Drive For a Cause

From Times of India

DRIVE FOR A CAUSE

A bike and car rally held recently, created a buzz in Ahmedabad


Ahmedabad,a city infamous for its rash traffic sense needs to get its road safety basics right! In order to promote road safety,Vodafone India,Gujarat's largest telecommunications company endeavoured to promote responsible mobility through a large scale bike and car rally.The rally sought to educate citizens about the importance of wearing helmets on two wheelers and fastening seatbelts in four wheelers and kick-started the weeklong drive Road Safety Awareness Drive between July 20-26.

The rally was flagged off by Brajesh Bajpai, Business Head, Gujarat -Vodafone India and Sanjay Shrivastav,joint commissioner,police (traffic),Ahmedabad City along with Dinesh Parmar,(deputy commissioner,police,traffic,Ahmedabad City.A posse of around 200 bike riders and car drivers participated in the rally,as a demonstration of their support to Vodafones campaign for road safety promotion.The rally commenced from Ahmedabad Management Association (AMA) and went through Panjarapol,Gujarat University,CEPT,Commerce Six Road,Ishwar Bhuwan,Sardar Patel Statue,Usmanpura Under bridge,Vadaj,Usmanpura,Income Tax,Butasingh Circle,Navrangpura Cross Road,Commerce Six Road,CEPT,L.D Engineering College and concluded at AMA.

According to Brajesh Bajpai,Vodafone India, as a value based organisation, is passionate about people and is committed to achieving the highest standards in health,safety and well-being for all.We endeavour to promote these virtues within communities,to ensure a safe working environment.An alarming rise in deaths due to road accidents has highlighted the need for disciplined driving and stringent adherence to traffic rules.Vodafone takes this opportunity to urge citizens of Ahmedabad and those traveling to the city,to follow traffic rules and remain safe with your loved ones.

Brajesh Bajpai, Business Head - Gujarat, Vodafone India, Ranjan Mishra,AVP-HR,Gujarat,Vodafone India,Dinesh Parmar,Deputy commissioner of Police (Traffic),Ahmedabad City and Sanjay Shrivastav,Joint commissioner of Police (Traffic),Ahmedabad City flagging off the rally 
 

Enthusiasts participating in the rally

Road Safety Awareness Rally in Ahmedabad

From Western Times,
21, July 2013, Page 4

WESTERN TIMES AHMEDABAD
SUNDAY, JULY 21, 2013
The Road Safety Awareness Rally was organised by Vodafone India in association with Ahmedabad Traffic Police to impart awareness about road safety and following traffic rules. Mr. Sanjay Shrivastav, Joint Commissioner of Police - Traffic, Ahmedabad City along with Mr. Dinesh Parmar, Deputy Commissioner of Police – Traffic, Ahmedabad City and Mr. Brajesh Bajpai, Business Head – Gujarat, Vodafone flagged off the rally.

Rally for road safety in the city

From Times of India

AHMEDABAD: A private mobile service provider has teamed up with the city traffic police to create awareness about road safety.

The company employees, along with traffic personnel, will conduct a bike rally on Saturday. The Road Safety Awareness Drive to promote responsible mobility will begin near Ahmedabad Management Association.

The drive will be initiated by Brajesh Bajpai of Vodafone India along with Sanjay Shrivastav, joint commissioner of police, and Dinesh Parmar, deputy commissioner of police (traffic). The rally will start at 11.15am and will cover areas like Panjrapol, University crossroads, Commerce six roads, Ashram Road and Navrangpura.

The officials stated that the week-long event will be take place at important crossroads where commuters will be educated in traffic rules. Meanwhile, the new civic centres built in north, central and east zones will be dedicated to public on July 23 by AMC. The lokarpan of the centres will be done by mayor Meenaxi Patel. The new centres have been built in Odhav, Badia and Asarwa wards. Kirit Solanki, MP from Ahmedabad west and Harin Pathak, MP from Ahmedabad east will be the chief guest.

Vodafone Rolls Out Roadshow In Rajkot

Akila - Page 11

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Vodafone for Gujarat, Gujarat for Vodafone: Brajesh Bajpai, Business Head, Gujarat, Vodafone India

From Viewpoint

The Indian telecom market is amongst the most competitive and fastest growing in the world. Mobile telephony, which was introduced in the country only in 1995, has taken giant strides in terms of network coverage and subscriber numbers. In this sixteen year period, India has become the world’s second largest mobile telecommunications market, with a mobile subscriber base of 861.7 million customers.

In 1996, tariffs were very high, with outgoing calls priced at Rs 12 per minute and incoming calls priced at Rs 8 per minute.

It was a time when mobile phones were considered a status symbol and a prerogative of a select few customers. Today, call rates are Re 0.20 per second for outgoing calls and all incoming calls are free. This clearly reflects the huge transformation that the industry has undergone, from being a seller’s market to one that is wholly focused upon and driven by the customer.

