IDEA targets 3 million pre-paid customers in Maharashtra
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2004-03-29 •
After achieving the 1-million subscriber mark in Maharashtra, IDEA Cellular is now planning to launch general packet radio switching (GPRS) and multi-media messaging services (MMS) in the circle by May. Working towards it, IDEA is also expanding its spectrum availability. The cellular service provider has asked for an additional 2.2 MgHz, taking its total spectrum availability to 10 MgHz.
On the technology front, the cellular service provider has introduced EDGE technology (3G) in Delhi on a pilot basis to demonstrate its technological capabilities. Vikram Mehmi, chief executive officer, IDEA Cellular, says, The Maharashtra circle is also 3G-compatible, but the market has not yet moved in that direction. Moreover, handset availability is an issue, he added.
After recently acquiring Escotel, IDEA is looking at further acquisitions. We are evaluating some properties for acquisition, but we will not bid for new licences, Mehmi said. Referring to financials, Mehmi said, the cellular service provider has achieved net profitability in its Maharashtra circle, which contributes 40 per cent to its total revenue.
Vijay Grover, COO, Maharashtra circle, IDEA, said, We are scaling up for growth so that we can handle 30 lakh pre-paid subscribers from the current level of 10 lakh. He added that in the Maharashtra circle, IDEA has 43 per cent of the GSM market.
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