What is OMH?

OMH is a part of the Global Handset Requirements for CDMA (GHRC) initiative. GHRC brings a diverse group of operators and vendors for handset, application and chip-set to facilitate the delivery of feature-rich and affordable 3G devices across the globe. There are about 40+ companies (operators, OEMs, chip-set providers) working jointly to develop standards and specifications based on carrier requirements and device functionality.

The first worldwide trial of OMH was completed in India in August 2008 (source: www.cdg.org); also the first commercial OMH handset was launched by Samsung, Mpower 699 in India in August 2009. "India, being the second largest market for mobile phones in the world, with over 110 million subscribers was a natural choice to begin the programme," annotates Sibal.

"Today we have about six OMH handsets in the market. We plan to launch 25+
OMH handsets this year, ranging from entry-level phones to high-end multi-media phones," Sibal adds.

Joshi, from MTS says, "OMH market is expected to see double digit growth as it offers convergence of voice and data with ease of operation."