In this context, Gujarat certainly has a crème customer profile. The state of Gujarat accounts for 5 per cent of the country’s population, but contributes to 35 per cent of India’s stock market wealth!

Vodafone India commenced operations in the Gujarat telecom space in 1996, under Cell Force brand. We are currently present in over 16,700 towns in the state, with over 16 million mobile subscribers. Cell Force went on to become Hutch and Hutch got acquired by Vodafone. Since 2005, when Vodafone took over Hutch, the company has added significantly to its subscriber base. The Gujarat telecom space currently contributes to close to 4 per cent to the company’s overall operations.

Vodafone in Gujarat

Gujarat became the first of the company’s circles to cross 1.5 million subscribers in 2012. Over the past five years, we have witnessed growth of almost 195 per cent in the state, with an addition of over 10,630,000 subscribers. The company has a network of six zonal offices in Ahmedabad, Baroda, Rajkot, Surat, Mehsana and Gandhidham and branch offices in Godhra, Vapi, Bhavnagar, Junagadh and Jamnagar.

Vodafone India has also witnessed the highest number of port-in customers through the Mobile Number Portability facility launched by the Department of Telecommunications. With almost 4,35,000 mobile customers switching over to Vodafone in the state, Gujarat along with Karnataka and Maharashtra, accounts for 40 per cent of net port-in figures for the company. In Gujarat, Vodafone’s urban- rural retail presence stands at 1:4 per cent.

Moreover, the operator has launched several sales and marketing initiatives in the state. Vodafone India has over 113,700 retail outlets across the state and its “HarGaon, HamaraGaon”, campaign, initiated in 2006, highlighted its plan to establish its presence in every town and village with a population of over 1,000.

Another interesting initiative is the launch of the Angel Stores in Ahmedabad and Vadodara. These stores are run by women employees, with the twin objectives of providing a secure environment for female employees and customers.

Vistaar: Widening the lead

In 2011, Vodafone India launched the Vistaar scheme to expand its rural distribution base, by enhancing the reach of its network, retail outlets and service points.

Going forward, the operator will focus on widening the scope and reach of its 3G and value added services portfolios.

Gujaratis Thrifty no more when Spending on Calls

From The Times of India

AHMEDABAD: Gujaratis, who were called thrifty by the telecom industry when they made the most missed calls in the country in 2006, now actively spend more on mobile phones.

However, Gujarat's telecom story has undergone a sea change in the last five years with telecom companies in the state posting 77% growth in gross revenues in the past five years.

As per data available with Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the gross revenue of six telecom players as on 31st December 2007 was Rs 4727.53 crore. As on 31st December 2012, the gross revenue of nine telecom companies in Gujarat stood at Rs 8413.15 crore, which means telecom companies in Gujarat have registered a growth of 77% in gross revenue in the past five years.

The subscriber base has increased by 320.41% in the last five years in the state. As on 31st December 2007, Gujarat had 11959678 mobile subscribers, which rose to 50280123 as on December 2012.

Brajesh Bajpai, business head (Gujarat) at Vodafone, said, "Gujarat is the largest circle for us after Mumbai and Delhi. There are several initiatives that we have taken in Gujarat and implemented nationally. There is also a renewed interest in postpaid connections in the state." Gujarat contributes almost 10% to Vodafone India's revenues.

Overall, India's western region is considered economically advanced as compared to other regions of the country, thus offering major opportunities for telecom operators. Companies are churning out customized offers for their subscribers in Gujarat, which also saw the most activity when mobile number portability was introduced.

In Gujarat, for the past five calendar years, telecom companies have paid a total of Rs 2831.81 crore as license fee, which is 10% of adjusted gross revenue.

Telecom players also attribute the growth in revenue to tremendous competition. "The success of telecom in Gujarat is in fact proof of the fact that the people of Gujarat demand value. What has changed in the past few years is that for the first time, there is a value being offered in the market. Competition has ensured affordable tariffs, increased retail spread as operators go deeper and wider into the territory and also more active communication of competing products and services," said Jinesh Hegde, circle business head (Gujarat) for Uninor.

Telcos Woo Rural Gujarat with Exclusive Business Models

From the Times of India

AHMEDABAD:
Telecom companies are aggressively tapping Gujarat's rural market-which has 35.6 lakh houses using cellphones as compared to 35.7 lakh urban houses.

The erstwhile price-sensitive rural customer is now looking at convenience over anything else. In a survey by Vodafone in rural Gujarat, findings suggest that recharge availability tops the priority followed by good network. Price only comes later. "In Gujarat, over 55 per cent of Vodafone's subscriber base comes from rural areas so we have allotted 70 per cent of our budget for rural areas in the state unlike other states where urban areas are given higher budget," said Brajesh Bajpai, chief operating officer, Vodafone West.

