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Tag: Micromax

  • Micromax starts its Russia operations

    Micromax starts its Russia operations

    RUSSIA: Micromax, world’s 11th largest mobile phone player has announced the launch of its operations in Russia by extending its innovative product portfolio and services to the users in the country. Micromax has been the clear No 2 smartphone brand by a distance and a clear No 3 overall phone brand (smart+ feature phones) in India, is now gearing up for Russia. With a focus on democratizing technologies for the masses, the company aims to have an aggressive plan to make its mark in the Russian mobile handset marketre-emphasizing on its vision to offer innovative products and service offerings, which are customized to address the needs of consumers in Russia.

     

    Micromax, with its USP of pioneering meaningful innovations based on in-depth consumer understanding, would be operating througha partnership with VVP Group, one of the leading distribution houses in Russia. The partnership is a strategic move, which would provide good reach for Micromax in the regionwith a plan to make Micromax products available across the country, ensuring deeper shelf space and wider outlet spread.

     

    Micromax will be introducing its popular Canvas series of smartphones and Bolt series of smart-feature phones which have been a trendsetter, which have already sold more than 35 million devices across the operating markets for Micromax in the past one year. The company will be launching 14 products in the Russian market in the initial phase, as the brand is already looking at gearing up to be among the Top 4 brands in Russia by the end of 2014. The company is ready with its service infrastructure across Russia with an aim of having more than 60 operational service centers by end of the month. Micromax will also have its exclusive service centersin strategic cities in Russia as the brand strengthens its presence across the country.

     

    Commenting on the launch, Rahul Sharma, Co-Founder, Micromax said, “At Micromax, our emphasis has always been to democratize technology for masses around the world through an innovative product portfolio. As we look to take Micromax to key international markets, we are excited to announce our foray into the Russian mobile handset market which has immense potential not only for smartphones and features phones, but also for innovative tablets and data products. Our initial focus in the Russian market is to replicate the success witnessed in our other markets in the last couple of years. We have carved the vision for ourselves to be the 1st Indian hardware brand to be global and set our footprint with Russia as the first developed market to venture into.”

     

    He further added, “We see a growing trend of data consumption through mobile devices in Russia, and we would be initiating partnerships with the leading operators in the region to aim at efficient data consumption on our devices in the coming year”.

     

    Over the past decade, Micromax has been at the forefront of driving innovation through their innovative product offerings addressing the consumer needs. The company has many firsts to its credit when it comes to the mobile devices market including Canvas Laptab – world’s first dual boot tablet powered by Intel, launched on the 6th of January 2014 at CES in Vegas (Consumer Electronic Show), the first quad-core budget smartphone, phone with a 30-day battery backup, the first smartphone designed specifically for women, universal remote control mobile phones and a list of other innovative devices. The brand’s product portfolio embraces more than 60 models today, ranging from feature rich, dual – SIM phones, 3G Android smartphones, tablets, LED televisions and data cards.

     

    Speaking on the occasion, Vasily Sibirtsev, Chairman VVP Group said, “We are very excited to work with Micromax, one of the world’s leading mobile phone brands. Russia is an ideal market for Micromax to bring its innovative product portfolio and services customized for consumers in this market. Our immediate goal will be to build a very strong and robust distribution network to capture a significant share in the Russian mobile handset market. We will be working aggressively to strengthen our presence in the retail space across 9000+ sales points in the country backed by an efficient service infrastructure.”

     

    Amit Mathur, Vice President, International Business – Micromax said “ We believe Micromax products to a promising future in Russia where the smart phone market is booming along with data services.  Micromax has studied this market and will continuously introduce products and applications with consumer insights from the Russia to bring forth world-class products to this market.  We are happy to have found VVP as our strategic business partner to enter the retail market and will strive to maximize our retail strength going forward.”

