Esia aims to boost customer to 4m by 2008<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Bakrie Telecom's fixed-wireless phone provider Esia aims to boost
\nits number of customers to 4 million by 2008 from around 250,000
\ncurrently, a company executive said on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Vice president of retail sales Charles Sitorus said the figure
\nrepresented about 10 percent of total projected telecommunication
\ncustomers by 2008 in Jakarta and West Java -- two areas where
\nEsia holds the license to operate.<\/p>\n
"Indonesia's most potential market in telecommunications
\nexists in Jakarta and West Java. The two areas make up some 60
\npercent of total customers across the nation, which I predict,
\nwill reach about 60 to 70 million by 2008," Charles told
\nreporters.<\/p>\n
"That means, subscribers in Jakarta and West Java alone would
\nreach some 36 to 40 million by that time. Our target to obtain 10
\npercent of that 40 million by 2008, or about 4 million, is fairly
\nreasonable."<\/p>\n
The company's expansion plan is the latest in the industry.
\nEsia uses Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology, which
\nhas gained in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to the
\nlow call rates that are almost equal to those of fixed lines.<\/p>\n
Nadia Mars, vice president of Bakrie Telecom's communication
\ndivision, agreed with Charles. She said that to achieve such an
\nambitious goal the company would expand its networks, including
\nacquiring other firms, while continuing upgrade its existing
\nnetworks.<\/p>\n
In relation to their expansion plans, Esia on Thursday
\nlaunched a new program in collaboration with handset provider
\nSanex.<\/p>\n
The program offers packages of Rp 925,000 (US$101) for Sanex
\nhandset type 5010, and Rp 1,150,000 for Sanex handset type 7210
\nuntil April. Each package includes an Esia account along with Rp
\n20,000 worth of prepaid calls.<\/p>\n
To lure customers, the program also offers other benefits.<\/p>\n
"Every subscriber will receive one point for every minute of
\nincoming calls. Those who have the highest points will be
\neligible for a daily grand prize of a Sanex type 5010, with an
\nEsia account and Rp 150,000 of prepaid call credit," Nadia said
\nduring the launching .<\/p>\n
The weekly prize is a Sanex Viesta X motorcycle, while a 42-
\ninch Sanex plasma television set will be given away every month.
\n(004)<\/p>",
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