BPL Mobile plans Rs100 crore fresh investment

Mumbai: BPL Mobile has announced fresh investment plans involving over Rs100 crore to upgrade and strengthen its network. The planned investment, `Project Rapid Growth' is aimed at ramping up network infrastructure, launching new value added services, upgradation of the call centre and rejuvenation of the brand in Mumbai.

As part of the programme to strengthen its network, the company will add a fourth state-of-the-art main switching centre (MSC) and set up 300 new cell sites. Of this, close to 100 new sites will operational by the end of September. This will ensure additional coverage and capacity across the city and the new IBS (in building solution) will address in-building coverage across offices, major malls and entertainment arcades.

On the technology front, BPL Mobile plans to rollout the latest value added services, enhance data capability by making the whole network EDGE enabled and also implement the latest version of intelligent network (IN) platform with Camel Phase III for its pre-paid product. These features are expected to be in place before the end of 2006. This will enable the company to offer new product features and service flexibility and enhance customer experience, BPL said in a release.

"With a revitalized management team, we plan to double our network capacity by December end. Going forward, we will differentiate our brand and drive preference through our network superiority, latest value added products, reliable customer service and fair pricing that consumers have come to expect of us, " said S. Subramaniam, CEO of BPL Mobile.

Apart from network and technology, BPL Mobile has earmarked funds to significantly upgrade the current call centre interface and subscribers will witness a perceptible difference in their overall service experience. The company also plans to increase its retail presence across Mumbai.

BPL Mobile has over 1.3 million subscribers in Mumbai and claims to be India's best service offering world-class technology and services and a network that gives greater clarity. BPL Mobile is rated amongst the top admired and trusted telecom brands in the country.