 "Vodafone invests Rs 1,050 crore in Maharashtra & Goa circle")
This has meant ramp-up in network coverage by activating more than 3,000 new 3G and 2G sites as it looks to increase its subscriber base.
For Vodafone India, Maharashtra & Goa is among the top four regions, and has a total subscriber base of 17.5 million, of which 1.9 million were added in the last fiscal (FY15).
Pursuing an accelerated growth strategy since April 2014, Vodafone has expanded its network including increasing its exclusive retail footprint by rolling out 17 Vodafone Stores and 200 Vodafone Mini Stores.
Ashish Chandra, business head- Maharahstra and Goa circle while sharing details about the region said that the region has seen exponential growth in adoption of data services.
"Specifically to spread awareness and increase adoption of mobile internet, Vodafone has been hand holding customers through on ground engagement and education initiatives. Data contribution to circle service revenues is 18%, representing a year-on-year growth of 90%," added Chandra.
Vodafone that has a total of 64 million data services users across India, about 65 lakh come from the Maharashtra & Goa circle. Of these 65 lakh, 25 lakh are 3G subscribers and rest are 2G suscribers.
When asked about plans for 4G, Chandra said that the company will start testing in some areas. He added that 4G continues to be an important segment they would like to wait and watch the scenario. "For us 2G customers have grown twice than the 3G customers. It is only in the last 2-3 years that we are seeing adoption of 3G networks by users. The eco-system for 4G needs to build up. If you look from handset point of view, a good 4G enables handset would cost anywhere between Rs 10,000-15,000," said Chandra.
For Vodafone India the 3G subscriber base saw a jump of 175% from seven million users to 19.4 million in FY15.
Vodafone M-Pesa which was launched in 2013 in Maharashtra & Goa circle has also seen attraction. The circle at present has over 7,115 agents, and a customer base of over 2.96 lakh. For FY15 the total transaction done through M-Pesa touched Rs 123 crore for the Maharashtra & Goa circle. On a pan India basis Vodafone has a distribution network of over 90,000 agents and with more than three million customers.