BANGALORE, INDIA: At an instance when every industry across the world is witnessing a southward journey,
telecom industry is treading an offbeat path.
Indian telecom sector is witnessing a growth trajectory like never before. A recent Gartner study finds that, while North America has been the largest telecommunication market, Asia Pacific (APAC) will surpass it in terms of telecom revenue in 2008. North American telecom revenue is forecast to total $511.6 billion in 2008, a 4.5 percent increase from 2007, whereas, the APAC market is projected to reach $513.1 billion, in the same year, up 8 percent from that of the previous.
The mobile user base in India is increasing by the day and is estimated to reach 296.08 million this year (350 mn in 2009). The competition in this space is becoming even more tougher with 3G ironing its, much deserved, way in. Many more telecom players, including Videocon, Essar, Swan Telecom, Unitech, are all set to make their presence in India.
India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. But with the declining call tariffs, that have reduced from Rs 7.50- 1.06 lately, and ARPU, telecom operators are under constant pressure to retain its user base and sustain their revenue growth. So telecom operators are in look out for other means to keep up with the competition. Pankaj Sethi, president- corporate services- VAS, TTSL, says: "The share of SMS in the pie is declining among operators."
Abhay Singhal, co-founder and head, global ad sales, mKhoj, says: "Of late, brands are going a step ahead and looking forward to value added services that are specific and measurable so as to reach those audience who may or may not have access to the conventional forms of advertising."
