June 11 2003

Four Indian GSM networks, BPL Mobile, Escotel, RPG Cellular and Spice Telecom, have joined together to form the MobileFirst alliance.

With a contiguous pan-India footprint, the MobileFirst alliance will offer enhanced value across tariffs, roaming, long distance calling and new generation technology and services to its 3 million subscribers across 700 towns in the country.

The alliance will also deliver a common customer relationship management platform to provide home network experience anywhere/anytime to its subscribers across the alliance member networks.

With a backbone of over 10,000kms, MobileFirst encompasses contiguous cellular circles, with BPL Mobile in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, Escotel spanning Haryana, Kerala, UP West, UP East, Rajasthan & Himachal Pradesh, RPG Cellular in Chennai, and Spice Telecom in Punjab & Karnataka, providing a pan Indian footprint.

Added Mr. Rajan Swaroop, CEO, Escotel Mobile, "The MobileFirst alliance will be the biggest consumer of long distance minutes in the country. We will leverage the same to ensure that the best value is delivered on long distance tariffs to our subscribers through strategic partnership with long distance service providers.

The alliance will also leverage its members’ tie ups with over 400 international networks to provide extended roaming reach".

Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Umang Das, MD-Corporate Affairs, Spice Communications, said, “The MobileFirst 3 million subscriber base, by virtue of it belonging to the first operators in their respective markets comprises of relatively mature cellular users.

It is therefore more discerning and valuable. The formation of this alliance will enable its members to offer products and services in line with their expectations thereby enhancing value.”

MobileFirst is an alliance of leading cellular operators BPL Mobile, Escotel, RPG Cellular and Spice Telecom. It has an executive management committee that includes key representatives of member companies. MobileFirst has an independent Secretariat with working groups for different focus areas.

Hutchison and Idea Cellular are also understood to be considering joining the alliance.

 

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