Bangalore: Airtel announced the launch of Airtel Group Call (AGC), innovative, next-generation voice service applications that enable simultaneous Voice and SMS capabilities on existing handsets. AGC is a culmination of Kodiak Networks technology and integration efforts provided by the Airtel Future Factory, a unique initiative which develops innovative applications to cater to the changing needs of customers.

A solution designed for both Corporate and Individual customers, AGC, is an innovative voice services suite, which improve group communications..

Presently, the service has been launched in the Karnataka circle alone because infrastructure has to be set up as yet in other circles as yet. The service will soon be launched in Delhi and other Airtel circles."

The AGC application requires a 64k bit SIM card and any Phase II plus (2000 or later) mobile handset. AGC includes the following advanced voice services:

· Instant Availability: AGC users will have the ability to see availability status of groups members akin to popular instant messenger programs. Availability icons include available, not available and do not disturb (DND).

· Voice Bridge - Provides fast and easy set-up of full-duplex, mobile-originated simultaneous calls with up to 10 (9 group members + Initiator) wireless and landline participants. With Airtel, business colleagues, social groups and families can instantly initiate an instant conference call. Within seconds, conference calls can be made to any combination of dialable telephone numbers.

· Group SMS - Group SMS simplifies message addressing, group selection, and delivery, while minimizing key strokes and menu navigation.

· Quick Groups - Offers users the ability to form groups within the application by simply selecting people from Contacts to create a quick group and initiate a call. Users can instantly reach their associates or friends to share news and updates.

· Contact and Group Management - Enables Airtel subscribers to instantly create, modify and delete individuals, groups, and group members, directly in their SIM. Contacts are then automatically backed up on the Airtel network and can be easily restored in the event of a new, lost or stolen phone.

These services are available to Airtel subscribers at a monthly rental fee of Rs.99. Only the caller needs to be a subscriber of the service, the contacts need not be. The call charges will be defined by the customer's rate plan. There is an Initial charge of Rs 250 for customers to upgrade to the 64 k SIM Card. Group SMS will be charged at just is at Rs2.50/ for messaging the entire group.

Mr. Kris Patel, Executive Vice President and CTO, Kodiak Networks USA, said, "This is the first time in the world that group conferencing capabilities and other advanced voice services have been enabled through commercially available SIM cards. I am confident that this innovation will contribute greatly to improved group communications across India."

Airtel Group Call launch currently covers Karnataka license circle; and will be rolled out nationally in a phased manner.