Telecommunications: Airtel is enhancing the competition

With Zain Madagascar, Bharti is allowed to expect juicy business since the unexplored potential remains huge. The operator has currently 1,7 millions of users. Its successor is displaying large ambitions when expecting to reach 5 million consumers in mid term, nothing but 50% of the market. Bharti is going to invest 50 million US dollars over three years to this end. The Indian giant is clearly intending to become the number one in Madagascar’s cell phone market, its basic vocation.  

Zain will be renamed Airtel October 2010. But shortly after putting down roots in Madagascar, the Indian operator is expected to challenge various other fields. Internet service Providers were so far not threatened by cell phone operators’ various alterations, things might be about to change with Airtel. A cabled or wireless 4 Mbps very high speed connection with unlimited time and data volume, a dream for all users.  

This dream might however not easily come true as expressed by Orange’s adventure blocked by the state due to legal confusion, and hardly hidden protectionism for Telma in which it has got shares. Laws and loopholes are not going to change, Airtel will be forced to propose expensive and limited services in compliance with the control institutions.  

A the Malagasy consumers are keeping on appearing skeptical about the triple play offer, cell phone communication, internet connection and television, presented by Blueline, Airtel is in no way left behind as it is famed for its numeric TV offer’s quality. But, the Indian operator still has to negotiate its high speed network’s connection to the present fiber optic web with the local operators.  

Blueline took advantage from Orange Madagascar’s standstill due to issues with the Omert and freely developed its high speed offer. Telma is compelled to share its backbone with the other operators. His position of wholesaler and retailer at a time is a potential problem for competition. “In the end, we are intending to have our own international connection “, announced Manoj Khol, the group Bharti Airtel’s Chief Executive Officer.  

In its early paces in Madagascar, Barthi Airtel is intending to extend and enhance Zain’s current network. The operator promised to lower prices as never before.  “Our services will be the market’s best ones “, affirmed Manoj Khol. This expected to be spectacular price reduction is to come true in October 2010, when Zain will become Airtel. During the “transitional” period, Zain’s customers do not have to fear changes client Zains. Once the signboard turns into Airtel, Bharti commits to offer innovating quality services in Madagascar.