STUDENT PREFERENCE TOWARDS VARIOUS MOBILE SERVICE PROVIDERS.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY – REPORT

25/04/2009

Presented To: Submitted By:

Prof. LEENA NAIR Nishant S. Chauhan - 21

Saarang Amritkar -28Chetan Bothara- 11Nand Kishor Rajput- 40Rajesh Kumar- 42

PGPCS Batch - IV

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DECLARATION

Hereby declare that the project report entitled “STUDY OF STUDENTS

PREFERENCE TOWARDS VARIOUS MOBILE SERVICE PROVIDERS”

submitted for the RESEARCH METHODOLOGY of Master of Business

Administration, is our original work and the project report has not formed the basis

for the award of any diploma, degree, associate ship, fellowship or similar other

titles. It has not been submitted to any other university or institution for the award

of any degree or diploma.

Place: ISCOM, PUNE

Date: 25-04-2009 RAJESH KUMAR

NISHANT CHAUHAN

CHETAN BOTHARA

SAARANG AMRITKAR

NAND KISHOR RAJPUT

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Survey is an excellent tool for learning and exploration. No classroom routine can

substitute which is possible while working in real situations. Application of

theoretical knowledge to practical situations is the bonanzas of this survey.

Without a proper combination of inspection and perspiration, it’s not easy to

achieve anything. There is always a sense of gratitude, which we express to others

for the help and the needy services they render during the different phases of our

lives. We too would like to do it as we really wish to express my gratitude toward

all those who have been helpful to me directly or indirectly during the development

of this project.

We would like to thank my professor Prof. Leena Nair who was always there to

help and guide us when we needed help. Her perceptive criticism kept us working

to make this project more full proof. We are thankful to her for her encouraging

and valuable support. Working under him was an extremely knowledgeable and

enriching experience for me. We were very thankful to her for all the value

addition and enhancement done to us.

RAJESH KUMAR

SAARANG AMRITKAR

NAND KISHOR RAJPUT

CHETAN BOTHARA

NISHANT CHAUHAN

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SCOPE OF THE STUDY

As learning is a human activity and is as natural, as breathing. Despite of the fact

that learning is all pervasive in our lives, psychologists do not agree on how

learning takes place. How individuals learn is a matter of interest to marketers.

They want to teach consumers in their roles as their roles as consumers. They want

consumers to learn about their products, product attributes, potential consumers

benefit, how to use, maintain or even dispose of the product and new ways of

behaving that will satisfy not only the consumer’s needs, but the marketer’s

objectives.

The scope of our study restricts itself to the analysis of students preference,

perception of different mobile service providers. The scope of our study is also

restricted to ISCOM only.

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OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The subject matter for this research Project is to study the students preference

towards the various mobile service providers. This project consists of different

objectives. They are as follows:

To know about the student preference level associated with different mobile

service providers.

To find out the students satisfaction towards the various service providers.

To know which advertisement media puts more impact on the buying decision

of students.

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RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Survey design:

The study is a cross sectional study because the data were collected at a single point of time. For

the purpose of present study a related sample of population was selected on the basis of

convenience.

Sample Size and Design:

A sample of 300 people was taken on the basis of convenience.

Research Period:

Research work is only carried for 2 or 3 weeks.

Research Instrument:

This work is carried out through self-administered questionnaires. The questions included were

open ended, dichotomous and offered multiple choices.

Data Collection:

The data, which is collected for the purpose of study.

Primary Source: The data has been collected directly from respondent with the help of

structured questionnaires.

Secondary Source: The secondary data was collected from internet.

Data Analysis:

The data is analyzed on the basis of suitable tables by using mathematical techniques. The

technique that we have used is bar graphs, pie charts etc.

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INTRODUCTIONTelecom Industry in India

The telecom industry is one of the fastest growing industries in India. India has nearly 400

million telephone lines making it the second largest network in the world after China, with a

growth rate of 40%, Indian telecom industry has the highest growth rate in the world.

-  Much of the growth in Asia Pacific Wireless Telecommunication Market is spurred by

the growth in demand in countries like India and China.

-  India‘s mobile phone subscriber base is growing at a rate of 82.2%. 

-  China is the biggest market in Asia Pacific with a subscriber base of 48% of the total 

   subscribers in Asia Pacific. Compared to that India’s share in Asia Pacific Mobile

Phone Market is 6.4%. Considering the fact that India and China have almost

comparable populations, India’s low mobile penetration offers huge scope for growth.

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History of Indian Telecommunications

Started in 1851 when the first operational land lines were laid by the government near Calcutta

(seat of British power). Telephone services were introduced in India in 1881. In 1883 telephone

services were merged with the postal system. Indian Radio Telegraph Company (IRT) was

formed in 1923. After independence in 1947, all the foreign telecommunication companies were

nationalized to form the Posts, Telephone and Telegraph (PTT), a monopoly run by the

government's Ministry of Communications. Telecom sector was considered as a strategic service

and the government considered it best to bring under state's control.

The first wind of reforms in telecommunications sector began to flow in 1980s when the private

sector was allowed in telecommunications equipment manufacturing. In 1985, Department of

Telecommunications (DOT) was established. It was an exclusive provider of domestic and long-

distance service that would be its own regulator (separate from the postal system). In 1986, two

wholly government-owned companies were created: the Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL)

for international telecommunications and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) for

service in metropolitan areas.

