Sex sells. In any form. If it is a “scandal” involving celebrities, it sells even more. Mobile phone smut is an established phenomenon now. First the infamous DPS clip, then the kissing scene involving two actors ( it was private moment- as if people gave a damn enough) and now Mallika Sherawat in the infamous 6 minute clip. ( Google gives better results!)

There is an interesting insight on Rashmi Bansal’s blog. Titled as Phoney Videos it traces the origins of mobile phone “shoot and spread” culture. In the process the mobile operators make loads of money.

Typical of Times of India journalism, they are crying hoarse about IT act- in the process detailing what all clips are circulating! I really wonder whether this was required. We have had hacks of Paris Hilton her pics,her telephone numbers et al online.

Anything illicit or “illegal” would always have an element of fascination for the masses. I propose that lawmakers should turn their attention somewhere else. The celebrities need exposure- some are called as “motivated leaks” anyway.

Why even bother?

Our communicantions minsiter hallucinates a bit and the media hails him as the next best thing to have happened to telecom. Throw in around another jokers in the pack( read TRAI ) and this buffonery is for everyone to see and perhaps comment on.

TRAI welcomes the “One India” idea proposed by Maran. Maran wants to see a single tarriff structure for telephones across India. Little realising the fact that differential calling rates suffice for the users depending on the uage patterns. Mobile operators announce the “schemes” taking in view the market feedback and user needs.

For someone who wishes to keep the mobile phone only to recieve the incoming calls, he/she may not be interested in the uniforma calling rates for that matter. Maran needs to realise simple facts. First, clear up the mess in the Broadband sector, spur on BSNL to leave it’s monopolsitic attitude and work for improving the quality of infrastructure. Making tall claims from pulpits is easy but difficult to implement in reality.

That reminds me about Reliance. Does anyone know that Rs 700( less that $14 per month) is enough to make Reliance to Reliance unlimted calls across the length and breadth of country? Well, it is enough for people who worry about Subscriber Trunk Dialling bills. Unlimited for any length of time. Thats the real power of owning your own network. Kudos Reliance.

Mr Maran, thats ONE INDIA for you.

P.S. Subsequently, Operators differ on the implementation of “One India”.That’s Indian Telecom market for you.

Anil Ambani is known for his hands on approach. Expect more fireworks in the coming days.

Anil fiired first salvo by challenging the re-routing call controversy in the Supreme Court. It insists that there is nothing illegal about the same. CBI is like pants on fire for Reliance- it can understand the pain. Anil would need all his guile and resources to get this off it’s back.

In another incident, Reliance has accused VSNL off monopolising the international gateway prices. Well, to an extent it’s true. I feel that he is taking the battle right up to their doorstep by sounding the bugle.

The international prices need to be reduced in case we need to have decent Internet access. VSNL has artificially jacked up prices befitting a monopolistic attitude. How Reliance plans to battle the incumbent, remains to be seen.

Things have become interesting of late.