Idea launches 'shared access' initiative in Maharashtra

New Delhi, Jun 10 (UNI) IDEA Cellular Ltd, a leading cellular operator of the country, today launched the Shared Access (Voice&Data) programme for rural India.

Initially the launch is in Maharashtra but the Idea plans it for all its Circles country-wide shortly, a release said.

''The GSM Association is supporting this launch by Idea Cellular, as well as other shared voice and data initiatives, because we believe this concept is the best way to bring the many benefits of mobile communications and Internet access to people who can't afford their own handset or computer,'' GSM Association CEO Rob Conway said in a statement.

Commenting on this initiative, Idea Cellular Ltd VP (Marketing) Pradeep Shrivastava said,'' This unique initiative is going to create the much needed thrust for the rural communities as it will increase accessibility at affordable prices, empowering the rural strata of society and promoting entrepreneurship.'' 'Shared Access', refers to the sharing of a mobile telecommunication device, making the PCO immobile phone service a thing of the past. This model extends the accessibility of communication whilst creating a new revenue stream for low income rural entrepreneurs who own the mobile phone.

Rural entrepreneurs can sell airtime on their mobile phones to people in the community wishing to make a call or send a text message. This innovative approach allows entrepreneur to set up a payphone business for just the cost of a handset. Specially devised software with a printer will be developed to enable the owner of the mobile handset to provide a bill if required to the customer making the call. Call charges are also displayed on the handset to ensure transparency in the transaction. Additionally, Idea will offer shared internet access in these rural communities to provide an even broader range of data services.

IDEA Cellular has licenses to operate in 11 circles with a customer base of over 8 million. It has operations in Delhi, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Uttaranchal, Haryana, UP- West and Kerala.

UNI MP VJ HT1945