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I’m still getting many queries and doubts regarding the mobile number transfer between operators Zain, Viva & Wataniya Telecom (or should I say ooredoo?), first let me say that it’s 90% confirmed that mobile number transfer will start by mid of April (15th), so that’s only 2 weeks from today. Now I’ll briefly explain how the process will go and what are the rules and regulations so bear with me:

• Client wishing to transfer his/her number must pay his phone bills if they exceed KD30.
• Client should apply an application for the operator that he/she wishes to transfer to.
• The transfer shall complete within 24hrs.
• The operator cannot reject client’s right to transfer his/her number to any competing operator.
• Client maintain his/her right to choose between pre-paid/post-paid plan in the new operator.
• The charge for transfer is KD3 and the new operator can waive it (as in marketing purposes).
• Client can apply for a transfer every 30 days.
• Client will be given a new sim card with the same number when the transfer is completed.

Example: Say a client wants to transfer his/her mobile number from operator X to operator Y, then the client must go to the head office of operator Y and apply for a number transfer application making sure to bring along his/her valid civil ID card so that the transfer can complete within 24hrs. However, the client must make sure that his/her phone bill is settled (if it exceeds KD30) to operator X before he/she goes to operator Y, but if the bill is less than KD30 then the outstanding amount will be transferred to operator Y so that he/she can pay them later. The client must also be aware that remaining balance (as in minutes, messages, megabytes MB’s) in his/her old operator X will not be transferred/refunded by operator Y.

Let me also emphasize that the old operator must not charge the client for anything, also old operator cannot withhold the client even if his/her contract isn’t yet expired or completed, also it shouldn’t use client’s private information for any purposes what so ever. The only confusing part in my opinion is the tariff system, as I understood that once the client has completed transferring the number to another operator then he/she will be notified when making a call to another network. So any questions? Anyone’s excited?

Read the regulations in Arabic language here [link] رابط اللغة العربية

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Recall Kuwait Finder iPhone App that was released by Public Authority for Civil Information that provides information and addresses for several things in Kuwait such as recreational places, shopping places, hospitals, food, taxis, car wash, car parking, insurance, pharmacies… etc? A friend of ours has just informed us that it is not also available for Android. [link]

It’s great to see that Android is finally getting the recognition it deserves in Kuwait. Hallelujah!

Thanks [scriptizer]

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Have you guys seen the Samsung Galaxy S4 launching event last night? Sadly I missed it but from what I heard it was in New York and was amazing. As I awoke in the morning I was so eager to know what are the new specs since it’s one of the most anticipated smartphones on the market today. In Kuwait many of my acquaintances have switched from iPhone to Samsung Galaxy explaining that it offers more minus the restrictions seen in iPhone for far lower price, I still see iPhone as one of the most reliable and smooth-performing smartphones on the market but I was let-down with iPhone 4S and iPhone 5.

Size & Weight: Samsung Galaxy S4 has slightly smaller size than the older Samsung Galaxy S3 measuring 136.1 x 69.8mm and 7.9mm thick (that’s so slim, S3 was 8.6mm thick) and weighs 139 grams (slightly lighter than S3).

Price & Release Date: According to Samsung the release date is April 26 and price will be around $725 (KD250 roughly) which is higher than iPhone 5 price when it was released (I’m talking U.S. price), so expect the price to be higher in Kuwait.

Specs: In my humble opinion the specs is where Samsung Galaxy S4 really shines, we are talking 2GB memory (iPhone 5 has 1 GB) coupled with not only Quad Core processor but 1.6 GHz powerful 8-Cores processor (that’s fast). Storage-wise, it comes in three versions; 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB, they have also enhanced the battery (2,600MAH) compared to 2,100MAH in S3, and this makes sense since they are using potent processor.

Display & Camera: I guess most consumers are tempted by display when deciding on smartphones, the S4 has a big 5″ Super OLED screen with Full HD 1,920 x 1,080 resolution and high 441 ppi (pixels per inch), that’s even higher than BlackBerry 10Z. Personally I’m in love with S4 camera already, we are talking 13 Mega pixels main camera with Auto Focus, Flash and Zero Shutter Lag (according to Samsung), and 2 Mega pixel front camera and Full HD 1080P recording at 30fps (frames per second). Though I’d love to see the quality of the snapshots in low light conditions.

Other Features: Did I say S4 fully support 4G LTE with all frequencies? Hopefully this will resolve the iPhone 5 4G LTE issue because only certain models supported 4G LTE frequency in Kuwait. Samsung said it will initially be available in two colors (White Frost and Black Mist), firmware-wise it will use Android Jelly Bean 4.2.1 which hopefully will be more stable and reliable. The S4 will be using micro sim card.

Shortcomings: I loved every new feature in the S4, but in my opinion the let-down is that Samsung used plastic as the main material for the phone, instead I wish if they used Aluminum-brush to give it a more aesthetic-looking finish but I guess they sought cost-saving and to reduce the weight and increase crush resistance. Also design-wise, it looks virtually similar to the older S3 but generally looks fine. Another downside is the relatively high price tag ($725) which will undoubtedly be higher when it arrives to Kuwait.

Now frankly speaking, would you guys go for this one or HTC One?

Images via [link1][link2]

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I just saw VIVA announcement about launching 4G LTE in Kuwait for mobile phones, it seems 4G LTE war has already started in Kuwait since Zain has launched 4G LTE back in January 2013 and soon Wataniya Telecom that I read has signed a new contract with Huawei to develop their network in Kuwait. VIVA says that their clients can upgrade their current 3G plans to the 4G LTE network by sending 99 to the number 567 yet I’m not sure about the cost or what’s the allowed daily cap. Though I suppose 4G LTE can only be activated for smartphones that are 4G-ready such as iPhone 5 model A1429 (GSM model).

I’m not sure how fast is VIVA 4G LTE but I was told by a friend who has tested their 4G LTE network using SpeedTest.Net that download speed was around 40 Mbps and 27.23 Mbps for upload but he used local servers plus I think in real life the case is different since network strength isn’t the same around Kuwait.

Thanks [Q8Spoons]

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I always dreamt of a new innovative and more convenient way to pay for various things we buy everyday, a way that replaces the traditional cash method and even debit and credit cards and it seems that dreams do eventually come true. I came to know that there’s a new company called Boloro that has just introduced the first-ever mobile payment service in Kuwait and GCC region, and has completed a successful trial for using this whole new payment method for buses as a start. With this method passengers using KPTC or City Bus can use their own mobile phones to pay for their fares by simply tapping their phones across a panel fixed near the bus drivers, futuristic.

According to my understanding the new service is provided in collaboration with Zain operator, paid payments will be deducted from customers pre-paid calls balance. It’s about time to see this method being used for shopping, booking tickets, hotel reservations or even paying for your skinny mocha coffee. Now in your opinion will this be a practical and secured method for payment in Kuwait?

1st image via [Q8path]

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