     

    The partnership with the VVP Group is a strategic move which would provide wide reach for Micromax in regions of Russia as the group has been associated with some of the leading global smartphone players to help them make a strong presence in Russia. VVP is known for its superior logistics setup, warehouses, retail management system and transportation management systems across the main hubs of Russia which will further help Micromax build its footprint in the country. VVP group will be working with partners in all existing channels including federal and regional chains, operators, consumer electronics shops and computer shops, online and other sales points in the country. 

     

    The company has also tied up with the leading VAS providers in Russia including Odnoklassniki, Russia’s popular social network service; IVI.ru, Russia’s first free video & music service; Viber, the leading global instant messaging application; Facebook; Twitter and M!Live giving users access to social connectivity and unlimited free online games.

     

    Micromax plans to support the launch with a 360 degree branding exercise aiming to enhance the brand visibility in the region supported by marketing campaign across print, online and TV.

  • Micromax’s ‘juggle’ with Hugh Jackman

    Micromax’s ‘juggle’ with Hugh Jackman

    MUMBAI: The advertising industry as well as the fans of Hugh Jackman got a shock when the actor became the brand ambassador for Indian smartphone brand Micromax, late last year.

     

    The TVC became the talk of the town; and to continue with the series the phone makers have come up with a new campaign for Canvas Turbo –The phone that ‘CAN’ juggle!

     

    The campaign brings alive the theme of the phone – the phone that ‘CAN’ juggle – and also takes forward the Micromax ‘nothing like anything experience’.  The TVC largely talks about the speed and multitasking features of the Canvas Turbo through the juggler.

     

    Commenting on the new phone, Micromax co-founder Rahul Sharma said, “At Micromax, our focus has always been to keep innovating to democratize technology for masses by offering seamless experience through a combination of great hardware and enhanced software capabilities. Canvas Turbo further builds on our promise to constantly empower our users with superior technology. This is complemented by a refreshed ecosystem of applications enabling users to multitask offering great value to them.”

     

    Apart from TV, the launch of the phone is supported with a 360 degree marketing campaign across print and online.

  • The OMG! brand associations of 2013

    The OMG! brand associations of 2013

    MUMBAI: What’s common between Amitabh Bachchan, Katrina Kaif and Sachin Tendulkar? Well, apart from their popularity in their respective fields, they are also the most sought-after ambassadors for an entire sweep of brands ranging from FMCG, electronics, automobiles, housing, telecom, banking and what have you.

    With most products and services opting to play safe and going with ‘tried and tested’ names as brand ambassadors, the list of favourites’ doesn’t quite end with these three names.

    However, the flip side to this kind of predictability is that not only viewers can’t take it anymore but also one cannot connect the dots between the brand and its ambassador.

    For example, while Deepika Padukone’s endorsement of Vogue Eyewear was palpable, when Bachchan Sr – who sells everything from hair oil to chocolates to banking services with as much panache – endorsed Maggi Noodles, it surprised many who thought him too old to flog a product catering mainly to children and youngsters.

    However, with 2013 ticking to an end, indiantelevision.com decided to take stock of a select few brands which flew in the face of inevitability with their unlikely choice of ambassador. Here’s listing them…

    Hugh Jackman for Micromax

    This one could easily be the shocker of the year, with the Indian smart phone company getting the Hollywood actor of ‘Wolverine’ fame to sell its full HD screen device, Canvas Turbo. Are the Khans reading?

    Sachin Tendulkar for Musafir.com

    While the master blaster has been one of India’s most celebrated icons both on and off the field, after his retirement from active cricket not so long ago, there was a huge debate about whether ‘Brand Sachin’ would take a beating. Whatever the answer to that question, seeing him in a handlebar moustache, showing travellers ‘a new way to go ghoomne’ in an advertisement for a travel portal is certainly not what the audience expected.

