Reliance Communications is putting in place a plan to capture 40 per cent of all new smartphones on its network in the 13 circles it offers 3G services. At present, the company has nearly 26 per cent of total smartphones on its network in the 3G circles.
To begin with, RCom is banking on its spectrum-linked market strategy to improve quality of services across these circles, a company official said.
RCom, controlled by billionaire Anil Ambani, would offer bigger screen phones in these circles. The better experience and greater usage levels of big screens would help bringing in customers and revenues on its network.
Further, RCom’s exclusive tie-ups with handset manufacturers such as iPhone, HTC and BlackBerry would also help the company in bringing in users on to its 3G network.
“Aggressive pricing is set to trigger a wave of 3G adoption in the country, ensuring greater traction from mid- to high-level data users,” he said, adding that these initiatives would improve affordability of the services and make 3G the “standard” for Internet access.
The company had earlier slashed 3G prices, bringing it on par with that of 2G services.
ACQUISITIONS
The company, in its annual report said it is open to acquisitions and opportunities to consolidate. The Department of Telecommunications is expected to rollout its detailed mergers and acquisition norms in September.
“Consolidation in the Indian wireless sector is already being seen, with the exit of operators whose licensees were cancelled. In quite a few circles, the number of operators has reduced from the earlier 10-12 down to 8-9 operators after the exit. This has resulted in reduced competitive intensity and lessening of downward pressure on tariffs,” it said.
“The first phase of exponential growth in the telecom industry was led by voice. The next big opportunity will be led by data and broadband services,” Anil Ambani said his note to the shareholders in the annual report, adding the Government’s new telecom policy is “progressive” and “forward looking”.