Airtel to expand network in Gujarat

Airtel, the telecom brand of Bharti Televentures, plans to establish the largest network in Gujarat, covering 400 towns by the end of the current fiscal. The company aims to commission 500 more cell-sites by March 2006.

Commenting on the plans, for the future B P Singh, the chief operating officer for Airtel's Gujarat circle, said, "Airtel will have the largest network in Gujarat by the end of the current fiscal. We are in the process of setting up of 500 new cell-sites that will result into a strong network of 1300. Airtel will mark its footprints in 200 new towns by the end of the current financial year."

The company has also set its target to cross the one million subscriber base mark from the current one - 5.62 lakh. The expansion is funded through ambitious investment plans and entails capital expenditure worth Rs 4,000 crore as announced by the company earlier.

"Simultaneously, we will also increase our retail network for voucher distribution with an aim to enable customers to purchase it within a range of 100 metres in urban areas," added Singh.

Right now, Airtel enjoys a reach of about 200 towns. Its recharge vouchers are being sold through 14,000 retailers.

Also, the company aims to join hands with more and more television programmes for various applications in the value-added services segment. It will shortly announce details of its tie-up with Sony Television for Indian Idol.

Airtel also plans to augment its network in some parts of the city areas, where it is facing poor connectivity problems. The company is in a contract with Nokia for setting up its network.

"Network and value-added services would be our two pillars to meet targets. We entered late in Gujarat but are moving fast compared to our competitors," said Singh.