One of the largest telecom service provider of India, Reliance Communications has launched Reliance Job Search on Voice, which is a voice enabled job search service for the customers of the company. The ‘Reliance Job Search on Voice’ service lets the candidates and recruiters form a real time connection so that they may connect with each other better.

Anil Pande, head VAS, Reliance Communications says, “The new mobile platform fulfills the desire of thousands of eager candidates to be able to submit the resumes to recruiters from anywhere, even when they do not have access to internet connected computers and listen to job profiles and offers.”

The ‘Reliance Job Search on Voice’ service simplifies the job search process. The job seekers in the IT, BPO, Banking, and Manufacturing etc segments submit their profiles and can also go through matching job requirements. The details about the jobs are sent to the candidates through SMS. Those who are looking for informal jobs (Cook, Maid, Driver, Nanny etc) can also use this service to find suitable jobs. In this case, the phone number of the employer will be conveyed to the employees.

If the job announcements are generated by the users, the MSISDN (Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network) of the job seekers will be conveyed to the recruiters. In the informal segment, recruiters will be required to create a profile and then they can listen to the detailed list of matching candidates. Again the recruiters will have access to the MSISDN of the applicants and thus they will be able to contact the job seekers.

To activate the service, Reliance Mobile customers just need to dial 58010 and subscribe for Rs 30 for one month which will be auto renewed every month. A formal segment job seeker can also become an employer on the informal job segment without incurring any additional cost.

Imagine if you were able to access your mobile connection simply by typing your user name and Password on any device. If you loose your phone, you wouldn’t have to worry about losing data as well, and you’d never have to go to the operator’s shop for a new SIM.

And it’s not just users who stand to benefit. Mobile networks are reaching remote geographies; user loyalty with an operator is as short as a week; and revenue earned per month from each user is less than Rs 100. In these circumstances, operators find it expensive to provision a SIM card for every connection.

Apple was rumored to have been working with SIM vendor Gemalto to develop a wirelessly upgradable soft SIM for its devices which wouldn’t need a physical card at all.

GSMA too has established a working group of major operators to create specifications for a soft SIM.

Similar to most new technologies that are set to change an established norm, virtual SIMs face some resistance in the form of regulations, but if the case is compelling, the technology will surely make a way for itself.

Comviva Technologies, an Indian value added services company, had launched Virtual SIM technology in 2009 that allowed users to access up to six connections using one SIM card. Currently, Virtual SIM is deployed by MTN Cameroon and MTN Ghana, and is said to have generated a great deal of customer interest and uptake in these markets.

Arun Tanksali, head of mobile lifestyle and device solutions business at Comviva, says, “Virtual SIM solution enables operators to provide subscribers with an alternative line — using a single SIM and a single handset. With Virtual SIM, subscribers gain fast, convenient and cost-effective access to a second line, enabling them to separate mobile phone usage depending on their needs.”

Back in 2009, there were no dual SIM devices and Comviva’s solution was focused at developing the possibility of using multiple connections on one device, but the Virtual SIM design was such that five connections to each Virtual SIM would be accessible using a password login system and wouldn’t need individual physical cards to function.

While Comviva’s solution does not eliminate the need of a physical SIM altogether, it does reduce it as people who opt for multiple connections can have them without the need for multiple SIM cards.

Tanksali further said about Virtual SIM that “The service can be launched rapidly, without the need for additional investment, enabling operators to improve overall customer profitability. Operators are also able to target the Base of Pyramid (BoP) segment affordably, providing many people with their first unique mobile identity, and often, their first experience of mobile communications.”

PlayUp is a new interactive and social game that cricket lovers can play while watching the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 starting February 19. Viewers get rewarded for doing something they always do anyway — make predictions about the game.

Accessible through SMS, WAP, GPRS, apps and IVR, PlayUp is a unique game in which one needs to guess the next wicket, the most valuable batsman and bowler in each team, and the average runs that will be scored during power play overs. Those who guess correctly get sports merchandise and other goodies.

Rajat Kulshrestha, chief executive officer, PlayUp says, “We are excited at the planned launch of these new product offerings as this is all set to create an exciting and engaging experience for Indian fans watching live sport.”

The rollout of 3G will further enhance the gaming experience and allow rich live match analysis and exciting features like check-in to a match, fan feeds and audio/video interactions on the mobiles.

With India’s growing interest in different sports, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect similar services in football, tennis etc. as well.