In 1990s, telecommunications sector benefited from the general opening up of the economy.

Also, examples of telecom revolution in many other countries, which resulted in better quality of

service and lower tariffs, led Indian policy makers to initiate a change process finally resulting in

opening up of telecom services sector for the private sector. National Telecom Policy (NTP)

1994 was the first attempt to give a comprehensive roadmap for the Indian telecommunications

sector. In 1997, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was created. TRAI was formed

to act as a regulator to facilitate the growth of the telecom sector. New National Telecom Policy

was adopted in 1999 and cellular services were also launched in the same year.

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Telecommunication sector in India can be divided into two segments: Fixed Service Provider

(FSPs), and Cellular Services. Fixed line services consist of basic services, national or domestic

long distance and international long distance services. The state operators (BSNL and MTNL),

account for almost 90 per cent of revenues from basic services. Private sector services are

presently available in selective urban areas, and collectively account for less than 5 per cent of

subscriptions. However, private services focus on the business/corporate sector, and offer

reliable, high- end services, such as leased lines, ISDN, closed user group and

videoconferencing.

Cellular services can be further divided into two categories: Global System for Mobile

Communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). The GSM sector is

dominated by Airtel, Vodfone-Hutch, and Idea Cellular, while the CDMA sector is dominated by

Reliance and Tata Indicom. Opening up of international and domestic long distance telephony

services are the major growth drivers for cellular industry. Cellular operators get substantial

revenue from these services, and compensate them for reduction in tariffs on airtime, which

along with rental was the main source of revenue. The reduction in tariffs for airtime, national

long distance, international long distance, and handset prices has driven demand.

Classification of Telecommunication services

1. Basic services

2. Cellular services

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Cellular Service

Overview

1. There are five private service operators in each area, and an incumbent state operator. Almost

80% of the cellular subscriber base belongs to the pre-paid segment.

2. The DoT has allowed cellular companies to buy rivals within the same operating circle provided

their combined market share did not exceed 67 per cent. Previously, they were only allowed to

buy companies outside their circle.

Growth Drivers

Opening up of international and domestic long distance telephony services are growth drivers in

the industry. Cellular operators now get substantial revenue from these services, and compensate

them for reduction in tariffs on air time, which along with rental was the main source of revenue.

The reduction in tariffs for airtime, national long distance, international long distance, and

handset prices has driven demand.

The Key players in the Telecom Market in India

Cellular Service provider:

1. BSNL

2. Airtel

3. Vodafone

4. Reliance

5. Tata indicom

6. Virgin

7. Idea

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Subscribers

Wireless subscribers crosses 400 million mark

Tele density reaches 30%

The total number of telephone subscribers has reached 400 million at the end of December 2008

as compared to 232.87 million in July 2007. The overall teledensity

has increased to 30% in December 2008 as compared to 20.52% in July 2007.

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Market Share of the telecom Company in India

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Company Profile

INTRODUCTION

• “Bharti Airtel” formerly known as Bharti Tele-Ventures Limited (BTVL) is among

India's largest mobile phone and Fixed Network operators. With more than 94 million

subscriptions as of March 2009.[2] It’s Revenue around 6 billion US$.

It offers its mobile services under the Airtel brand and is headed by Mr. Sunil Mittal. The

company also provides telephone services and Internet access over DSL in all 23 circles. The

company complements its mobile, broadband & telephone services with national and

international long distance services. The company also has a submarine cable landing station at

Chennai, which connects the submarine cable connecting Chennai and Singapore. The company

provides reliable end-to-end data and enterprise services to the corporate customers by

leveraging its nationwide fiber optic backbone, last mile connectivity in fixed-line and mobile

circles, VSATs, ISP and international bandwidth access through the gateways and landing

station.

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Airtel is the largest cellular service provider in India in terms of number of subscribers. Bharti

Airtel owns the Airtel brand and provides the following services under the brand name Airtel:

Mobile Services (using GSM Technology), Broadband & Telephone Services (Fixed line,

Internet Connectivity (DSL) and Leased Line), Long Distance Services and Enterprise Services

(Telecommunications Consulting for corporates).

Leading international telecommunication companies such as Vodafone and SingTel held partial

stakes in Bharti Airtel.

In April 2006 Bharti Global Limited was awarded a telecommunications license in Jersey in the

Channel Islands by the local telecommunications regulator the JCRA. In September 2006 the

Office of Utility Regulation in Guernsey awarded Guernsey Airtel with a mobile

telecommunications license. In May 2007 Jersey Airtel and Guernsey Airtel announced the

launch of a relationship with Vodafone for island mobile subscribers. In July 2007, Bharti Airtel

signed an MoU with Nokia-Siemens for a 900 million dollar expansion of its mobile and fixed

network.[3] In August 2007, the company announced it will be launching a customized version

of Google search engine that will provide an 'array of services' to its broadband customers.

Airtel Telemedia Services & Enterprise Services. The mobile business provides mobile &

fixed wireless services using GSM technology across 23 telecom circles while the Airtel

Telemedia Services business offers broadband & telephone services in 95 cities and has recently

launched India's best Direct-to-Home (DTH) service, Airtel digital TV. The Enterprise services

provide end-to-end telecom solutions to corporate customers and national & international long

distance services to carriers. All these services are provided under the Airtel brand.

