Some interesting figures on India's mobile subscribers market. Q2 2006 finds just over 105 million cellphone users compared to 89 million last quarter. That's a growth of 17.8 percent. Bhariti-Airtel remains the largest provider with 29.4% market share with BSNL Cell One and Hutch following. At the end of Q2-2006, total Indian GSM subscriber base stands at 78,484,849(June 30th 2006) compared to 69,064,945 (March 31st 2006) a quarter ago. Bharti-Airtel now leads the pack of GSM operators with a market-share of 29.4% and 23,072,579 subscribers.

CellJournalist follows the Scoopt and SpyMedia model of marketing citizen media to traditional news agencies. Anyone with a cameraphone can participate and generate revenue along the way.  Registration is free and quick for budding photo journalists but the essential question of such agencies having a viable business model remain. Regardless, "if its important to you then send it in."

The Bell Labs Holmdel research facility in New Jersey (United States) is slated for razing by developers. A hotbed for technological and engineering breakthroughs since the 1950's, including high speed data networks and AMPS - the first widely developed and deployed cell phone network technology -  Engadget and others are enlisting support to help save this historical site - the birthplace of the cellphone.

Japan doesn't just lead the world in wireless internet usage according to IDG , but in 2005, the number of people accessing the internet via cellphones EXCEEDED those using a traditional PC. Around 69.2 million users accessed the internet wirelessly in 2005 with 21 million only using a phone for mobile access. Japan has actually topped this list for over five years.

Taking visually impaired users into consideration, Samsung Design China  won a global award at the 2006 Industrial Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) for its "Touch Messenger" system, which allows users to send and check text messages via an ingenious two piece braille keypad cellphone. Samsung intends to commercialize the product soon. Samsung's official press release states: "The “Touch Messenger” is a product designed by Samsung Design China based in Shanghai , China , a country with about 9 million visually impaired people. The product is assessed as a successful result of Samsung's global design strategy, That is, products suited for local needs and characteristics should be designed and planned by obtaining inspiration from local markets in countries around the world.

Mobile Brando in Hong Kong has released a 6x zoom lens compatible with Nokia 6680 abd 6230 models. The cellphone telescope lens replaces your standard camera lens and allows close ups and capturing of otherwise elusive shots. Be aware, that this contraption does increase the size of your phone considerably but for a mere $20 (US) you can certainly have the most looking unique phone around.

Radar.net is a service from Tiny Pictures Inc with a different twist on photo blogging. Recognizing the importance of cameraphones and and peoples affinity for images, Radar.net lets you share pictures in private communities - where you invite who can view and comment on them. Can such a anti Flickr and YouTube concept ever work? Absolutely, says Mashable.

Some sobering figures from Jupiter Research saying that interest in premium mobile services such as streaming video and music is not growing as fast as the industry expects.  The report, ‘European Mobile Services Consumer Survey, 2006’, found that just 32% of European mobile users are willing to pay for mobile content and services beyond basic messaging.

The wait for using your cell phone on a cruise ship may be ending. Although Digital Seas International and other services have long allowed surfing at sea on select Carnival and Disney lines, phone communication has been limited to ship to shore radio - until now. LGC's Wireless Maritime Services (WMS) Unison platform aims to ensure "four bar" service to anyone anywhere.

The 2006 O2 Wireless Music Festival being held NOW in London's Hyde Park features an amazing lineup including Belle and Sebastian, Massive Attack, Depeche Mode and Goldfrapp to name just a few but more than music it's a citizen media extravaganza. O2 has partnered with Mobile Image Group (MIG) to bring phone based interactive billboards, video blogging and backstage reporting for attendees.