Vodafone has seen 12 per cent 12% year-on-year growth with gross revenues of Rs 3,100 crore in Gujarat. The company's market share in the state is 37.1 per cent. The company has a business model unique to Gujarat-Vistaar-which has been taken from the state and implemented nationally. The model has ensured that the sales force is different for rural and urban customers. Vodafone has set up over 800 'laal dukaan' or red shops in villages in Gujarat to help villagers spot recharge outlets.

"The rural sales force is trained in simple communication and to provide basic education of services whereas the urban sales force is taught to be more competitive and get market share," said Bajpai. Among other things, rural Gujaratis mostly use services like downloading music, checking weather, for emails and using social networking sites on their 2G handsets.

DNA Money - COO of Vodafone believes while 4G is great tech, even 3G is yet to realise full potential in the country

From : DNA Money
On : 4 April 2013

Divya Bhaskar - Inflation to hit telecom industry, tariff likely to go up

From Divya Bhaskar

Translation:

Inflation to hit telecom industry, tariff likely to go up Birju Shah, Ahmedabad Rising inflation is taking a toll on telecom industry. It would not be surprising if call tariffs witness a hike in near future, as telcos are fighting against increasing input costs. Now telcos are compelled to cut cost and also they have zeroed down on slashing discounts too. However, on the other hand, in order to propel the momentum in mobile telephony, Vodafone has in fact reduced price of data services from 10p/kb to 2p/kb, which is 80% reduction. In Gujarat 3G subscribers have steeply increased and around 1 lakh blackberry subscribers are using this service. According to Brajesh Bajpai, CEO, Vodafone West Ltd (Gujarat Circle),due to rising inflation chances of further cut in tariff is very faint. Moreover, smaller player, who ignited a price war to tap more market share, are now out and in current financial year the spectrum cost too will be a key factor on input cost front. So, therefore, a price rise is obvious. Interestingly, in order to combat the increasing cost, now customized discount offers are born and through which customers can use mobile services as per their needs. Since last 15 years mobile telecom industry has seen a price cut which is now going to vanish. Though Q4 of 2012-13 is reasonably good, there are several challenges for telecos. In Gujarat, Vodafone has 1.60 crore subscribers and the daily usage stands at 21 crore minutes. With its wider and deeper network, Vodafone covers 97.4% of total population of Gujarat. Vodafone has over 7000 towers in Gujarat and it continues to weighs more on network expansion along with service quality. 4G’s success depends on handsets “There is much gaga over 4G since a long but the success of 4G is heavily depended on the availability of 4G handsets. There are many things to be clarified regarding 4G. The arrival of 4G will certainly boost 3G also.”- Mr. Bajpai

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Vodafone launches women-run ‘Angel Stores’ in Gujarat

From : The Hindu Business Line

Ahmedabad, Nov 6:   

 

In a first of its kind in the country, Vodafone India on Tuesday announced the launch of ‘Angel Stores’, retail outlets run only by women employees, in Ahmedabad and Vadodara

Calling it a s step towards women’s empowerment, the company said these outlets would be managed and run completely by women employees. This initiative is in line with Vodafone’s endeavour of encouraging diversity and inclusion at workplace. Women will run services like security, pantry, customer service and management, Brajesh Bajpai, Business Head, Gujarat Circle said.

Vodafone would launch similar outlets in Rajkot and Surat shortly.

Vodafone India commenced operations in 1994 when its predecessor Hutchison Telecom acquired the cellular license for Mumbai. The company with revenues of over Rs 32,000 crore has operations across the country with over 15.3 crore customers

Vodafone Gujarat Empowers Differently

From : The Newsletter of the Blind People's Association (India)

Read the Entire Newsletter

Navratri extravaganza in Ahmedabad!

From : The Times of India

Navratri celebrations came packed with a helicopter ride, hot air balloon ride, LED dandiya sticks and fun-filled moments

The 'Fly to Ambaji in a helicopter during Navratri' contest drew unprecedented participation this year. Customers just had to dial *121#, choose their best offer and become eligible for the on-air contest on a popular radio station. All correct answers assured them a helicopter ride to Ambaji for a special darshan.

In addition to the helicopter contest, Vodafone Gujarat also came out with many first-of-its kind innovations this Navratri. Vodafone sponsored hot air balloon ride that took Vodafone customers 80 feet in the air for a joyride. Not only did it give them a panoramic view of the garba celebrations at the picturesque Karnavati Club lawns, but also a fantastic opportunity to capture lifelong memories in their cameras.

