By: Arpit Gupta

RCom may get additional GSM spectrum soon RCom was the only operator besides to get start-up

spectrum in Delhi in the latest round of distribution ofnew telecom and dual technology licences in January,2008.

Telecom regulator TRAI, however, had recentlyrecommended that operators with 6.2 MHz ofspectrum should be considered first for allocation ofadditional spectrum, as they have already made aninvestment to roll-out their networks.

Apparel prices to rise 15% this festival season Rising cotton prices, up 72% over one year, have left

retailers with little choice but to pass on the costburden to the consumers who are set to pay 15% morefor their favourite brands.

Arvind Ltd , Aarvee Denims, Reliance Industries ,Chiripal Industries, and Gokaldas Exports have alreadyhiked prices of their garments by 10-15%. Indian cottonwas available for Rs 22,000 per candy (one candy is 356kg) in September 2009. The commodity nowcommands a price of Rs 38,500-40,000 per candy.

India govt has manual access to BlackBerry Messenger The Indian government has manual access to chat

communication on BlackBerry services and expects toget automated access from Jan. 1.

At the moment, security agencies are getting manualprintouts of chat messages within four to five hours ofplacing their requirements with RIM.

India wanted access for its security agencies tocommunication both in BlackBerry Messenger andsecure corporate email services, and governmentofficials have said the solution provided so far islimited to the messenger service.

Retailers gear up to bring more international brands Many leading Indian apparel retailers, including , and

, are gearing to bring in more global brands as theylook to expand their portfolio within the next oneyear.

Apart from increasing spending power among theyouth, foreign retailers are eying the Indian market fortheir future growth as western countries were reelingunder the economic slowdown in the last two years,

Top retail chains offer plethora of consumer-oriented services Retail chains such as Spencer’s Retail, Hypercity, and

have already initiated moves to convert their large-format outlets into destination stores that offer aplethora of consumer-oriented services.

Spencer’s Retail is already offering exclusive wine andliquor corner, cigar zone, live bakery, gourmet section,pet care and florist service in select outlets. The RPGRetail flagship is also in talks with reputed chains tointroduce salons and laundry services by the end ofthis financial year.

Contd… Country’s largest retailer Future Group has set up

salons, fitness centres and food courts inside all its BigBazaar Family Centers, while Retail offers laundry,salon and spa services in seven outlets. Jewelleryretailer Gitanjali Group too plans such a model for itsMaya chain.

Destination retailing is an established concept in theglobal market, with retailers such as Wal-Mart andTesco even selling financial services like insurance,auto loans and medical insurance under their storebanner.

Thank you…