How can telecom operators tap a billion customers in rural India ?

NLT, is in many ways a lab which can enable them to replicate the model in other potential rural markets across the globe. The thrust on rural markets in India comes even as the mobile density is around 40% with 450 million users thus providing ample scope for full throttle growth.

At the end even economic progress is more a means to achieve ‘stature’ than statuses in the community. Therefore progress achieved through more knowledge is a definitive way acquire social ‘stature’

With their reach and ITC’s e-Choupal’s network, they can empowering farmers across states with latest and relevant information. The key is to create a base through constant engagement. Once it is achieved, the services can be bundled on all handsets sold in rural market.

Telecom operators should take NLT across six more markets globally. It should be seen whether the tools open the door to the rural markets for telecom operators in the time to come.

High CAPEX / OPEX and low ARPU are the challeges in Rural telecom business.

High CAPEX & OPEX can be overcome by segregating Technology (Systems & Networks)  and Service provision (Business) so that one or two common Systems & Network could be shared by a dozen Service Providers.

Low ARPU will be overcome by high potential of very large customer volume in the rural areas.

Those who are interested may please read my posting on "How to Give Impetus to Rural Telecom" in "Telecom & IT community".