Nokia outlines initatives for rural markets

Nokia outlines initatives for rural markets

The global leader in mobile communications outlined several unique initiatives for the non-urban markets in the areas of microfinance, distribution, agricultural services and after sales and support services

Nokia, the world leader in mobile communications, today reiterated that rural markets will be a focus area for its growth in India. The global leader in mobile communications outlined several unique initiatives for the non-urban markets in the areas of microfinance, distribution, agricultural services and after sales and support services. This was shared by Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, President and CEO of Nokia Corporation during his visit to India. “India’s consumption of mobility is growing at a phenomenal pace and it has the potential to make a major contribution to the country’s socio-economic development. Nokia recognises its responsibility and our aim will be to try and bring more consumers into the folds of mobility by maximizing value creation.” said Mr. Kallasvuo. Microfinancing: Making mobility more accessible: Nokia also announced that it is looking at Microfinance as a major initiative to increase mobile penetration in India from the current 26%. While India is adding 8 million subscribers a month, the country still has a huge untapped base constrained due to the initial cost of the mobile phone. The company is running pilots and trials to gauge consumer response in select markets and will soon come out with specific offerings to make buying a mobile phone more affordable. According to D Shivakumar, Vice President and Managing Director, Nokia India, “Language, content and affordability will play a critical role in connecting the next billion consumers. At Nokia, our endeavor is to drive down the accessibility barriers and make universal access a reality” With its large distribution network in the country and 9 Indian language support, the company is also providing agriculture based solutions catering to the vast farmer community in India. It is working with a host of content providers and has started programmes for farmers, which include providing solutions from information on market prices for agricultural products to weather updates to financing options. Distribution and Servicing in Rural India To access difficult and unserved markets, Nokia aims to leverage its distribution network to expand proactively into rural geographies. In addition to increasing its existing fleet of Rural vans, the company will also be reaching out to villages across India to showcase the relevant product portfolio and solutions to demystify the use of mobile technology. Several educational programmes will also be launched in the rural areas for consumers on the benefits of mobility. Recognising the crucial need for a rural Care network to match its expanding rural distribution footprint, Nokia is simultaneously focusing on increasing its Care Service Centres in the rural geographies.