Kochi, November 20, 2007:Vodafone Essar, one of India’s leading cellular service providers, has announced special services for pilgrims traveling to Sabarimala. Vodafone has increased facilities for prepaid recharge at retail outlets en route to Sabarimala while postpaid subscribers from other states can make bill payments at Vodafone Stores and Vodafone Mini Stores across Kerala.
In addition to a unique cell site on wheels in Nilakal, Vodafone has added new cell sites on the way to Sabarimala to provide better connectivity to pilgrims. Battery rechargers have also been installed at various locations.
In association with Kerala Police, Vodafone will provide assistance to pilgrims by helping them reach police control rooms at Pamba, Nilakal and Sannidhanam through an emergency toll free number – 99461 00100.
K. Sankara Narayanan, Chief Executive Officer, Vodafone-Essar, Kerala said, “Every year, 5 crore pilgrims from various parts of the country travel to Sabarimala. At Vodafone, it is our priority to offer convenient services that will help our customers stay connected during their pilgrimage.”
Sabarimala Services
- Increased facilities for prepaid recharge throughout retail outlets en route to Sabarimala
- Battery recharge option at various locations
- Bill payment facility across the state for postpaid customers from outside Kerala
- Emergency helpline number 99461 00100
- Special value added services on Vodafone live! - Sabarimala Alerts, wallpapers, downloads and more
About Vodafone Essar Limited
Vodafone Essar in India is a subsidiary of Vodafone Group Plc and commenced operations in 1994 when its predecessor Hutchison Telecom acquired the cellular licence for Mumbai. Vodafone Essar now has operations in 16 circles covering 86% of India’s mobile customer base, with over 37.1 million customers*.
Over the years, Vodafone Essar, under the Hutch brand, has been named the ‘Most Respected Telecom Company’, the ‘Best Mobile Service in the country’ and the ‘Most Creative and Most Effective Advertiser of the Year’.
Vodafone is the world’s leading international mobile communications company. It now has operations in 25 countries across 5 continents and 40 partner networks with over 200 million customers worldwide. Vodafone has partnered with the Essar Group as its principal joint venture partner for the Indian market.
The Essar Group is a diversified business corporation with interests spanning the manufacturing and service sectors like Steel, Energy, Power, Communications, Shipping & Logistics and Construction. The Group has an asset base of over Rs.400 billion (US$ 10 billion) and employs over 20,000 people
*Figures from Cellular Operators Association of India, October 31, 2007
For more information, please contact:
Ajit Pai
Genesis Burson-Marsteller
Vodafone: +91 98867 28605
email: ajit.pai@bm.com