Mobile handset industry to touch Rs 40,000 crore by 2009

New Delhi, Sep 15 (UNI) The mobile handset industry is likely to double at Rs 40,000 crore from the current Rs 20,000 crore by 2009 with the national capital leading the number of subscribers at 9.3 million, an industry expert said today.

''Our vision for 2009 has been completed in 2007. With 3.9 million new subscribers joining in August to September, the mobile handset industry will see a 100 per cent growth in the next three years,'' Indian Cellular Association (ICA) President Pankaj Mohindroo told reporters here.

With mobile phones now becoming an intrinsic part of individual lifestyles, ICA is also looking at rural penetration, he said while announcing the launch of Mobile Asia 2006 -- a four-day mobile exhibition to be held here from October 13.

The mobile expo, being organised by the ICA with an aim to showcase new and emerging products and technologies, will see participants like Airtel, AOL, Haier, I-mate, LG, Motorala, Nokia, Reliance Communications, Sagem, Samsung and Tata Teleservices.

The new logo for Mobile Asia symbolising the multi-faceted nature of mobility was also unveiled here.

The main objective will be to bring all the manufacturers, operators under one roof, where the customers will acquire knowlegde about their latest technologies.

''At Mobile Asia 2006, we will educate and open new vistas of what mobility can help consumers do. With India fast emerging as the world's fastest growing mobile market - we would like to see this thought reflected across all segments and markets, especially in rural areas,'' said Motorola India Director Marketing Lloyd Mathias, who is also the Chairman of the Mobile Asia 2006.

Mobile Asia 2006 will be a truly ''global'' event and will house global and local players in mobility, premiering their best offerings for Asian consumers, he said.

More than 2,50,000 people are expected to visit Mobile Asia'06 including 1,00,000 non-mobile subscribers.

The mobile handset industry grew from Rs 200 crore to over Rs 20,000 crore from 2001 to 2006.

UNI KR PV KN1721