Date:18/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/18/stories/2008071853700500.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Airtel, SKS Microfinance tie up to offer package

Special Correspondent

The scheme is part of Bharti Airtel’s ‘Grameena Mobile Kranthi’

HYDERABAD: Mobile services provider Airtel and non-banking finance company SKS Microfinance on Thursday launched a bundled offer, including a handset for Rs. 2,300 with a free SIM and affordable calling rates.

Bharti Airtel’s executive director-South Deepak Mehrotra said the scheme was part of the company’s ‘Grameena Mobile Kranthi’, aimed at making mobile telephony available and affordable for rural customers. While Airtel would provide SIMs and the network, SKS had tied up with Nokia for the handset offer, he said.

Founder and CEO of SKS Microfinance Vikram Akula said the partnership would enable members access information and connect better with markets and help improve their micro-enterprises and way of life. He said 50 per cent of the 24 lakh SKS members across 15 States would be first-time mobile users.

Bharti Airtel CEO, Andhra Pradesh, T. Elango, said they had a tie-up with Nokia and were offering the 1650 model phone with 25 monthly instalments of Rs. 85. Initially, the offer was launched for four branches of SKS Microfinance in Jogipet, Medak, Ramayampet and Siddipet and would later be rolled out in all the branches in the State, he said.