Videocon, Alcatel in cellular phone marketing pact
By siliconindia staff writer   |   Tuesday, 12 August 2003, 19:30 IST
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MUMBAI: Videocon International has entered into a tie-up with French telecom major Alcatel to distribute the latter's mobile handsets in the country. "We have been considering a foray into the cellular market for quite sometime and were waiting for the right opportunity. With Alcatel, we have struck the right chord and hence decided to partner with that company," Videocon International president PN Dhoot said on Monday. The companies would launch its first handset, One Touch 320, under the pact on Tuesday, which would be distributed through Videocon's existing channels, he said, adding the duo has also entered into a tie-up with AirTel for connectivity. The alliance companies, under their 'Groovy Mobile Pack', would offer connectivity provided by AirTel, under a scheme rolled out for the alliance - Happy Plan - for Rs 3,489. Videocon would offer a walkman free with the scheme. Happy Plan is a post-paid zero rental plan, with a 21-day credit period, said Bharati Tele-Ventures president Manoj Kohli, adding the company would soon be launching pre-paid cards in the segment. Videocon expects to garner around 10 per cent of the handset marketshare in India, which amounts to around six lakh pieces, Dhoot said, adding around 90 lakh handsets were sold in the country, of which 60 lakh were through the legitimate channel. It is also planning to manufacture handsets, if the climate is conducive, he added.

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