Esia aims to boost customer to 4m by 2008
Esia aims to boost customer to 4m by 2008
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Bakrie Telecom's fixed-wireless phone provider Esia aims to boost
its number of customers to 4 million by 2008 from around 250,000
currently, a company executive said on Thursday.
Vice president of retail sales Charles Sitorus said the figure
represented about 10 percent of total projected telecommunication
customers by 2008 in Jakarta and West Java -- two areas where
Esia holds the license to operate.
"Indonesia's most potential market in telecommunications
exists in Jakarta and West Java. The two areas make up some 60
percent of total customers across the nation, which I predict,
will reach about 60 to 70 million by 2008," Charles told
reporters.
"That means, subscribers in Jakarta and West Java alone would
reach some 36 to 40 million by that time. Our target to obtain 10
percent of that 40 million by 2008, or about 4 million, is fairly
reasonable."
The company's expansion plan is the latest in the industry.
Esia uses Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology, which
has gained in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to the
low call rates that are almost equal to those of fixed lines.
Nadia Mars, vice president of Bakrie Telecom's communication
division, agreed with Charles. She said that to achieve such an
ambitious goal the company would expand its networks, including
acquiring other firms, while continuing upgrade its existing
networks.
In relation to their expansion plans, Esia on Thursday
launched a new program in collaboration with handset provider
Sanex.
The program offers packages of Rp 925,000 (US$101) for Sanex
handset type 5010, and Rp 1,150,000 for Sanex handset type 7210
until April. Each package includes an Esia account along with Rp
20,000 worth of prepaid calls.
To lure customers, the program also offers other benefits.
"Every subscriber will receive one point for every minute of
incoming calls. Those who have the highest points will be
eligible for a daily grand prize of a Sanex type 5010, with an
Esia account and Rp 150,000 of prepaid call credit," Nadia said
during the launching .
The weekly prize is a Sanex Viesta X motorcycle, while a 42-
inch Sanex plasma television set will be given away every month.
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