Samsung Telecom eyes new channels

Samsung Telecommunications is looking at alternative distribution channels and bundled value-added-services to push sales of its handsets in India.

Sunil Dutt, country head of Samsung Telecommunications, said on the sidelines of Infocom, “We are looking at launching close to 35 new handsets in India in 2009. We are tying up with several production houses to offer value-added-services like handsets with ‘Ghajini’ games, prayers, Indian calendar, etc. Consumers can also download other value-added-services that respective service providers may offer.”

“We are also trying to offer full length movies and songs with our handsets. These handsets are typically in the mid-price segment which costs between Rs 5,000 and Rs 10,000,” Dutt added.

"We are looking at tie-ups in the online space. We have witnessed an increasing number of consumers purchasing handsets and accessories online. We therefore plan to tie-up with multiple online partners to sell handsets online through their network,” Dutt said.

For rural pockets, Samsung will tie up with local co-operatives to push handset sales. Samsung has recently tied-up with Indian Farmers Fertiliser Co-operative Limited (IFFCO) for rural telephony, which will take Samsung handsets and services to the countryside.