दो सिम युक्त फोन लेने वाले होशियार

Thinking of buying dual-SIM phone? You might just have to wait because a Madurai resident has asked Indian Customs Officials to stop import and shipments of such devices till he is paid a royalty for each dual SIM phone sold!

Apparently, Madurai resident Somasundaram Ramkumar, holds a patent in India for "phones with a plurality of SIM cards allocated to different communication networks". The patent which was awarded to him last year, is making life difficult for cell phone manufacturers in the country. The demand by the patent-holder for royalty might affect the sales of all dual-SIM handsets in he country. It is estimated that around 100,000 dual-SIM handsets are sold in India every month. The patent is valid for five years and Ramkumar is reportedly demanding a royalty of Rs.35 for every dual SIM handset sold in the country. With the rising popularity of such handsets, the move will no doubt earn a handsome passive income for the smart alec from Madurai.

The matter is being dealt with seriousness with even the Indian Cellular Association (ICA) forming a committee to look in to the matter. Dual SIM handsets with the capability to switch numbers on the fly are becoming popular by the day with their ability to switch from GSM to CDM networks.

Major manufacturers expect the dispute to be resolved as soon as possible so that the sales are not affected by the standoff.