Joint venture between the Siva Group and Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco) announced the launch of its GSM-based mobile services in Assam. The initial launch phase will cover 26 towns of the state.

Speaking on the occasion of S Tel’s launch of services in Assam, Shamik Das, CEO, S Tel said, “We view mobile technology as important element for advancing socio-economic development in the state of Assam with teledensity as low as 31%.Our strategy is aimed at making benefits of mobility accessible first to under-penetrated markets of Assam and then gradually expanding to bigger towns, thus aiming to bridge the stratum divide as we roll out our services in phases across the region. Tinsukia, Sibsagarh, Noagoan, Tezpur and Bongaigaon are some key locations among the 26 towns in which S Tel’s services can be accessed presently. By the end of this year, we plan to expand our reach across 90 major towns of Assam. We aim to provide a congestion free network with excellent voice quality to consumers in our markets of operation.”

Some of the other towns which will be covered with the service include Gaurisagar, Nazira, Golaghat, Numaligarh, Hojai, Doboka, Lumding, Lanka, Diphu, Howraghat, Mangaldoi, Barpeta Road, Bilasipara.

“Today, we are the only new telecom operator which has managed to garner a whopping 1 million subscriber base in a record 90 days in the 3 circles where we are present. Being a brand that speaks the language of the local communities and 'belong' to them, it resonates in everything we do – be it our tariffs, VAS, Customer care or Distribution,” added Das.

It also announced competitive plans for the region.

The new plans include a starter pack of Rs.49 with 30 days validity. A recharge voucher priced at Rs.6 offers per second tariff with the starter pack.

The operator is also offering full talk time on all top-up denominations which it claims is the most unique offering in the region under consideration. There is also an Rs.11 priced SMS pack offering 1 paisa for local SMS and with a validity of 30 days.

Soumen Ghosh, COO, Assam and North East Circle, S Tel said, “ S Tel prides itself in being able to identify and cater to the unaddressed needs of the communities and offer relevant products and services .Equipped with simple and transparent plans, wide distribution network that allows product accessibility at consumer’s doorstep and simple, swift and sensitive customer service, we are confident of making a significant and lasting impact in people's lives in the region. Today onwards S Tel products and services can be availed across 2300 plus retail points present in 26 key towns. Within six months, we aim to double the size of our retailer universe i.e. above 4500 point of sales thus ensuring easy access of products anywhere across our markets of operation.”

VAS on offer include S tell Caller Tune comprising of more than 1,000 songs, S Tel Voice Station and S Tel Rich SMS Service.

The operator now plans to launch services in Meghalaya, Tripura, Nagaland, Mizoram, Manipur and Arunanchal Pradesh.