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. (004)