Aircel unveiled an attractive STV which offers fully unlimited whatsapp and facebook usage in Mumbai circle at an attractive rate of Re.1 per day. This voucher provides free usage for browsing facebook and sending and receiving instant messages on whatsapp. This voucher does not include the newly launched voice calling feature by whatsapp. The voucher is only applicable for usage on 2G data network not for Aircel’s 3G network in Mumbai which it operates on Rcom’s network through sharing agreement. The voucher can either be subscribed on daily deduction basis or with 30 day validity through USSD code activation by dialling *121*28#. Also note that such packs have previously been offered by operators like Rcom, Docomo, etc. and should either be used in combination with regular data packs or the user needs to be able to use a firewall on his smartphone allowing only whatsapp and facebook to access the cellular data network while blocking all other data traffic.
Aircel has been trying to strengthen its network and retail presence in Mumbai circle. Aircel currently has 1950 BTS installed in Mumbai and has plans of adding another 300 by the end of this year. Aircel has 71 Xpress stores in Mumbai which it plans to increase to 200 by the end of this year. It has around 14,500 retail touch points many of which have been enabled with the ability of lodging complaints through an app installed on the retailer’s mobile for quicker redressal of grievances. Aircel currently holds Pan India 2G licence, 3G spectrum in 13 circles and BWA in 8 circles. It is not clear as to what Aircel’s strategy with regards to spectrum will be after DOT has barred it from bidding for any new spectrum in bands that it doesn’t currently have spectrum in a particular circle on account of negative net worth.
We will soon bring to you an exclusive interview with Mr. Alok Verma, Circle business head of Aircel Mumbai. Keep reading TelecomTalk for more news and updates.