Mobilink GSM -Introduction
Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited (PMCL) better known as Mobilink GSM is a telecommunication service provider in Pakistan. Mobilink started operations in 1994 as the first GSM cellular Mobile service in Pakistan by MOTOROLA Inc., later it was sold to Orascom, an Egypt-based multi-national company. It has become the market leader both in terms of growth as well as having the largest customer subscriber base in Pakistan - a base of over 24 million and growing. Mobilink prides itself on being the first cellular service provider to operate on a 100% digital GSM technology in Pakistan that also provides state-of-the-art communication solutions to its customers.
Mobilink offers exclusively designed tariff plans that cater to the communication needs of a diverse group of people, from individuals to businessmen to corporates and multinationals. To achieve this objective, Mobilink offers both postpaid (Indigo) and prepaid (JAZZ) solutions to its customers. Compared to its competitors, both the postpaid (Indigo) and prepaid (JAZZ) brands are the largest brands of their kind in the Pakistan cellular industry.
In addition to providing advanced voice communication services that makes the lives of millions that much easy, Mobilink also offers a host of value-added-services in its Mobilink World brand to its prized customers. At the same time, Mobilink places high importance to its coverage, which is why it covers its customers in 5000+ cities and towns nationwide as well as over 100 countries on international roaming service. Mobilink is also the official telecommunication service provider for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The company was awarded the license to operate in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on 27 June-2006.
Facts About Mobilink GSM
| Company Structure | Private Limited |
| Genre | Subsidiary |
| Parent | Orascom Telecom Egypt |
| Owner | Naguib Sawiris |
| Founded | 1994 |
| Founder | Motorola USA |
| Industry | Telecommunication |
| Headquarters | 42 Kulsum Plaza, Blue Area, Islamabad. |
| Area served | 5000 cities, towns, and villages across Pakistan |
| Revenue | 250.2 million USD (3rd quarter, 2006) |
| Website | www.mobilinkgsm.com |
“To be the leading Telecommunication Services Provider in Pakistan by offering innovative Communication solutions for our Customers while exceeding Shareholder value & Employee Expectations”.
Goals and Objectives· Expand the business.
· Provide better service to people in the field of telecommunication.
· Retaining the role of a leading telecommunication company.
· Attract maximum customers and satisfy them.
· Excel in meeting customer needs.
· Seek employee involvement, continuous improvement and enhanced performance goals.
· ISO 9002 Quality Management System Certification for Billing, Engineering Departments and CS Contact Center
· Implementation of a full Intelligent Network (IN) platform from Siemens for the Prepaid platform
· Largest Call Center in Pakistan, which is there to assist the customers 24 hours
· Only cellular service in Pakistan to provide coverage on the M2 motorway
· Bilateral roaming in over 100 countries around the world with true international roaming with over 300 operators across the globe
· First mobile operator in Pakistan to offer extensive GPRS Roaming and BlackBerry Roaming services
· Societal Marketing
Mobilink believes in playing an active role in supporting the community and social development of Pakistan. Each year, Mobilink and its staff contribute significantly to charities and community projects to help bring about a better quality of life to the less privileged in the community and enrich the lives of Pakistanis through support in local arts, education and sports.
· Educating the Youth
Mobilink has made various donations to educational institutes. This includes donating computers to the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, donating Rs. 100,000 to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences to set up a computer lab, and sponsoring the commemorative ceremony for the golden jubilee of Cadet College, Hasanabdal.
· Supporting the Arts
Mobilink's alliance with the international Kara Film Festival demonstrates its commitment to the promotion of art and theatre. The festival creates a space for alternative and independent cinematographers, both experienced and new filmmakers, to exhibit their creative endeavors in Pakistan.
· Employee Involvement
Mobilink believes in supporting the community not only through sponsorships but also through employee involvement. In addition to sponsorships, Mobilink encourages its employees to be engaged in community welfare work and to support relevant causes.
