Non-metro markets in East tempt Hutch

Telecom service provider Hutch is bullish on network building this year as it recognizes this to be its key growth driver in 2007.

This means putting up more cell sites and strengthening network coverage in private and government buildings, indoor coverage, as well as network strengthening inside metro stations.

"We would also build our network in interiors as maximum growth for any telecom service provider is primarily from there," said Sridhar Rao, CEO "� east of Hutch.

According to Rao, telecom penetration level is only 6 per cent in the interiors of eastern India which has a population of close to 14 million, compared to 35 per cent penetration level in Kolkata proper which has a population of 70 million.

Another brand building activity for Hutch this year would be introducing user-friendly services.

"For example we launched 'SML' for low usage consumers of Hutch. We have noticed that users tend to review their usage plan every six months. Depending on a consumer's usage, the SML service suggests what plan would suit them best," said Rao.

Hutch added about 1 lakh and 60,000 subscribers in the month of January 2007 alone and hopes this kind of growth to continue.

With a total of 24 lakh subscribers and 2000 cell sites in West Bengal, Hutch believes that further brand building activities would also depend on the kind of value-added-services offered.