'3G will provide a growth impetus for operators'

What are some of the promises that you see 3G fulfilling in India?

3G will provide a growth impetus for operators, ushering in the next level of communications-that's because the 3G promise goes beyond high data transfer speeds. It enables service providers to reach significantly improved spectral efficiency as 3G networks have the capability to service a far higher number of subscribers than 2G networks. Additionally, 3G's advanced data capabilities will enable enterprises to leverage enhanced wireless speeds as a critical competitive advantage. This will help increase productivity, streamline processes, improve customer services, enhance enterprise communications, cut back on time-lines and better control costs through various online domain solutions.

What are some of the rich 3G experiences in terms of applications and technology that you will offer in India?

We look forward to leveraging on NTT DOCOMO's expertise to get a first-mover advantage in the 3G arena-add to this the fact that our networks are NGN and therefore, 3G-ready. The nine circles where Tata DOCOMO will launch 3G services include Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (West), Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. While the main focus of 3G services will be reasonable pricing-based on a pay-per-use-model-and quality of network and content, we hope to bring in more products from NTT DOCOMO soon. We expect a full blown 3G in India in the next 3 years and are thus, investing heavily in customer education regarding 3G and concentrating on increasing our customer acquisition.

Rural mobility and teledensity are on the rise. What exactly is TTSL doing in this regard for its rural customers?

TTSL crossed the 80 mn subscribers' mark for wireline and wireless subscribers on September 30, 2010. The company has shown a growth rate of almost 100% in the last 12 months. The approaches that have worked for us have been to offer cutting-edge and reliable products and services, have complete transparency as far as tariffs are concerned, and to provide a seamless and hassle-free telecom experience to customers.

What are the major challenges for Indian telecom operators and the industry as a whole?

Lack of clarity on regulatory issues, especially 2G spectrum allocation, continues to be a deterrent. The Indian telecom space has evolved into a competitive landscape where only the fittest can survive. Sadly, the success is dependent as much on the efforts of an operator as on external issues which shape the very environment in which the business functions. In such a scenario, it is imperative that policy makers and the government ring in regulations that spur the growth of this sector.

BERYL M
berylm@cybermedia.co.in