Brajesh Bajpai, Business Head, Gujarat, Vodafone India says, "Our helicopter ride to Ambaji during Navratri is an activity that people are well aware of, now. But we wanted to take Navratri activities and the festive spirit to newer heights this year. So we brought the hot air balloon ride for the first time to Ahmedabad, offering a bird's eye view of the city and garba celebrations to our esteemed customers. Offering such once-in-a-lifetime chance is our way of delivering something innovative every year."

Another innovation was the introduction of Vodafone branded LED dandiya sticks for the first time in Ahmedabad. Khelaiyas had a gala time as they matched their steps with the flashing of the LED dandiya sticks.

Besides Ahmedabad, Vodafone also associated with all the prominent garba venues in all major cities of Gujarat and engaged with its customers.

Dhol Baaje

From : The Times of India

Navratri Celebrations with a Hot Air Baloon Ride

From : The Times of India

The Navratri festive spirit was in full swing as dance enthusiasts watched a hot air balloon go up in the sky at the 'Adani Shantigram presents The Times of India Shanku's Dandiya 2012'. Almost 15000 entries were registered at the event, and the organizers were happy that for the first time ever they gave Gujaratis an opportunity to view garba from a gigantic hot air balloon — 80 feet above ground level. Manoj Chaudhary, director, Shanku's Water Park says, "For the first time, this was truly an interesting innovation for the people of Ahmedabad as they sat in the lit hot air balloon."

The idea was sponsored by Vodafone and powered by Shanku's Water Park and XPERTZ events conceptualized this event at the Karnavati club. The TOI Shanku's Dandiya had garba dancers enjoying their garba and from the response, the organizers have promised to wow the audiences again every year like this. Devang Shah, director, XPERTZ, Advertising, Events & Promotions says, "We always believe in getting innovations to our events that brings the best mileage to our sponsors. Shanku's Dandiya has a great recall value and last Sunday, our idea of hot air balloon ride mesmerized the crowds on SG Highway. And Karnavati Club became the ideal platform for this activity."

Navratri Fever Catches On

From : The Times of India

From Boardroom to Garba Classes

From : The Times of India

AHMEDABAD: Corporate house employees are on a festive high. Firms are packing off their staff to garba sessions after work hours to hone their dancing skills before the big day.

While some companies have hired choreographers for teaching basic and advanced steps to their employees, others have ensured that their staff joins classes a fortnight before the revelry begins.

For instance, Vodafone Gujarat has engaged a professional choreographer to train its employees a few steps of garba in a known environment before stepping out. "We organize garba for our customers and employees across all our branch offices in Gujarat. We engage professionals to teach garba to them during work hours," says Brajesh Bajpai, business head-Gujarat, Vodafone India.

Practice sessions and the event that follows creates an all round atmosphere of engagement. "People of Gujarat love this festival. We have many non-Gujaratis as well in our organization," says Bajpai.

Cadila Pharmaceuticals has gone a step ahead by hiring a choreographer from the Gujarati film industry to train its staff in new dance techniques. "A garba and dandiya raas competition is organized at all our branches. Employees, including senior officials, join in the celebration with their family members. Prizes are also awarded to the best dressed and the best dancers," says a company official.

Cadila also organizes a separate garba competition for the kids of its employees at the corporate campus. They are imparted dance training by veterans of previous garba events to prepare them for the contest. Though Airtel may not be sponsoring public events this Navratri, it has grand plans for its employees. Anant Arora, chief executive officer, Bharti Airtel, Gujarat, says, "Navratri is one of the key festivals of Gujarat which is celebrated with a lot of fanfare by Airtel. We have our own in-house talents who choreograph the entire show and also teach employees new garba steps. The festivities including the garba sessions are held after office hours, ensuring participation from the family members of the employee."

Depending on the training sessions, choreographers charge anything between Rs 1,000 and Rs 3,000 per session. Ankit Panchal, who has taught many managers sway to garba tunes, says, "There is a lot of interest among non-Gujaratis to learn advanced garba steps. While earlier, employees used to request for basic steps, now the trend is to learn innovative steps using props like matkas, diyas and chairs."

And the bosses are not complaining while their staff has fun at work. "It's a great concept that helps employees break away from the monotony at work and makes the atmosphere stress free. It also energizes employees and increases engagement and team work," explains Arora.

Only 1.7% of Vodafone subscribers in Gujarat use 3G

Vodafone to increase rural base

From : Business Standard

Telecom services provider Vodafone is looking to increase its rural customer base in Gujarat through state government-run schemes such as E-Mamata - a mobile phone-based technology aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality in the state. "We are the exclusive partner of Gujarat government for the E-Mamata initiative. Of the over 16 million Vodafone customers in Gujarat, over 70 per cent are in rural areas," said Brajesh Bajpai, business head- Gujarat, Vodafone West Ltd at a media interaction on Tuesday. Nationally, of the over 250 million customer base for the company, nearly 74 per cent have rural base.