Mobile handset maker Micromax and telecom operator Aircel will share their channel and retail networks, sales resources and kick-start an integrated device sales activation program to boost sale of SIMs and smartphones.
This is first deal between a phone vendor and telecom service provider to integrate their channel and retail networks in India. Aircel earlier announced plans to go slow on expansion in select telecom circles.
As per the deal announced today, Micromax phones will come bundled with an Aircel SIM and Aircel will start carrying Micromax products across its retail stores.
This alliance is exclusive to the whole range of Micromax and Aircel products. There will be several benefits to customers.
Along with bundling of Aircel SIMs, the telecom operator has slashed its data rates in a concessional offering for Micromax customers who choose to take up the offer. Consumers will get 2GB data per month for free. Tariff rates have been slashed to one paise per two seconds for local calls and one paise per second for STD calls. This offer, along with other similar offers for feature phones and dongles, is valid for three months.
Micromax, which sells 2.3 million smart phones every month, is expecting an incremental growth of nearly 20-25 per cent due to this alliance, said Ajay Sharma, Smart phone Division Head, Micromax.
The Indian handset maker is looking at becoming the #1 smartphone vendor in the country. At present, Samsung is the smartphone leader in India.
For Aircel, on the other hand, this alliance results in practically 2 million new Aircel SIMs hitting the market every month.
As part of the tie-up, customers who purchase Micromax handsets in the retail networks of both the companies would be eligible for a host of bundled offers including Rs 10,000 worth entertainment content free for over three months on 3G phones.
