operations here, generating more than 4,500 direct jobs," he said. Kharge also emphasised the city's growing reputation as a startup hub, saying Mysuru has become an encouraging space for innovation and entrepreneurship. Sudhanva Dhananjaya, chairman and MD, Excelsoft Technologies, emphasised the city's growing stature as a hub for innovation and business. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Large companies like L&T and Infosys believed in Mysuru and established their presence here," he said. "My core message is simple—we should all believe in Mysuru. It is the next big destination not only for technology-driven enterprises but also for a wide range of auxiliary businesses. " Reflecting on his own journey, Sudhanva shared that Excelsoft was founded 25 years ago in Mysuru and witnessed the city's transformation first-hand. "Startups and scale-ups are now thriving here, and that's the big shift I've observed over the years. This is the fourth edition of the tech show I've participated in, and the transformation is remarkable. Today, registration is overflowing," he noted. Calling upon entrepreneurs and investors, he added, "As a stakeholder, I urge everyone to come to Mysuru, experience it, and grow with it. The city offers a conducive ecosystem, excellent work-life balance, remains green and serene, and the authorities are supportive. Mysuru is poised to become a great city for business growth." Pavan Ranga, CEO and managing director, Rangsons Aerospace, entrepreneur and industrialist, echoed similar sentiments. "Everything is possible in Mysuru. Our business exports to over 60 countries—all from this city," he said. Stressing the city's livability, he remarked, "When you evaluate Mysuru as a destination, consider the quality of life—it's unmatched. You can leave home and be back in minutes. That's the essence of Mysuru. We are here to support those who wish to explore and grow in this beautiful city." Sanjeev Gupta, CEO, KDEM, Bhaskar Kalale, Startups and Innovation, Vinayak Hegde, IT, ITes, and GCC, Ekroop Caur, Secretary, Department of Electronics IT, BT and S&T, March Lamy, Consul General, Consulate General of France in Bangalore were also present.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
OnePlus announces Amazon Prime Day offers: OnePlus 13, OnePlus Nord CE 4, OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 and others to be available with up to Rs 10,000 discount
OnePlus has announced its deals for Amazon Prime Day 2025 , with offers going live from July 10 as part of early access and running through July 14. As revealed by the company, discounts will be available on several OnePlus products, including the latest smartphones, audio devices, and tablets. The company's flagship phone, the OnePlus 13, will be available at an effective price of Rs 59,999, after combining an instant bank discount and a limited-time price cut. Other models like the OnePlus 13s, 13R, and Nord CE4 Lite will also see price reductions. The company said that these offers are not limited to Amazon — customers can also find them on OnePlus Experience Stores, and major retail partners under the OnePlus Monsoon Sale , which runs from July 10 to July 15. Amazon Prime Day sale: Offers on OnePlus phones As mentioned above, the OnePlus 13 will be sold at an effective price of Rs 59,999 in the upcoming sale. This includes a Rs 5,000 instant bank discount on select cards and a Rs 5,000 price drop. Customers can also opt for no-cost EMI options for up to nine months. The recently launched OnePlus 13s will be available at Rs 49,999, which includes a Rs 5,000 instant bank discount and an additional Rs 5,000 exchange bonus. No-cost EMI options for up to 12 months are also available on select bank cards. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The OnePlus 13R will be offered at an effective price of Rs 39,999 after applying a Rs 3,000 bank discount. Additionally, customers purchasing the 13R will receive a free pair of OnePlus Buds 3. This model also comes with a no-cost EMI option for up to six months. For budget-conscious buyers, the OnePlus Nord CE4 Lite will be available at Rs 15,999. This price includes a Rs 2,000 discount on select credit cards, along with up to three months of no-cost EMI. Amazon Prime Day sale: Offers on OnePlus audio devices Alongside smartphones, OnePlus is also offering deals on its audio products. The newly launched OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z3 will be priced at Rs 1,549 with a Rs 150 instant bank discount. Other audio devices include the OnePlus Buds Pro 3 at Rs 8,999 after a Rs 1,000 bank discount, and the OnePlus Buds 3 at a special price of Rs 4,299. The OnePlus Bullets Wireless Z2 will be available at Rs 1,149 with a Rs 100 bank discount, while the Z2 ANC model is priced at Rs 1,599 with a Rs 200 discount. The OnePlus Nord Buds 3 Pro will also be available at a special price of Rs 2,399, including a Rs 300 discount on select bank cards. OnePlus is also offering deals on its tablet range. The OnePlus Pad Go (8GB + 128GB Wi-Fi) will be available at Rs 13,999, with a Rs 2,000 instant bank discount and an additional Rs 1,000 student discount. The LTE version with the same storage will be priced at Rs 15,499 with the same offers, while the 256GB LTE version will be sold for Rs 17,499. For users looking for a more powerful tablet, the OnePlus Pad 2 (8GB + 128GB Wi-Fi) will be offered at Rs 32,999 after a Rs 3,000 bank discount and will include a free Stylus 2. The higher-end OnePlus Pad 2 with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage will be available at Rs 35,999 with the same bundled offers. Google Pixel 9 Pro After 1 Year: Still a Flagship Worth Buying in 2025? | Long-Term Review AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
