Idea Cellular Ltd, India’s leading cellular operator, headquartered in Pune has launched the Shared Access (Voice & Data) program for Rural India. After a successful trial in Maharashtra, Idea Cellular takes the lead in connecting the un-connected and helping change lives by announcing the launch of the Shared Voice & Data services under an initiative run by the GSM Association (GSMA), the global trade association for mobile phone operators. The Shared Voice & Data services are slated for launch across all Idea Circles shortly.
“Shared Access”, refers to the sharing of a mobile telecommunication device, making the PCO immobile phone service a thing of the past. This model extends the accessibility of communication whilst creating a new revenue stream for low income rural entrepreneurs who own the mobile phone. Rural entrepreneurs can sell airtime on their mobile phones to people in the community wishing to make a call or send a text message. This innovative approach allows entrepreneur to set up a payphone business for just the cost of a handset. Specially devised software with a printer will be developed to enable the owner of the mobile handset to provide a bill if required to the customer making the call. Call charges are also displayed on the handset to ensure transparency in the transaction. Additionally, Idea will offer shared Internet access in these rural communities to provide an even broader range of data services.
“The GSM Association is supporting this launch by Idea Cellular, as well as other shared voice and data initiatives, because we believe this concept is the best way to bring the many benefits of mobile communications and Internet access to people who can’t afford their own handset or computer,” said Rob Conway, CEO of the GSM Association, the global trade association for mobile operators. “Our hope is that shared voice and shared data services will spread across India and other developing countries, providing major social and economic benefits to rural communities that have had limited access to telecommunications.”
Commenting on this initiative, Pradeep Shrivastava, VP, Marketing, Idea Cellular Ltd said, " This unique initiative is going to create the much needed thrust for the rural communities as it will increase accessibility at affordable prices, empowering the rural strata of society and promoting entrepreneurship."
For further information, contact: Yusuf Zaman Clea Public Relations Mobile: 9891653547
Mail this page