Hutichison, Bpl Waive Activation Fees Up To Aug 31

Hutchison Max Telecom and BPL Mobile, cellular service providers in the Mumbai metro, have waived their activation charge of Rs 960 for a special promotional period up to August 31, 2001.

BPL Mobile chief operating officer BP Singh said: "With the fall in SIM activation fee, we are looking at further consolidating our market share and reaffirming our positioning in the mobile industry in the country."

Valid up to August 31, the scheme will offer a waiver of Rs 960 on SIM activation fee. As per its earlier announced value tariff plan, BPL subscribers get around 200 minutes of talktime at an airtime rate of Rs 1.49 per minute by paying a minimum tariff fee of Rs 299.

According to Sanjeev Vohra, vice-president (sales and marketing) of Hutchison, customers can get a cellphone connection for only Rs 250 towards SIM card costs. This scheme from Hutchison makes it one of the lowest priced connections in the country.

The refundable membership deposit of Rs 1,500 stays. In effect, a new Orange connection will now cost just Rs 250 in SIM card charges for customers who choose any Orange Talk plan.

"Airtime rates have reduced over the past few months and by lowering the entry cost for a trial period, it has given the cellular market in Mumbai the necessary boost, which will help in further expanding the market for mobile phone services," the company said.

As cell phone becomes a necessity, the lower entry cost will play an increasingly vital role in reaching consumers. "In line with this strategy, Hutchison has taken the initiative to waive the activation charges for the balance month," Vohra said.

Recently, Hutchison was first the company in Mumbai to announce a 25 per cent reduction in security deposit, which was soon followed by a drastic slash in airtime rates to Rs 1.49 per minute on its commitment plan at the entry level. Hutchison has a subscriber-base of more than three lakh in the Mumbai metro circle.