'Shared infrastructure initiative by operators will affect our business'

How do you foresee the Indian telecom market in terms of your
business in the coming years?

India is one of the potential markets for us, with all-round investment
pouring into the telecom sector. There is a huge potential for growth in this
sector, and we are witnessing it every year. We are also targeting small service
providers, which do not have a pan-India presence. With mobile operators
ballistic on launching the 3G platform in India, we are optimistic that we will
grow.

What is your business strategy, and who are all your potential
customers in India?

We follow a simple business theory. We deal with telecom operators for
supply and installation of the products or through network providers. We have
been constantly supporting most mobile operators directly. We also deal with
Ericsson and Motorola for offering our product range, which they offer as a
package to mobile operators. We have been installing a number of cell sites for
majority of service providers across the country.

What are your targets for the India market in 2007? Do you think
your business will be affected with mobile operators keen on sharing
infrastructure?

During the year 2006, we have installed around 48,000 cell sites, and the
growth has been phenomenal. With the government initiating to connect the rural
population, cellular operators are rushing to rural areas to offer their
services. It will boost our business here. This year we are targeting to set up
more than 80,000 cell sites in India, which is a big number. On the shared
infrastructure initiative by the operators, to some extent, it will have effect
on our business. Most of the countries worldwide are following the policy of
sharing infrastructure, which reduces the cost of expansion for each operator.

What is the contribution from the Indian market to your global
revenues?

India contributes a major share to the global revenues. In 2006, our
revenues stood at $2.15 bn, and the Asia Pacific contributes around 15% to it.
We have got an impressive growth in India, which is going to increase every
quarter.

Any plans to increase headcount in India?

We have two sales offices in India-Mumbai and Delhi, and a production
facility in Goa. We have employed around 250 people in Goa center, and are
planning to increase the numbers to 400 by this year end.

Which are the emerging markets you are targeting in Asia Pacific
region?

Indonesia is another emerging market for us. The challenge there is
connecting islands and rural areas. We are witnessing a lot of competition in
high growth category in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. These are one of the growing
markets in Asia Pacific. However, India stands as the hub for SAARC region.

Bhaskar Hazarika


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