Telecom services in the country incorporate infinite conditions into their series of offers which are not akin to those available elsewhere in the world, said PD Sarma, chief executive officer (CEO) of Airtel Bangladesh.
Sarma observed that telecom services in the country are mostly affected by a bundle of conditions attached to packages.
In an interview with the Dhaka Tribune, the CEO focused on the Airtel’s business motto and its future ambition to turn out to be the most preferred mobile operator in the days to come.
“When I took the helm of the company, I was a little surprised to find the existing telecom business culture in the market,” said Sarma. “I cannot remember this takes place anywhere in the world.”
The CEO stressed that Airtel would bring about a significant change to this culture and want to be most preferred telecom service operator in the country with its simplification and transparent offers.
Airtel Bangladesh is the latest mobile phone operator while PD Sarma is the first Bangalee Indian CEO who joined the company in March, 2014.
In reply to a comparative analysis of Airtel offers and conditions, Sarma said in India, most offers are very easy and simple to notice unlike those advertised in the media here in Bangladesh.
He said Airtel believes in the power of simplification and indiscrimination that would distinguish the company from other operators. Recently, Airtel has offered a package namely ‘Shobai Ek’, a simple, transparent and unrestricted package that might create revolution in the arena of telecom services, added the CEO.
“Mostly all over the world youth love Airtel brand, but our offer is for everyone, and we believe in the power of customer satisfaction, a culture Airtel prefers most.”
Globally, Airtel offers telecom services in 20 countries and it is the fourth largest operator in the world in terms of subscribers worth around 30 crore.
Sarma termed Airtel very ‘contemporary’ and that is why youth prefers the brand. “Youth love us but we want to reach everyone.”
Currently Airtel has 81.43 lakh active connections in the mobile industry, according to the telecom regulator since August.
Focusing on the company plan, Airtel CEO said: “We are gearing up to move forward with a sound network and customer services and that is our main objective.”
Airtel launched its journey in Bangladesh in 2010, acquiring 70% stake only by paying $100,000, and last year it bought the rest of 30% stake from Dhabi Group for $85 million.
“Four years ago when we started our business we were very small, and later we made a huge investment and could establish our brand.”
About the third generation (3G) services, PD Sarma said no doubt Airtel will be the most preferred 3G operator in the country in terms of its offer of unlimited speed.
On the spectrum auction in September 2013, Airtel acquired only 5 megahertz of spectrum and Sharma acknowledged that “it will be a good problem for the company if their subscribers’ number heats that ceiling.”
“We can find solutions to any problem from technological innovations as in every 6 to 12 months new technology is emerging and bringing about change.”
Sarma added that though mobile operators have had around 70% market penetration, the market like Bangladesh has always chance to grow further while data and data with voice will be the next business priorities.
The CEO said that Airtel is committed to providing the fastest and secured data services for its subscribers.
