| In a bid to make up on the squeeze on revenue from falling tariffs, cellular companies are now tapping the lucrative PCO market -- the domain of fixed-line operators. |
| Bharti Cellular's Airtel has launched the country's first GSM-based cellular PCO booth in Delhi, and other operators are set to follow. |
| "Fixed-line PCOs generate an average revenue of around Rs 7,000 per month. With revenue from calls made by our subscribers declining, PCO is a ready market for us -- especially when the global trend is to replace wireline with wireless communication," a Bharti executive said. At present, there are over 30,000 fixed-line PCOs in the Capital. |
| An advantage of having a cellular PCO is that it can be set up even in densely populated areas where wiring is a problem. |
| "Cellular PCOs ensure accurate on-the-spot billing. It will also act as a boon for customers who cannot afford to have roaming facilities on their mobile phones," said a cellular operator. |
| Mobile service providers, including Hutch, BPL and Idea, are also looking at the possibility of setting up cellular PCOs in various parts of the country. |
| Cellular operators are also planning to offer better terms to woo PCO booth owners. While a cellular PCO booth can be set up in 5-6 days, a normal fixed-line PCO takes 25-30 days to be set up. |
| The Airtel PCOs will also be equipped with easy bill payment options -- where payment can be made at any of its 32 full service outlets across Delhi & National Capital Region. |
| At present, the Airtel PCOs are offering only STD and ISD services. The tariffs offered to subscribers are on a par with fixed-line rates instead of mobile long-distance fares. |
| Airtel plans to set up 600 PCOs in Delhi initially and, by the end of the year, will take the number up to 5,000. |
Public call buzz
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Cell firms eye PCO business
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First Published: Mar 11 2004 | 12:00 AM IST
