Samsung Mobile to increase product portfolio

Samsung Mobile plans to roll out new handsets, basic models as well as high-end phones, in 2009 to drive its growth in the Indian market, a senior official of the cellphone maker said.

Samsung Mobile Country Head Sunil Dutt said that the company would continue its 'Next is What' positioning in this year and will enhance its product portfolio across the segments.

"We have around 50 models in the market and would roll out more in this year to accelerate our growth. At present our growth rate in India is in double digit, close to our global growth rate of 16.3 per cent," he said without disclosing the numbers.

The company is also strengthening its dealer network for deeper penetration.

"We are covering around 65 per cent of the total mobile outlets across the country besides having 416 service centres. We are planning to strengthen our presence in remote areas as well," he said.

The company is already using Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co-operative Ltd (IFFCO) network for taking its handsets and services to the countryside.