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INTRODUCTION

A DREAM COME TRUE

The Late Dhirubhai Ambani dreamt of a digital India — an India where the common man would

have access to affordable means of information and communication. Dhirubhai, who single-

handedly built India’s largest private sector company virtually from scratch, had stated as early

as 1999: “Make the tools of information and communication available to people at an affordable

cost. They will overcome the handicaps of illiteracy and lack of mobility.”

It was with this belief in mind that Reliance Communications (formerly Reliance Infocomm)

started laying 60,000 route kilometres of a pan-India fibre optic backbone. This backbone was

commissioned on 28 December 2002, the auspicious occasion of Dhirubhai’s 70th birthday,

though sadly after his unexpected demise on 6 July 2002.

Reliance Communications has a reliable, high-capacity, integrated (both wireless and wireline)

and convergent (voice, data and video) digital network. It is capable of delivering a range of

services spanning the entire infocomm (information and communication) value chain, including

infrastructure and services — for enterprises as well as individuals, applications, and consulting.

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Today, Reliance Communications is revolutionising the way India communicates and networks,

truly bringing about a new way of life.

Reliance Communications (formerly Reliance Infocomm), along with Reliance Telecom and

Flag Telecom, is part of Reliance Communications Ventures (RCoVL). According to National

Stock Exchange data, Anil Ambani controls 66.75 per cent of the company, which accounts for

more than 1.36 billion shares of the company.[1]Reliance Infocomm is an Indian

telecommunications company. It is the flagship company of the Reliance-Anil Dhirubhai

Ambani Group, comprising of power (Reliance Energy), financial services (Reliance Capital)

and telecom initiatives of the Reliance ADA Group. Reliance Infocomm is currently managed by

Anil Dhirubhai Ambani.It uses CDMA2000 1x technology

HISTORY

Reliance Infocomm was founded by Dhirubhai Ambani. Between 1999 to 2002 Reliance

Infocomm built 60,000 km of fibre optic backbone in India. This network was commissioned on

December 28, 2002.

FOOTPRINT

In past, Reliance Telecom's GSM cellular services were available in 340 towns within its eight-

circle footprint. Now Reliance has launched its services in whole India. Reliance's CDMA

services are available in 19 states and cover about 65% of the country, state wise. Reliance

Infocomm also offered for the first time in India, mobile data services through its R-World

mobile portal. This portal leverages the data capability of the CDMA 1X network.

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BUSINESS REVIEW

2008  January 12

Reliance Communications receives Start-up GSM Spectrum

   

 

January 16 

Yahoo partners with Reliance Communications to provide Yahoo One Search for its

CDMA and GSM customers.

   

 

January 31 

RCOM's Q 3 Net Profit increases by 48.5% and Revenues Up by 29.8 %. Remains the

most profitable Telecom Company in India.

   

 

February 4 

Reliance Communications offers Lifetime Validity at Rs 199

RCOM’s subsidiary Infratel files Draft Red Herring Prospectus with SEBI

   

 

February 5 

Reliance Mobile strengthens its religious content portfolio on Mobile by tie-up with

Sadhana TV

    February 14

RCOM in partnership with CanvasM, launches Mulitplayer Mobile Games

    February 19 

HDFC Bank ties up with RCOM, turns every Reliance Mobile into a credit card

   

 

February 27 

Reliance Communications consolidates Global Telecom Business under “Business

Globalcom” 

Reliance Communications forays into International Mobile Market with GSM License in

Uganda.

    March 3 

Reliance Communications drops prices of Internet Data Cards

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    March 10 

Reliance Communications announces ESOPs for over 20,000 employees  

    March 20 

Reliance Communications and HTC forge Strategic Alliance

    March 27 

Corporation Bank Launches Banking Services on Reliance Mobile World

   

 

April 1 

Reliance Communications forays into IT space, launches Reliance Technology Services

Company

    April 9 

RCOM launches Educational Portal on Reliance Mobile Phones

   

 

April 25 

Reliance Globalcom unit Reliance Infocom BV, Netherlands acquires Global WiMAX

Operator eWave World

    April 29 

Reliance Communications Announces Unlimited Free STD calls   

   

 

April 30 

Reliance Globalcom Launches Passport Global SIM 

RCOM's Net Profit up by 70.8% to Rs 5,401 crore

   

 

May 2 

Reliance Communications’ Net Profit up by 70.8% to Rs 5,401 crore (US$ 1,350

million), Revenues higher by 31.8% to Rs.19, 068 crore (US$ 4,765 million) and

EBIDTA increases by 43.3% to Rs.8, 199 crore (US$ 2049 million)   

   

 

May 12 

Reliance Communications and Alcatel form Joint Venture to offer Managed Network

Services to telcos across the globe

    May 26 

Reliance Globalcom acquires UK based VANCO Group Limited

     June 24 

Reliance Globalcom, Stealth Communications forge Strategic Alliance to extend VOIP

Network across 50 countries

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    July 12 

CA Exam Results on Reliance Mobile

    July 22 

Reliance Communications Mobile Subscriber base crosses 50 Million

    July 29 

CA Professional Exam Results on Reliance Mobile

   

 

July 31 

Reliance Communications (RCOM) announces its financial results for the first quarter

ended June 30, 2008. Net Profit up by 23.9% to Rs. 1,512 crore (US$ 352 million)

BUSINESS REVIEW

Reliance Communications Ltd has announced the Unaudited Consolidated financial results for

the quarter ended December 31, 2008. The Group has posted consolidated profit after

Adjustment of Share of Minority Interest & Associates of Rs 14103.10 million for the quarter

ended December 31, 2008 as compared to Rs 13728.30 million for the quarter ended December

31, 2007. The Consolidated Total Income has increased from Rs 48742.00 million for the quarter

ended December 31, 2007 to Rs 58502.40 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2008.

