Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) on Friday unveiled its new logo and website. COAI represents over 70 percent of the industry by revenue and now has updated its brand identity, positioning itself to lead the opportunities of the new era in the sector, in tune with the emerging trends and demands of the customers.
Expressing concerns on the high reserve price of the spectrum, COAI Chairman and Idea Cellular's Managing Director Himanshu Kapania said, “India has become a case of limited spectrum quantum availability and high reserve price per MHz of spectrum. We would be happy to see rationalisation in pricing of the spectrum to be in line with the Indian consumers' ability to pay for these services and attract serious investors to invest in the business.”
He further added that while the country has one of the biggest share in global customer base but on revenue terms, the country holds a very minor stake. “The nation remains a global pygmy in revenue terms which is merely 2.3 per cent of estimated the global telecom revenue of $ 1.16 trillion. This is because Indian operators have sacrificed short term gains for a longer term view of the Government by offering among the lowest global tariffs,” he added.
Even though Telecom Minister, Kapil Sibal could not attend the unveiling, in his video message he said that the spectrum auctions can take place by end of December this year.