Hutch crosses 50-lakh subscribers mark in Gujarat

Ahmedabad, Sep 5 (UNI) Hutch, on cellular service provider, has crossed 50 lakh customer mark in Gujarat, maintaining its position as the largest operator in the circle with a market share of 48.7 per cent.

Addressing media persons here today, Hutch Operations Director Sunil Sood said over the last twelve months, Hutch has focused on rural penetration through its programme ''Har Gaon Hutch Gaon''.

He said the company had a 30-lakh subscriber base in August 2006 which grew to 50 lakh in September 2007 owing to the introduction of innovative services like 99 recharge, chota recharge, life time, and bonus cards.

''We have set a benchmark in the circle by being the only operator to have crossed the 50 lakh figure,'' Mr Sood said, adding that on an all India level, only another company has crossed the 50 lakh customer mark -- in Karnataka.

Mr Sood said that customer service point network of Hutch has grown to 226 towns in Gujarat, the largest in India. Besides, he said initiatives like the Post Office tie up across the circle, have ensured that customers have all their communication needs fulfilled at their doorsteps.

Mr Sood said that as per the memorandum of understanding signed during the Vibrant Gujarat meet last year for investing Rs 2500 crore in the state till 2011, Hutch has already put in Rs 330 crore and will invest three times more that amount this year.

UNI