GSM, CDMA cos tie up for big rural push

Mobile operators have set for themselves a stiff target of adding at least 50 million rural subscribers. For this, private mobile GSM and CDMA players have joined hands to launch a new initiative called "Rural Chalo".

Under the plan, each new rural subscriber would get an upfront discount of Rs 50 on the tariff package. This is besides Rs 75 as free talk-time in two or three installments spread over six-nine months, with effect from May 1, 2008.