The Hindu : Videocon, Alcatel and Airtel in marketing pact

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Aug 12, 2003

Business

Business

Videocon, Alcatel and Airtel in marketing pact

MUMBAI AUG. 11 . Videocon International Ltd., under plans to foray into the cellular market in India, has entered into a tie-up with the French telecom major Alcatel, under which the consumer electronics manufacturer will distribute the latter's mobile handsets in the country.

"We have been considering a foray into the cellular market for quite sometime and were waiting for the right opportunity. With Alcatel, we have struck the right chord and hence decided to partner with that company,'' Videocon International President, P. N. Dhoot, told reporters here today.

The companies would launch its first handset, One Touch 320, under the pact, tomorrow, which would be distributed through Videocon's existing channels, he said, adding the duo had also entered into a tie-up with AirTel for connectivity.

The alliance companies, under their `Groovy Mobile Pack,' would offer connectivity provided by AirTel, under a scheme rolled out for the alliance — Happy Plan — for Rs. 3,489. Videocon would offer a walkman free with the scheme.

The Happy Plan is a post-paid zero rental plan, with a 21-day credit period, said Bharati Tele-Ventures President, Manoj Kohli, adding the company would soon be launching pre-paid cards in the segment.

Videocon expects to garner around 10 per cent of the handset market share in India, which amounts to around six lakh pieces, Mr. Dhoot said, adding around 90 lakh handsets were sold in the country, of which 60 lakhs were through the legitimate channel.

It was also planning to manufacture handsets, if the climate was conducive, he added.

PTI

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