18. BPL Mobile Communications

BPL Mobile Communications has netted turnover of Rs 408.06 crore during
2000-01 as compared to Rs 205 crore in the previous year, showing a growth rate
of 99 percent. The subscriber base increased by a healthy 49 percent to 2,58,453
from 1,73,017 for the corresponding period of the previous year.

Part of the Rs 4500 crore BPL Group, this cellular service provider in Mumbai
has an Intelligent network in place with advanced technologies like Enhanced
Frequency Reception and Synchronous Digital Hierarchy for congestion free
network. During last fiscal, the company has launched a number of promotional
schemes to keep its leadership position. In the pre-paid market, it fueled a
price war by launching its pre-paid card — mots at Rs 249. It has also
launched mobile long distance service, enabling the post-paid BPL Mobile
subscriber to get easy access prepaid STD and ISD facility on a mobile phone.

Another major highlight for the period was its tie-up with Citibank to offer
mobile banking. This enables its customers with Citibank credit card and
accounts to conduct financial transactions on the mobile phone using BPL mobile
network. This forms part of complete basket banking and credit card relates
products to be launched by the company in two phases. It plans to introduce
additional features to mobile banking portfolio like customized triggers.
Through this feature, subscribers will be able to specify parameters like
minimum account balance by visiting a web site. Alerts would be sent to the
subscribers on their mobile phones as a short message when the condition
specified is met. Using smart messaging technology, it also offers its
subscribers the facility to send and receive e-mails on their mobile phones.