The Hindu Business Line : Will the consumer become king this year?

SO you are ready with your resolutions for the New Year? Well, if cutting down spending is one of them, you may well be able to live up to your resolution during 2003, for; this year promises to offer plenty of economical extravaganzas.

From telephone to computers to cars to colour TVs, you are likely to get some amazing deals this year. Here is what could be in store for you in 2K3:

Your telephone bill is bound to get lighter during the year as the price war that Reliance Infocomm ignited last month is set to intensify by March-April. If you go for a Reliance Mobile, your monthly cost of communication could be around Rs 600, which may include some STD calls as well. Other fixed line operators, both private as well as public sector, would also offer you better packages during the year to fight Reliance.

Even if you are to stick to your current cell phone, your bills will surely be lower in the coming months. Cellular operators are planning to bring down airtime rates to take head on the challenge thrown up by Reliance and the limited mobility services. Incoming calls could go free and lot more value-added services may also come your way at no extra cost.

Computers are another area where there would be some great deals at never-before prices. A number of companies such as HCL Infosystems are planning to come out with low-priced desktops, powered by non-Intel processors and running Linux software.

Those who are willing to settle for basic machines could well buy a branded PC for their homes at about Rs 20,000, may be even cheaper. Samsung and LG, the two South Korean rivals aggressively invading our homes, Subhash Chandra's Agrani Switch and many other players are also readying such low-priced PCs for the price-conscious Indian consumer.

As for cars, Tata Engineering has already rolled out its Indigo, priced almost Rs 1 lakh cheaper than other sedans available in the market. Though the other automakers have ruled out any price cuts, one should not be surprised if prices are lowered during the year, at least on some models. And oh yes, the fabulous discounts in 2002 will certainly continue well into 2003!

The World Cup cricket starting in February brings you loads of entertainment right into your living room. Alongside will come deals and models from colour television makers. Time to go for one or upgrade to a better.

If you are also resolute to make some investments in stocks in the New Year, you may as well wait for some grand initial public offers like those from Tata Consultancy Services and Maruti Udyog.

And hopefully, all this would make your life better in 2003.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail
Comment on this article to BLFeedback@thehindu.co.in

Stories in this Section
Cargill eyes commodity bourses

Economy shrugs off drought impact — GDP growth touches 5.9 pc in first half

Current account surplus for fourth consecutive quarter

Forex reserves bloat but `quality' a worry

Infosys seeks FIPB nod for ADR issue

Will the consumer become king this year?