    Mary Kom for Vodafone

    From the cute pug who follows his kid master everywhere to the equally lovable Zoo Zoos, celebrities are certainly not what one associates this telecom giant with. However, starting next year, Indian boxing champ and Olympic Bronze Medallist Mary Kom will feature in Vodafone’s new social media-led campaign ‘Vodafone Firsts’ to be activated across nearly 30 countries.

    Abhi-Ash for Prestige

    Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan were last seen in an advertisement for a bathing soap. While one can relate to the high-profile couple selling a lifestyle product, the latest commercial which sees them endorsing a kitchen appliance typically meant for the aam aadmi doesn’t strike a chord with viewers.Virat Kohli for Border Security Forces

    It’s well known that after Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli is the face of several ‘youth’ brands. But designating him brand ambassador of the Border Security Forces (BSF) is taking his popularity a bit too far. We can’t connect the dots… can you?

  • Star Utsav gets a new business head in Pratik Seal

    Star Utsav gets a new business head in Pratik Seal

    MUMBAI: There’s some change at the top in the Star group of channels. Star Utsav, a sister channel of Star Plus, has got a new business head. Pratik Seal, who was working as Star Network’s second general entertainment channel (GEC), Life OK’s marketing head, will now take up the role of Star Utsav’s business head.

     

    Seal, who has already started working in the new role since last week, is reporting to Star Plus general manager Gaurav Banerjee. An official announcement about this would be made soon.

     

    Prior to joining Star Network, Seal was heading the marketing functions at Micromax. He has a total experience of 15 years.

     

    Seal, who started his career in 1998, has experience in brand management, strategic planning, advertising and communication, key account management, product development insights, media planning, event management and public relations.

     

    Seal started as an account executive with Basic4 Advertising. After spending two years with the company, he moved to Ties2Family.com as an assistant manager, marketing and then worked as senior account executive with FCB Ulka.

     

    After spending about two years with FCB Ulka, Seal joined Lowe Lintas as a senior brand services manager. Within three years, he was promoted to the position of senior brand services director. He later joined Vodafone as senior manager, marketing in April 2006. In December 2007, he joined as the senior manager – marketing in Samsung and then in Micromax as marketing head in April, 2010.

  • Ten Sports hits a six with India-SA series ad inventories

    Ten Sports hits a six with India-SA series ad inventories

    MUMBAI: So what if Indian cricket lovers are yet to recover from the loss of their God – Sachin Tendulkar?  Ten Sports is pulling out all the stops as the world’s best cricketing nation gets ready to battle with the world’s No 1 test team – South Africa.

    India’s great performance on the cricket field in almost every tournament recently has resulted in Ten Sports selling out almost 90 per cent of its inventory three days before the action starts with the Proteas. And it seems as if there’s a lot many more advertisers waiting to sign up in what is being billed as ‘Clash of the Titans.’

    Says Ten Sports CEO Rajesh Sethi: “Post the departure of Sachin from the national side, I feel this will be the true test of the young brigade that we have against the fierce pace attack of the South Africans in their backyard. We are looking at this series as speed vs skill and the feedback on social media has been really encouraging for this series.”

    Big names are associated with the tournament, what with Kent RO the title sponsor and iBall the co-presenting sponsor for the studio show; Micromax as co-presenting sponsor for the series along with associate sponsors Xolo, Vodafone, Havells, Go daddy, We Chat, Daikin, Tata Motors and ITC.

    We are targeting nearly Rs 120 crore in terms of ad revenues from this series, says Ten Sports CEO Rajesh Sethi

    Sethi further reveal that for the ODIs, ad slots have been sold at Rs 4.25 lakh for every ten seconds and for test matches, they’ve been sold at Rs 1.25 lakh for every ten seconds.

    “We are in a very comfortable position with just 10 per cent of our inventories remaining to be sold and with three days still remaining for the highly anticipated series to commence, we are planning on hiking the rates by 20 per cent.” he laughs. “We are targeting nearly Rs 120 crore in terms of ad revenues from this series and I am confident of hitting that mark.”