The stock closed the day at Rs.160.15, down by Rs.7.55 or 4.50%. The stock hit an intraday high

of Rs.172 and low of Rs.158.20.

The total traded quantity was 4671155 compared to 2 week average of 4628331.

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TATA TELESERVICES

INTRODUCTION

Tata Teleservices Limited (TTSL) is part of the Tata Group of Companies, an Indian

Conglomerate. It runs the brand name Tata Indicom in India in various telecom circles of India.

The company forms part of the Tata Group's prescence in the Telecommunication Industry in

India, along with Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Limited (TTML) and VSNL.

TTSL was incorporated in 1995 and was the first company to offer CDMA Mobile services in

India, specifically in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

In December 2002, the company acquired the erstwhile Hughes Telecom (India) Ltd. which was

renamed Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Limited.

In September 2007, Tata Indicom launched the Talk World plan, an International Long Distance

Plan.

Tata is the direct competitor with Reliance, both CDMA operators in India. The company

provides unified telecommunication solutions including mobile, fixed wireless, fixed line and

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broadband. Other competitors are Vodafone, Airtel, Aircel, Idea, MTNL, BSNL providing GSM

based mobile telephony.

The company was first in India to provide free intra network calling within city limits. They

launched a unique scheme providing lifetime rental free connectivity on its mobile and fixed

wireless for a one time charge.

Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra) Ltd (TTML), one of the fastest growing telecom service

providers, today announced that it has crossed the 7-million-subscribers milestone across the

Mumbai and Rest of Maharashtra (RoM) circles.

The achievement comes close on the heels of TTML crossing the half-a-million subscriber mark

in its wireline segment last month.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr Haridev Khosla, president, network and technology,

TTML, said, "The 7-million milestone speaks volumes of the trust that our customers have

evinced in Tata Indicom. This remarkable achievement stands testimony to our efforts to ensure

seamless network and good consumer care. We will strive to continuously better our efforts and

our offerings."

Tata Teleservices spearheads the Group’s presence in the telecom sector. Incorporated in 1996,

Tata Teleservices was the first to launch CDMA mobile services in India with the Andhra

Pradesh circle.

Starting with the major acquisition of Hughes Tele.com (India) Limited now renamed Tata

Teleservices (Maharashtra) Limited] in December 2002 the company swung into an expansion

mode. With the total Investment of Rs 19,924 Crore, Tata Teleservices has created a Pan India

presence spread across 20 circles that includes Andhra Pradesh, Chennai, Gujarat, Karnataka,

Delhi, Maharashtra, Mumbai, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Bihar, Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal

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Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh (E), Uttar Pradesh (W), Kerala, Kolkata, Madhya Pradesh and West

Bengal.

Tata Indicom redefined the existing prepaid mobile market in India, by unveiling their offering –

Tata Indicom ‘Non Stop Mobile’ which allows customers to receive free incoming calls. Tata

Teleservices today has India’s largest branded telecom retail chain and is the first service

provider in the country to offer an online channel www.ichoose.in to offer postpaid mobile

connections in the country.

Tata Teleservices:

Tata Group is one of the leading business conglomerates in India and telecommunication is one

of the heavily invested areas of the group. Tata’s telecommunication business is covered by four

companies: Tata Teleservices Limited (TTSL) aka Tata   Indicom  and its associate, Tata

Teleservices (Maharashtra) Limited (TTML), Tata Communication, formerly known as Videsh

Sanchar Nigam Limited, and Tata Sky. TTSL is the leader in fixed wireless telephony market

with a total subscriber base of 3.8 million. According to the data of fiscal year 2006, TTSL has

an investment capital of $7.5 billion.

Tata started its foray into the telecom sector in 1996. In December 2002, Tata Teleservices

acquired Hughes Telecom (India) Limited and renamed it to Tata Teleservices (Maharashtra)

Limited (TTML). The company aggressively expanded its network around India. Initially, it

invested Rs. 199.24 billion. Tata Indicom operates in more than 5000 towns divided in twenty

circles all over India. These circles are: Andhra Pradesh, Chennai, Gujarat, J & K,

Karnataka, Delhi,Maharashtra, Mumbai, North East, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Bihar,

Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh (E), Uttar Pradesh (W), Kerala,

Kolkata, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal. In these areas, TTSL and TTML jointly have a

customer base of 28 million and it is still expanding its areas inside the country.

Tata Teleservices offers world-class technology and user-friendly services in 20 circles.

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Tata Teleservices was the first Indian company to introduce CDMA 3G1x technology mobile

network in India. It built this state-of-the-art CDMA network in partnership with Motorola,

Ericsson and Lucent. Tata Indicom received license from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of

India (TRAI) to launch GSM services in early 2009. Tata has 12,500 towers around the country.

