Uninor services launched in India
Uninor launched its mobile service in seven Indian telecom circles, making it the largest single-day launch in telecom history.
Telenor Group’s Indian mobile operation, Uninor, today announced the launch of its mobile services in seven Indian telecom circles, making it the largest single day launch in the telecom history. On the first day of service Uninor will cover a footprint of close to 600 million people.
Uninor services were launched simultaneously in the circles Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh East, Uttar Pradesh West and Bihar (including Jharkhand), making it the widest coverage any operator has launched within India. The launch of Uninor services happens eight months after Telenor Group finalized the transaction with Unitech Group and made the first investment into Uninor on 20 March.
“It has been highly satisfying to witness today’s launch of Uninor services across India. By providing quality mobile services, I strongly believe that Uninor will bring about a significant and positive impact in the daily lives of its customers in India”, said Jon Fredrik Baksaas, CEO and President of the Telenor Group. “Establishing a mobile operation of this scale in record time is truly an impressive achievement. I am confident that Uninor will keep the same high momentum going forward to become a preferred provider of mobile services to the Indian population and a significant mobile operator in the Indian market. The Telenor Group is committed to this operation, and will back Uninor with our capabilities and vast experience from other markets to support a successful entry in India”
“With launch in seven circles and roaming agreements in place for the rest, we have started our service in India on day one as a pan-Indian national operator. This is a proud achievement of a committed and talented team. While our launch today is indeed a milestone in a longer journey to become a significant operator in India, we are delighted to have made such a strong start,” said Stein-Erik Vellan, Managing Director of Uninor.
A model for future telecommunication operations
Uninor has established an organizational model, utilizing the unique extend of infrastructure sharing and large degree of outsourcing services available in India. With extensive use of outsourcing, Uninor has created a fast, flexible and efficient model for future growth.
“The Indian organizational model represents a new and innovative approach to setting up a light and cost-efficient telecom operation”, said Mr. Jon Fredrik Baksaas. “I believe that Uninor’s organizational approach will make them faster and more agile than a traditional mobile operator”.
India, with its population of 1.2 billion people, represents a market with high degree of diversity between the different regions. To cater for different needs, Uninor has established a decentralised and empowered organization with 11 regional hub offices to get closer to their customers. In less than 1 year, Uninor has recruited more than 1800 employees that now are trained, prepared and inspired to meet the Indian customers demand.
“Uninor aims to provide the young ambitious Indian customers with services that help them in their daily life, and support them in fulfilling their ambitions”, said Stein Erik Vellan. “Our regional offices allow us to listen to our customers’ needs, and respond and act differently in each region based on our local presence and knowledge.”
The Uninor launch also represents the largest ever distribution at launch by any operator in India. From the start, Uninor will be retailed at over 210,000 points of sale through close to 1000 exclusive distributors in the seven circles. Uninor services will also be available in 17 exclusive company-owned shops and 50 exclusive franchisee shops.
“Ab mera number hai”
Uninor will leverage from Telenor Group’s established marketing and design framework. As in several other markets where the Telenor Group is present, the brand follows Telenor’s brand strategy, combining the global position of the Telenor Group with a distinct local identity. Uninor’s tagline is “Ab mera number hai” or “My time is now”, set to target the young and ambitious individuals.
Celebrating the launch in the streets across India
The day following the launch Uninor will make a big impact in the streets across India, when close to 30 000 persons join the “blue wave”- parade to celebrate that Uninor services are available to the Indian people.
Source: Telenor