    The 360 degree marketing campaign has cost the channel nearly Rs 10 crore, which includes above the line (ATL) with a wide outdoor campaign as well as below the line (BTL) activities, with road shows in key cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru. “Apart from this, we have also carried out an innovative campaign on the digital platform with a Hindi jingle that has gone viral on social platforms for the high octane series,” informs Sethi.

    Giving his perspective on the channel’s claim, Madison Media COO Karthik Laxminarayan says: “Big sporting events such as these generally sell out 80 per cent of their inventories and make the most of the remainder of the same. Ten Sports on its part has surely garnered a sizable amount for the series.”

    Madison Media COO Karthik Laxminarayan feels Ten Sports on its part has surely garnered a sizable amount in ad revenues for the series

    On Twitter, Ten Sports has over 43,850 followers while on Facebook, it has got 2.3 million likes with fans continuously interacting about the upcoming series.

    Between 5 and 30 December, the series will be shown live on Ten HD, Ten Cricket and Ten Sports. On Ten Sports, there is Hindi commentary while on Ten HD and Ten Cricket the ball by ball action will be narrated in English.

    Explains Sethi: “With the viewer becoming more and more demanding like any other nation, and rightfully so, there is a viewer base that is looking forward to Hindi commentary and then the usual English commentary feed. Thus, we are only trying to reach out and satisfy the needs of our viewers and keep everyone glued to the action being played out on their screens in the language of their preference.”

    Ten Sports has over 100 million viewers across the market, and will be sharing the telecast of the ODI series with the public broadcaster Doordarshan. Like the last India vs West Indies series, this series too is expected to grab eyeballs.

    “Each property has its own traction and there are different reasons for each event to have the kind of viewership it had, as we all know the main reason for the series being followed was the last two test matches of Sachin’s career; but having said that, with two of the best in the sport locking horns on the field and with the injection of fresh blood in the Indian squad, cricket lovers are surely in for a treat,” Sethi signs off.

  • The American Music Awards 2013 LIVE on Vh1 Presented by Micromax on 25th November 2013

    The American Music Awards 2013 LIVE on Vh1 Presented by Micromax on 25th November 2013

    MUMBAI: Vh1 is back once again to give its viewers the next level of entertainment by airing the ‘American Music Awards 2013’. The stage is set and artists are ready to glam up the awards night. The glitz, glamour and razzmatazz of the 41st Awards night is all set to hit your television screens LIVE on November 25, 2013 at 6:30 am with a prime time repeat at 9 pm.

    The much-awaited awards recognize the most popular artists and albums through online and twitter voting. This year is definitely going to be a Clash of the Titans. The pre-show of the awards night is being hosted by Lance Bass, Jordin Sparks, Zendaya, Jenna Ushkowitz, Rosie Pierri, Colbie Caillat, Ted Stryker, Jonathan Cheban, Aimee Song, Bonnie McKee and Jake Owen with performances by Kurt Hugo Schneider, Jabbawockeez, Jesse McCartney, Fifth Harmony and Aloe Blacc amongst the others.

    Serving as the show’s first host since 2008, Mr. Worldwide Pitbull will perform his new hit single “Timber” with Ke$ha. The duo promises to take burn the stage with their electrifying performance. The star studded night will also see an opening act by Katy Perry on ‘Unconditionally’, and TLC will be performing, marking their AMA return with a special unannounced guest. Also bringing the house down will be Rihanna, Miley Cyrus, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Gaga, Ke$ha, Imagine Dragons, Kendrick Lamar, One Direction and a tribute to the music legend Celia Cruz by Jennifer Lopez.

    The AMA 2013 has an impressive line-up of award categories to honour the biggest names in the music industry. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis lead the nominations with six categories, followed by Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake with five nominations each! Rihanna will receive the ‘AMA Icon Award’ and will also perform this year alongside Luke Bryan and Pitbull. Some of the other artists nominated are Bruno Mars, Imagine Dragons, Florida Georgia Line, PINK, One Direction and Hunter Hayes amongst others. So embrace yourselves because this is going to be one of the most amazing award shows to witness!