Out of them, 10,000 belongs to TTSL and the rest to TTML.

TTSL offers a wide range of high quality user friendly services. They are:

Mobile services

Wireless Desktop Phones

Public Booth Telephony and Wireline services

Voice portal

Roaming

Post-paid Internet services

3-way conferencing

Group calling

Wi-Fi Internet

USB Modem

Data cards

Calling card services

Enterprise services

Retail Business:

At present, TTSL has the largest retail presence in India operating through more than 3000 retail

outlets all over the country. Out of these, 600 outlets are owned by TTSL and the rest are in

franchise format. With its Tata Indicom Exclusive Stores, Tata covers the top 700 towns in India.

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Franchise with Virgin mobile:

In order to attract the young generation, in March 2008, Tata Indicom and Virgin Mobile,

a UK based youth oriented mobile phone company, started Virgin mobile. Initially, Virgin

Mobile wanted to act as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator but Indian Telecom authority did

not give out the MVNO license. Under MVNO system, a mobile company buys up necessary

space from an existing wireless company and resells under their own brand. This system is not

present in India. As a result, Virgin and Tata signed a franchise deal under which Virgin Mobile

will be owned by Tata Teleservices. Under the later agreement, Virgin Mobile will release its

mobile phones through Tata Indicom. It will also use Tata Indicom’s telecom network to offer its

services. The revenue will be split 50:50.

Virgin Mobile phone service is targeted toward young people between 14 and 25 years of age.

Virgin Mobile is a UK-based mobile company founded by Richard Branson. Initially, the service

was offered in fifty Indian cities. By December 2008, the officials targeted to spread the service

in 1000 cities. In the initial stage, Virgin mobile targeted million base subscribers and generate

revenue in the next three years. The company offered mobile handsets ranging from $50 to $125.

Trivia:

In March 2008, Tata Indicom subscriber base reached a whopping 24.3 million in the

wireless category and its overall subscriber base was more than 25 million.

TTSL maintained a compound annual growth rate of 113% in the wireless segment.

In Delhi NCR region, TTSL gained the second slot removing Vodafone with a subscriber

base of 3 million.

In November 2008, Tata Teleservices sold out 26% of its stake to Japanese telecom giant

NTT DOCOMO for $2.7 billion.

TTSL pioneered the VAS (Value Added Services) in India.

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Some of the major Bollywood stars endorsing Tata Indicom are: Kajol, Trisha, Irfan

Pathan, Pooja Ruparel and Saurav Ganguly.

Tata Indicom’s Freedom Call Voucher television commercial was highly appreciated.

The TV commercial stars Pooja Ruparel and Kajol. Pooja Ruparel sits in the locker-room

holding a stop watch on one hand and talking to her friend over the phone non stop. She

was worried about talk time. Then, Kajol enters and gives her Tata Indicom’s freedom

call offer which ensures free unlimited talk time.

In 2007, Synovate, a leading market research firm, conducted a survey which revealed

that Tata Indicom was voted number one by Television viewers in major Indian

metropolitan areas in September.

Tata also gives services in remote villages in India at a very low cost. There are mobile

vans that go to different villages and operates as customer touch points. Trained TTSL

officials visit different villages on particular days of a week selling recharge vouchers

and service equipments. Each person covers 200-300 people.

In 2007, Tata Indicom launched an online portal named ichoose. Through these web-

portals, users of Tata phones and interested people can buy phones and recharge their

phones online.

In October 2007, Tata Zone, an infotainment service for Hindi speaking Indians. There

are various applications such as Cricket, Faith and Prayers, Bollywood

and Hollywood movies, News, Astrology, Funzone, and Games. Users can also

download ringtones and wallpapers.

In March 2008, Tata Indicom launched a free-of-cost i-Help Emergency service.

Available to all the pre-paid and post-paid phone users of TTSL, i-Help enables the user

to connect with his/her family anytime. Under this facility, users would have access to

three local numbers. In case of emergency, s/he would dial *44 and Tata will send SMS

to his close ones.

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BSNL

INTRODUCTION

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (known as BSNL, India Communications Corporation Limited)

is a public sector communications company in India. It is the India's largest telecommunication

company with15.62 % market share as on December, 2008. Its headquarters are at Bharat

Sanchar Bhawan, Harish Chandra Mathur Lane, Janpath, New Delhi. It has the status of Mini-

ratna - a status assigned to reputed Public Sector companies in India.

BSNL is India's oldest and largest Communication Service Provider (CSP). Currently BSNL has

a customer base of 68.5 million (Basic & Mobile telephony). It has footprints throughout India

except for the metropolitan cities of Mumbai and New Delhi which are managed by MTNL, As

on December, 2008. BSNL commanded a customer base of 31.7 million Wireline, 4.1 million

CDMA-WLL and 32.7 million GSM Mobile subscribers. BSNL's earnings for the quarter ending

December 31, 2008 stood at INR 397.15b (US$ 9.67 b) with net profit of INR 78.06b (US$ 1.90

billion). Today, BSNL is India's largest Telco and one of the largest Public Sector Undertaking

with estimated market value of $ 100 Billion. The company is planning an IPO with in 6 months

to offload 10 % to public.

