3G is the buzzword for folks reading this blog. But bear in Mind that there are over 558 mn 2G Wireless SIMs out in India and not everybody is aware of what 3G is nor the demand for it. Here is a finding of a survey by RBS,
- 48% of respondents are aware of 3G services, of which 65% are postpaid.
- None willing to pay extra for better voice quality on 3G above the existing rates
- Half of the respondents not interested in Video Calling and those who are interested are unwilling to pay more than Rs 2 / minute. 33% have monthly usage below Rs500, 22% between Rs500 and 1,000 and 33% between Rs1,000 and 2,000
- A whopping 71% of respondents are looking for high speed data download but they have their monthly billing below Rs 500.
- Salaried Employees, Students followed by Self Employed classes in the Indian stratum are the ones seeking 3G services [Better Voice, Video Call and High Speed Data] while Housewives and Professionals just want better Voice and Video without any inclination towards Data.
- Folks in the Lower Income Group need none of the above.
I am sure Telcos may have run their own survey much more thoroughly [including Quantitative profiling and analysis of customers] based on which they will have their bid strategy. In the next post I’ll discuss the potential bids for 3G License in each circle.
at present BSNL and MTNL offering unlimited 3G download @ Rs 2500 per month. As RComm, pioneer in cheaper tariff going to enter 3G market, hope this unlimited will cut down to Rs 1000!
and come to EVDO data cards, not a single private operator offer unlimited plan! they will also be thrashed by 3G high speed data services.
and BSNL be careful, landlines’ number will decrease in more alarming rate with the entry of WiMAX
@Rudradeep – BSNL is offering Unlimited EVDO for Rs 750 + Rs 100 Card Rental + Taxes
I am a little skeptical about the success of WiMax and on the recommendations of Pitroda, BSNL Local Loop maybe opened for others, lets see.