    That’s not all, this year, awards night will see the first-ever VINE 360 FASHION BOOTH placed right in the middle of the red carpet. Fashion buffs around the world will have a front row seat to an unparalleled close look at celebrity red carpet fashion.

    Says Ferzad Palia, SVP and General Manager – English Entertainment, Viacom18 Pvt. Ltd., “The American Music Awards are one of the most celebrated International music award shows. With each year, they just get more and more exciting and this year’s impressive line-up and unexpected stunts are sure to wow our audiences. Since international music has a huge fan following in India, we at Vh1 are glad to bring this extravagant experience LIVE for our fans. ”

    So make sure you do not miss the fun and behind the scenes drama and tune into Vh1 on November 25, 2013 at 6:30 am and for a Prime Time Repeat at 9 pm!

  • Europe Music Awards Live on Vh1 presented by Micromax!

    Europe Music Awards Live on Vh1 presented by Micromax!

    MUMBAI: It’s raining awardson Vh1 this season! The channel brings some of the prestigious international awards to India only for the entertainment of their ardent fans. After airing the coveted Video Music Awards 2013, the international music channel is all set to air the much-awaited 2013 Europe Music Awards Live on Vh1 presented by MicromaxonMonday,November 11, 2013. The red carpet special will be premiering Live at 12:30am and the main show will be premiering Liveat 1:30 amwith a prime time repeat9 pm onwards. So, make sure you don’t miss out on fashion, awards, and live performances only on Vh1!

    The Europe Music Awards is a platform which recognizes music from different genres and languages across the globe. As the star studded awards night unveils at the Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam, catch a whole new list of artists perform at one of the most esteemed awards of this year.The incredible night will see major attractions like Katy Perrywith an opening act performance. Also mesmerizing the audience with his enchanting voice will be the multi-talented Bruno Marsperforming to a hit song from his multi-platinum album, Unorthodox Jukebox.

    The Special Guest for the evening is Ron Burgundywhile international hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg and Dutch DJ/ producer Afrojackwill team up for an epic EMA performance. That’s not all, after giving an unforgettable performance with Miley Cyrus at the VMAs, the Blurred Lines hit-makerRobin Thicke is all set to make his EMA debut this year with 4 nominations. Rock band Imagine Dragonswho have been nominated in the ‘Best New Act’ and ‘Best Push Act’ categories will have a special performance that is sure to set the stage on fire

    As the EMAs are a celebration of the greatest talents in the world…it’s only fitting that the people who hand out the awards are amazing talents as well! This year, set to give out the gongs are Iggy Azalea, Ellie Goulding, Jared Leto, Rita Ora, BridgitMendler, Carice van Houten and Colton Haynes. The back stage drama will be presented by Ariana Grande while the emcee for the awards night is Redfoo of LMFAO.

    SaysFerzad Palia, SVP andGeneral Manager – English Entertainment, Viacom18 Pvt. Ltd.,“Vh1 is known for bringing the Biggest and best Live International award shows to its audiences and this month we’re airing the Europe Music Awards 2013, LIVE from Amsterdam. India will witness historical performances and moments that makes this one of the most coveted awards shows in the world.”

    Speaking on the association, Mr. Shubhodip Pal, Chief Marketing Officer, Micromax said, “Micromax believes in bringing alive the most unique experiences to the Indian youth through its brand associations and product innovations. With the Europe Music Awards 2013, we are bringing alive yet another unique experience for our consumers by giving them an opportunity to witness the awards live through the Ticket 2 Ride contest. Ticket 2 Ride is one of the biggest opportunities we can give to our music loving consumer.”