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. formed in October, 2000, is World's 7th largest Telecommunications

Company providing comprehensive range of telecom services in India: Wireline, CDMA mobile,

GSM Mobile, Internet, Broadband, Carrier service, MPLS-VPN, VSAT, VoIP services, IN

26

Services etc. Within a span of five years it has become one of the largest public sector unit in

India.

BSNL has installed Quality Telecom Network in the country and now focusing on improving it,

expanding the network, introducing new telecom services with ICT applications in villages and

wining customer's confidence. Today, it has about 47.3 million line basic telephone capacity, 4

million WLL capacity, 20.1 Million GSM Capacity, more than 37382 fixed exchanges, 18000

BTS, 287 Satellite Stations, 480196 Rkm of OFC Cable, 63730 Rkm of Microwave Network

connecting 602 Districts, 7330 cities/towns and 5.5 Lakhs villages.

BSNL is the only service provider, making focused efforts and planned initiatives to bridge the

Rural-Urban Digital Divide ICT sector. In fact there is no telecom operator in the country to beat

its reach with its wide network giving services in every nook & corner of country and operates

across India except Delhi & Mumbai. Whether it is inaccessible areas of Siachen glacier and

North-eastern region of the country. BSNL serves its customers with its wide bouquet of telecom

services.

BSNL is numero uno operator of India in all services in its license area. The company offers vide

ranging & most transparent tariff schemes designed to suite every customer.

BSNL cellular service, CellOne, has more than 17.8 million cellular customers, garnering 24

percent of all mobile users as its subscribers. That means that almost every fourth mobile user in

the country has a BSNL connection. In basic services, BSNL is miles ahead of its rivals, with

35.1 million Basic Phone subscribers i.e. 85 per cent share of the subscriber base and 92

percent share in revenue terms.

BSNL has more than 2.5 million WLL subscribers and 2.5 million Internet Customers who

access Internet through various modes viz. Dial-up, Leased Line, DIAS, Account Less Internet

27

(CLI). BSNL has been adjudged as the NUMBER ONE ISP in the country.

BSNL has set up a world class multi-gigabit, multi-protocol convergent IP infrastructure that

provides convergent services like voice, data and video through the same Backbone and

Broadband Access Network. At present there are 0.6 million DataOne broadband customers.

The company has vast experience in Planning, Installation, network integration and Maintenance

of Switching & Transmission Networks and also has a world class ISO 9000 certified Telecom

Training Institute.

Scaling new heights of success, the present turnover of BSNL is more than Rs.351,820

million (US $ 9.67 billion) with net profit to the tune of Rs.99,390 million (US $ 2.26 billion)

for last financial year. The infrastructure asset on telephone alone is worth about Rs.630,000

million (US $ 14.37 billion).

BSNL plans to expand its customer base from present 47 millions lines to 125 million lines by

December 2008 and infrastructure investment plan to the tune of Rs. 733 crores (US$ 16.67

million) in the next three years.

The turnover, nationwide coverage, reach, comprehensive range of telecom services and the

desire to excel has made BSNL the No. 1 Telecom Company of India.

History

The foundation of Telecom Network in India was laid by the British sometime in 19th

century. The history of BSNL is linked with the beginning of Telecom in India. In 19th century

and for almost entire 20th century, the Telecom in India was operated as a Government of India

wing. Earlier it was part of erstwhile Post & Telegraph Department (P&T). In 1975 the

Department of Telecom (DoT) was separated from P&T. DoT was responsible for running of

Telecom services in entire country until 1985 when Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited

(MTNL) was carved out of DoT to run the telecom services of Delhi and Mumbai. It is a well

known fact that BSNL was carved out of Department of Telecom to provide level playing field

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to private telecoms.Subsequently in 1990s the telecom sector was opened up by the Government

for Private investment, therefore it became necessary to separate the Government's policy wing

from Operations wing. The Government of India corporatised the operations wing of DoT on

October 01, 2000 and named it as Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).BSNL operates as a

public sector.

VODAFONE ESSAR

Vodafone Essar, previously Hutchison Essar is a cellular operator in India that covers 16

telecom circles in India Despite the official name being Vodafone Essar, its products are simply

branded Vodafone. It offers both prepaid and postpaid GSM cellular phone coverage throughout

India and is especially strong in the major metros.

Vodafone Essar provides 2G services based on 900 MHz and 1800 MHz digital GSM

technology, offering voice and data services in 16 of the country's 23 licence areas.

Vodafone Essar, previously Hutchison Essar is a cellular operator in India that covers 16

telecom circles in India . Despite the official name being Vodafone Essar, its products are simply

branded Vodafone. It offers both prepaid and postpaid GSM cellular phone coverage throughout

India and is especially strong in the major metros.

Vodafone Essar provides 2G services based on 900 MHz and 1800 MHz digital GSM

technology, offering voice and data services in 16 of the country's 23 licence areas.

OWNERSHIP:

Vodafone Essar is owned by Vodafone 52%, Essar Group 33%, and other Indian nationals, 15%.

On February 11, 2007, Vodafone agreed to acquire the controlling interest of 67% held by Li Ka

Shing Holdings in Hutch-Essar for US$11.1 billion, pipping Reliance Communications, Hinduja

29

Group, and Essar Group, which is the owner of the remaining 33%. The whole company was

valued at USD 18.8 billion . The transaction closed on May 8, 2007.

