The Hindu Business Line : Reliance, Tata Tele may mostly get new cell users

LIMITED mobility service providers such as Tata TeleServices and Reliance Infocomm are likely to get most of their subscribers from new connections rather than wean away existing cellular phone users, a study by International Data Corporation (IDC) India has said.

IDC says its survey among cellular users in top 10 cities in the country showed that only 21 per cent of cell phone users are highly willing to try out limited mobility services based on wireless in local loop (WLL).

Companies such as Tata and Reliance are rolling out WLL services in a big way in the country. While the Tatas have already launched their limited mobility service in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Delhi, Reliance is planning a mega nationwide launch this week.

The limited mobility rollout plans of these companies have been mired in controversies as cellular operators stoutly object to such a service. They had moved the Supreme Court seeking a stay, but the apex court has referred the issue to the Telecom Dispute Settlement Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).

According to the IDC Survey, cellular operators in Kolkata have shown the maximum inclination to try WLL service.

"As high as 45 per cent of GSM users in Kolkata are `highly willing' to try WLL against the average of 21 per cent at overall level. Thiruvananthapuram follows Kolkata with 40 per cent... " IDC said. Twenty-nine per cent cell phone users in Ahmedabad said they were ready to try WLL.

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