    He further added, “Over the past one year, Micromax has been at the helm of bringing some of the biggest artists and properties for the first time to India resonating the pulse and passion of Indian youth, mirroring their preference. We look forward to create more such experiences for the Indian youth by bringing alive more such brand associations.”

    Vh1 has planned a lot of interesting activities for their fans on-ground and on digital platforms. The channel has tied up with Micromax to conduct the “Micromax presents Vh1 Ticket To Ride Contest”, where-in fans need to log on to the official Vh1 Facebook page, answer a simple question and could win an exclusive trip to watch the Europe Music Awards 2013 LIVE!

    So make sure you do not miss the fun and behind the scenes drama and tune into Vh1 on November 11, 2013 at 1:30 am and for a prime time repeat at 9 pm!

  • 2013 Europe Music Awards Live on Vh1 presented by Micromax!

    2013 Europe Music Awards Live on Vh1 presented by Micromax!

    MUMBAI: It’s raining awardson Vh1 this season! The channel brings some of the prestigious international awards to India only for the entertainment of their ardent fans. After airing the coveted Video Music Awards 2013, the international music channel is all set to air the much-awaited 2013 Europe Music Awards Live on Vh1 presented by MicromaxonMonday,November 11, 2013. The red carpet special will be premiering Live at 12:30am and the main show will be premiering Liveat 1:30 amwith a prime time repeat9 pm onwards. So, make sure you don’t miss out on fashion, awards, and live performances only on Vh1!

    The Europe Music Awards is a platform which recognizes music from different genres and languages across the globe. As the star studded awards night unveils at the Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam, catch a whole new list of artists perform at one of the most esteemed awards of this year.The incredible night will see major attractions like Katy Perrywith an opening act performance. Also mesmerizing the audience with his enchanting voice will be the multi-talented Bruno Marsperforming to a hit song from his multi-platinum album, Unorthodox Jukebox.

    The Special Guest for the evening is Ron Burgundywhile international hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg and Dutch DJ/ producer Afrojackwill team up for an epic EMA performance. That’s not all, after giving an unforgettable performance with Miley Cyrus at the VMAs, the Blurred Lines hit-makerRobin Thicke is all set to make his EMA debut this year with 4 nominations. Rock band Imagine Dragonswho have been nominated in the ‘Best New Act’ and ‘Best Push Act’ categories will have a special performance that is sure to set the stage on fire

    As the EMAs are a celebration of the greatest talents in the world…it’s only fitting that the people who hand out the awards are amazing talents as well! This year, set to give out the gongs are Iggy Azalea, Ellie Goulding, Jared Leto, Rita Ora, BridgitMendler, Carice van Houten and Colton Haynes. The back stage drama will be presented by Ariana Grande while the emcee for the awards night is Redfoo of LMFAO.

    SaysFerzad Palia, SVP andGeneral Manager – English Entertainment, Viacom18 Pvt. Ltd.,“Vh1 is known for bringing the Biggest and best Live International award shows to its audiences and this month we’re airing the Europe Music Awards 2013, LIVE from Amsterdam. India will witness historical performances and moments that makes this one of the most coveted awards shows in the world.”

    Speaking on the association, Mr. Shubhodip Pal, Chief Marketing Officer, Micromax said, “Micromax believes in bringing alive the most unique experiences to the Indian youth through its brand associations and product innovations. With the Europe Music Awards 2013, we are bringing alive yet another unique experience for our consumers by giving them an opportunity to witness the awards live through the Ticket 2 Ride contest. Ticket 2 Ride is one of the biggest opportunities we can give to our music loving consumer.”

    He further added, “Over the past one year, Micromax has been at the helm of bringing some of the biggest artists and properties for the first time to India resonating the pulse and passion of Indian youth, mirroring their preference. We look forward to create more such experiences for the Indian youth by bringing alive more such brand associations.”

