Like any other network operator, Vodafone is extremely keen on getting 2G users to adopt 3G and has even launched a Be Smart mobile internet initiative. As current trends indicate, 2G and 3G rates are set to converge soon and the market demand for faster 4G technology will start rising gradually.
As it stands in India, consumers accessing the internet on mobile devices is set to reach 243 million this year itself. But as a Research and Markets report released last month points out, 50% of smartphone users in the country still access 2G networks. This is in spite of the fact that the number of Indian folks using smart devices to access the web rose by around 137% in 2013.
The figures clearly point out that companies pushing subscribers to switch to 3G services have enormous potential for growth. What’s more, 4G network support is still in its nascent stage. So it might be years before customers can be converted into LTE users. So it makes sense for providers like Vodafone, Airtel and Idea amongst others to coax loyalists to adopt speedier 3G packages.
What Vodafone is offering to users:
The company’s Be Smart mobile internet program has been kicked off for its Delhi and National Capital Region (NCR) circle where it claims to have 92 lakh subscribers. We expect Vodafone will be aggressively promoting the benefits of its 3G network with advertisements and various public events.
Let’s also assume data packages at specially discounted prices with be part of its marketing efforts. We’ll give you more concrete details as soon as they arrive.