PREVIOUS BRANDS:

In December 2006, Hutch Essar re-launched the "Hutch" brand nationwide, consolidating its

services under a single identity. The Company entered into agreement with NTT DoCoMo to

launch i-mode mobile Internet service in India during 2007.

The company used to be named Hutchison Essar, reflecting the name of its previous owner,

Hutchison. However, the brand was marketed as Hutch. After getting the necessary government

approvals with regards to the acquisition of a majority by the Vodafone Group, the company was

rebranded as Vodafone Essar. The marketing brand was officially changed to Vodafone on 20

September 2007.

On September 20, 2007 Hutch becomes Vodafone in one of the biggest brand transition

exercises in recent times.

Vodafone Essar is spending somewhere in the region of Rs 250 crores on this high-profile

transition being unveiled today. Along with the transition, cheap cell phones have been launched

in the Indian market under the Vodafone brand. There are plans to launch co-branded handsets

sourced from global vendors as well.

A popular daily quoted a Vodafone Essar director as saying that "the objective is to leverage

Vodafone Group's global scale in bringing millions of low-cost handsets from across-the-world

into India."

While there is no revealing the prices of the low-cost Vodafone handsets, the industry is abuzz

that prices might start at Rs 666, undercutting Reliance Communications' much-hyped 'Rang

Barse' with cheap handsets beginning at Rs 777.

Meanwhile, Vodafone Essar sources said there would be no discounts or subsidized handset

offers -- rather handset-bundled schemes for customers.

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Incidentally, China's ZTE, which is looking to set-up a manufacturing unit in the country, is

expected to provide several Vodafone handsets in India. Earlier this year, Vodafone penned a

global low-cost handset procurement deal with ZTE.

GROWTH OF HUTCHISON ESSAR (1992-2005):

In 1992 Hutchison Whampoa and its Indian business partner established a company that in 1994

was awarded a licence to provide mobile telecommunications services in Mumbai (formerly

Bombay) and launched commercial service as Hutchison Max in November 1995. Analjit Singh

of Max still holds 12% in company.

By the time of Hutchison Telecom's Initial Public Offering in 2004, Hutchison Whampoa had

acquired interests in six mobile telecommunications operators providing service in 13 of India's

23 licence areas and following the completion of the acquisition of BPL that number increased to

16. In 2006, it announced the acquisition of a company that held licence applications for the

seven remaining licence areas.

In a country growing as fast as India, a strategic and well managed business plan is critical to

success. Initially, the company grew its business in the largest wireless markets in India - in

cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. In these densely populated urban areas it was able to

establish a robust network, well known brand and large distribution network -all vital to long-

term success in India. Then it also targeted business users and high-end post-paid customers

which helped Hutchison Essar to consistently generate a higher Average Revenue Per User

("ARPU") than its competitors. By adopting this focused growth plan, it was able to establish

leading positions in India's largest markets providing the resources to expand its footprint

nationwide.

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In February 2007, Hutchison Telecom announced that it had entered into a binding agreement

with a subsidiary of Vodafone Group Plc to sell its 67% direct and indirect equity and loan

interests in Hutchison Essar Limited for a total cash consideration (before costs, expenses and

interests) of approximately US$11.1 billion or HK$87 billion.

1992: Hutchison Whampoa and Max Group established Hutchison Max

2000: Acquisition of Delhi operations Entered Calcutta and Gujarat markets through ESSAR

acquisition

2001: Won auction for licences to operate GSM services in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and

Chennai

2003: Acquired AirCel Digilink (ADIL - Essar Subsidiary) which operated in Rajastan, Uttar

Pradesh East and Haryana telecom circles and renamed it under Hutch brand

2004: Launched in three additional telecom circles of India namely 'Punjab', 'Uttar Pradesh West'

and 'West Bengal'

2005: Acquired BPL, another mobile service provider in India

2008: Vodafone acquired Dishnet Wireless, a service provider in Orissa and has successfully

launched its services in the following circle.

2008: Vodafone launched the Apple iPhone 3G to be used on its 17 circle 2G network.

Hutch was often praised for its award winning advertisements which all follow a clean,

minimalist look. A recurrent theme is that its message Hello stands out visibly though it uses

only white letters on red background. Another recent successful ad campaign in 2003 featured a

pug named Cheeka following a boy around in unlikely places, with the tagline, Wherever you go,

our network follows. The simple yet powerful advertisement campaigns won it many admirers.

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DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

DEMOGARPHIC FEATURES OF REPONDENTS

1. Sex ratio of the respondents

PARTICULARS NUMBER %AGE

MALE 175 73.33%

FEMALE 65 26.66%

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

NUMBER %AGE

MALE

FEMALE

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INTERPRETATION: The graphical representation of the table shows that out of 300

respondents 220 were male and 80 were female.

1. Do you have any mobile Connection?

PARTICULARS NUMBER %AGE

Yes 218 77%

No 22 23%

INTERPRETATION: In all the respondents 91% had mobile connection 9% were not

having mobile connections.

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2. How many mobile connections do you have?

particulars No. of respondents

1 144

2 56

3 10

>3 8

INTERPRETATION:

out of 218 respondents 144 says that they had 1 connection while 56 were having 2 connection

and 10 were having 3connection and 8 were having more than 3 connections.

