'Per-second billing helped us penetrate BOP'

The Afghans had to travel abroad to make an international call. The operator invested over $425 mn in building a world-class telecommunications network, introducing innovative products and services, building a distribution network, and contributing to the development of the country.

Today, the operator has approximately 3.2 mn subscribers, covers 230 cities and towns in all of the country's provinces, reaching 60% of the population. Karim Khoja,CEO, Roshan speaks to VOICE&DATA on company's strategies to maintain the lead and market competition. Excerpts:

Roshan has very swiftly taken the lead in Afghanistan's telecom space. You have crossed 3 mn subscribers, with 1 mn customers being added in the past six months. What will be your strategy to maintain the lead?

At Roshan, we work hard to understand our subscribers, focusing on how to acquire and retain new subscribers. Last year, we segmented our main product portfolio; and currently offer targeted products for youth, corporate, and the mass market. This includes a new plan called 'Yaraan', meaning 'best friend' of the youth.

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