    Vh1 has planned a lot of interesting activities for their fans on-ground and on digital platforms. The channel has tied up with Micromax to conduct the “Micromax presents Vh1 Ticket To Ride Contest”, where-in fans need to log on to the official Vh1 Facebook page, answer a simple question and could win an exclusive trip to watch the Europe Music Awards 2013 LIVE!
    So make sure you do not miss the fun and behind the scenes drama and tune into Vh1 on November 11, 2013 at 1:30 am and for a prime time repeat at 9 pm!

  • Micromax ropes in Hugh Jackman as its brand ambassador

    Micromax ropes in Hugh Jackman as its brand ambassador

    Mumbai: Building on the promise of ‘nothing like anything’ experience, Micromax has signed Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman as its brand ambassador.

     

    In a first of its kind association for the brand, the actor will be seen endorsing the Canvas series of the brand. The association would start with its new smartphone  – Canvas Turbo that will be soon launched in the Indian market.

     

    Speaking on the association, Micromax chief marketing officer Shubhodip Pal said: “We are very excited to welcome Hugh Jackman in the Micromax family as he truly embodies the aspirational, reinventing and fearless persona of the brand. As we look to expand our footprint across the globe in various international markets, the association with Jackman is an ideal partnership for us to connect with audiences as he is the leading name in the entertainment industry in the world.”

     

    He further added: “At Micromax, we have always believed in offering products and services that empower our consumers with the latest technologies and innovations. This is a strategic partnership and we look forward to creating a strong 360 degrees campaign for our audiences across print, TV and online platforms.”

     

    Reinventing the story of empowerment, Micromax has always urged consumers to explore new boundaries in the Indian market.

     

    out the association with Micromax, Jackman said, “I am extremely thrilled and honored to be a part of the Micromax family. I am a huge lover of India as it is one of the most exciting countries in the world and we also share our love for cricket. Phones are genuinely time saving devices that can help you live a better life while juggling around with different situations. The new Canvas phone is a leap in innovation with great sense of fun and amazing features that helps me balance my work with all the different roles that I play in my everyday life.”

  • Aircel and Micromax join hands to share channel and retail network

    Aircel and Micromax join hands to share channel and retail network

    BENGALURU:  Telecom player Aircel and Indian handset supplier Micromax announced a strategic partnership with the aim to drive data growth. Under this new partnership, Aircel and Micromax will share their channel and retail networks, sales resources and run an integrated device sales activation program. The announcement was made simultaneously in four cities in India – New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai today.

    Also, the duo introduced reverse bundling handset offers worth Rs 12,000 per month for every new Aircel customer. Aircel’s focus on data innovation and its expertise in mobile network, along-with Micromax’s expertise in device marketing will redefine the user experience and take data penetration to the next level claim the companies.
    Micromax business head – feature phone Khaja Muzaffarullah and Aircel Circle Business Head Kadhiravan

    In Bengaluru, Aircel Circle Business Head, Karnataka, Kadhiravan K, said, “India is at the cusp of a data revolution and device tie-ups will strengthen the telecom ecosystem in the country, which is critical to drive data penetration.  According to a recent study, by the year 2020, mobile internet users are set to grow four – five times and smartphone penetration is set to increase five times to 50 per cent in India. Affordability in devices will give a rise to data proliferation which will be the main revenue generator for both telecom operators as well as handset manufacturers in the near future.”

    “Aircel recognises the importance of smartphone devices to drive data usage. In line with that, it is our focus to get into partnerships with leading smartphone device manufacturers in an endeavor to bring to our customers exciting bundled products. In this exclusive partnership with Micromax, we will share their robust channel and retail network to deliver innovative and best value for money products and services,” added Kadhivaran.

    At present, mass media communications will be limited to print media by Aircel and Mircomax individually, where each company will mention the other in their advertisements. Since the festive season is not very far off, a joint multimedia ATL and BTL campaign will be launched before the Durga Pooja/Duhessara and Diwali festivals revealed a source.