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3. Which service are you using?

Particulars % age respondents

Prepaid 80

postpaid 20

INTERPRETATION:

Out of 218 respondents 80% were using prepaid connections while 20% respondents were using

postpaid connections.

36

4. Which scheme you are using in postpaid?

Interpretation: - Out of 218 respondents 77% were using normal monthly plan while 23%

respondents were using yearly plan.

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5. Why have you chosen that plan?

Interpretation : - Out of 218 respondents 19% were using due to price (Call rate) while

15 were using due to easy billing, while 14% were using due to credit limit, while 4% were

using long distance calling facility and 1% were using due to some other reasons.

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4 (i) Which scheme you are using in prepaid?

Interpretation: - Out of 218 respondents 42% were using life time plan while 32% were

using normal monthly plan while 20% were using mobile campus pack and Airtel friend’s pack

while 6% were using all India Rs. 1 plan.

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5 (i) Why have you chosen prepaid service that plan?

Interpretation: - Out of 218 respondents 49% were using to control their total cost while

33% were using due to availability of easy small recharge while 15% were using to change their

plan easily and 3% were using for some other reasons.

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6. Which factors have you consider while selecting the mobile service.

Interpretation: - Out of 218 respondents 27% chosen that plan for coverage while 22%

chosen for services while 17% chosen for cost saving while 8% chosen for roaming while 7%

chosen for internet using and 3% chosen due to some other reasons.

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7. Which mobile connection are you currently using?

PARTICULARS %age

RESPONDENTS

AIRTEL 46

VODAFONE 13

BSNL 8

Virgin 1

RELIANCE 13

TATA INDICOM 4

Idea 15

INTERPRETATION:

Out of 218 respondents 46% were using Airtel, while 15% were using Idea, while 13% were

using Reliance & Vodafone, while 8% were using BSNL and only 1% were using Virgin.

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8. Which facilities you are using frequently?

Interpretation: - Out of 214 respondents 141 were frequently using SMS services while

67 were using night calling, while 44 were using roaming, while 33 were using other services

like (song, radio etc) while 23 were using entertainment and 16 were using news services.

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9. What do you feel about the call tariff linked with the connection you are currently using?

Interpretation: - Out of 218 respondents 64% felt their call tarrif was normal while 31%

felt that it was economical, while 5% felt that it was expensive.

44

10. Which advertisement media puts more impact on your buying decision?

Interpretation: - Out of all respondents 99 told that TV creates maximum impact on their

buying decision, while 61 told that newspaper, while 34 for magazine, 28 for others (banners,

hoardings, pamphlets etc) and 20 said internet.

45

11. How much percentage of your monthly Pocket Money, you spend on

mobile phones?

Interpretation: - Out of 218 respondents 44 spend 4-5% of their pocket money while 23

% less than 3% of their pocket money, while 22 % spend 6-7% of pocket money and 11% spend

more than 7% of their pocket money.

46

12. From how long you are availing the services of this particular service provider?

Interpretation: - Out of 218 respondents 42 were using their mobile from 2 years while

21% were using less than 1 year and 3 years while only 16 % were using from more than 3

years.

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13 . How do you rate your service provider in terms of connectivity and area

of network coverage?

Interpretation: - Out of 218 respondents 90% felt good about their service provider and

10% felt bad about their service provider.

48

14. Do you receive unwanted calls and SMS advertisement?

Interpretation: - Out of 218 respondents 72% said they receive unwanted call and SMS

advertisements and 28 % said no.

49

15. What is the opinion about service of your service provider?

Interpretation: - Out of 218 respondents 38% has better opinion about their mobile

service provider, while 35% has good opinion, while 24% has average opinion and only 3% has

unsatisfactory opinion about service provider.

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16. How would you rate your satisfaction with the number of drop boxes/

recharge coupons denominations available of your mobile service?

Interpretation: - Out of 216 respondents 105 has good opinion about their mobile service

provider, while 74 has neither good nor bad, while 19 has bad opinion, while 14 has very good

opinion and only 4% has very bad opinion.

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17. Would you like to change your current service provider in future?

Interpretation: - Out of 218 respondents 81% told they would not change their service

provider while only 19% said that they would change their service provider in near future.

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FINDINGS Few years back mobile connections were not common among the students. But with the

mobile revolution now we can find almost every student with mobile phone.

Most of the students prefer prepaid connections than postpaid connections.

Most preferred cellular company amongst the students is airtel and the least preferred

company is reliance.

Mostly the students are satisfied with the services provided by the different cellular

companies.

Maximum numbers of respondents were attracted towards the coverage facility and the

least like the roaming services.

T.V. and internet are the best media advertisements that put more impact on the students

buying decisions.

The monthly expense of maximum students was ranging from 150-300.

Maximum number of students are loyal to there particular service providers and they

were using there connections since 2 years.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

BOOKS:

Marketing Research – G. C. Beri

Research Methodology – C.R Kothari

Principles of Marketing – Philip Kotler

Web Resources:

www.trai.gov.in

www.wikipedia.org

http://www.tataindicom.com/t-aboutus-ttsl-organization.aspx

http://www.airtel.in

http://www.rcom.co.in

http://www.ideacellular.com

http://www.bsnl.co.in/about.htm

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