· Earthquake 2005
During the devastating earthquake of 2005 that struck the Northern Areas of Pakistan, Mobilink was amongst the first to respond to the crisis. Relief Camps were set up in all major hospitals to provide free calling facilities to patients and relatives arriving from far flung areas. Goods such as blankets, shawls, jackets were also collected for those affected by the earthquake and Mobilink Relief Teams were constituted to provide aid to the Northern Areas.
Strategy and ManagementMobilink is led by Zouhair Abdul Khaliq, who has been the President and the CEO since June 2003. Since then, Mobilink has embarked on an aggressive growth strategy. Mobilink closed 2003 with 2 million customers. In comparison, Mobilink closed 2005 with more than 11 million subscribers. Currently, the subscriber base has increased to more than 24 million.
Network
During the last 13 years, Mobilink has set up one of the largest cellular networks in the country. Currently, it is covering more than 5000+ cities and towns. This has involved an investment in the company of more than US$ 1 Billion. Mobilink has 50 Switches and more than 4,900 cell sites and the number keeps growing at a rapid pace. It also has deployed around 3,000 km of optical cable.
| Switches | Siemens and Alcatel |
| Radio Base Stations | Motorola and Alcatel. |
| Intelligent Networks | Siemens |
| Microwave Equipment | NEC and Alcatel |
| Operating Frequency | 900/1800 MHz |
Evolving the Prepay
Traditionally, post-paid billing has always been the method that telecom companies have used for obtaining payments for the services provided. Whether the said companies were state-owned giants, or private ventures; billed accounts were the way to go. With the advent of mobile telephony, this system changed to accommodate and facilitate the needs of different users. Here was where the prepay concept was born.
The company that is credited with introducing the concept in Pakistan is Mobilink. There is little doubt, though, that when the company that prided itself on its executive clientele came up with prepaid cards, it could not have imagined the extent to which the idea would take off in the country. On the other hand, it is not hard to imagine the motivation behind Mobilink’s decision to launch its offering. At the time, having a cell phone and a post-paid connection was no cheap thing. So, the company decided to try to grow by targeting the majority that could not afford billed connections. The idea worked pretty well, and Mobilink Jazz came to be.
BCG
Growth Rate Matrix
BCG Growth Rate Matrix
| STAR. | ? |
| CASH COW. | DOG |
High
Mobilink
Market
Growth
Rate
Low
Mobilink Market Share
Mobilink claims all its products as Star with the highest Market Growth Rate and highest Market Share.
SWOT ANALYSIS
STRENGTHS· It has the advantage of having a huge and loyal customer base.
· The company is also vulnerable with post paid debts.
· It can also further capitalize on the emerging trend of value added services.
Marketing Management
&
Mobilink GSM
The art and science of choosing target markets and getting, keeping, and growing customers through creating, delivering, and communicating superior customer value.
Marketing Research
Marketing research
The marketing research process includes the systematic identification, collection, analysis and distribution of information for the purpose of knowledge development and decision making. The marketing executive at Mobilink admits that understanding markets and customers is the bedrock on which business planning and strategy is built. Without knowing our customer’s needs and wants or understanding demand, our business will be under constant threat from competitors and may be failing to extract the maximum value from the market. Mobilink provides excellence in market research through their extensive experience in telecommunication working.
They focus on providing better research techniques that enables to understand why and how customers make choices and a better research process, based on understanding the business and commercial context. Mobilink marketing executive further says that our research process is designed so that we take more care to understand our goals and constraints and use this to deliver better value to our customers. Market research does not sit in a vacuum. The design and outcomes of a market research project have to reflect not just the results from the data, but the way in which the organization could and should use the data.
Mobilink hires Custom marketing research firms to carry out specific projects
Marketing research process by MobilinkEffective marketing research in Mobilink consists of 6 stepsStep 1: Identifying and defining the problem Step 2: Developing the approach and establishing research design and strategy
Step 3: Collecting the data Step 4: Performing data analysis Step 5: Reporting and presentation
Step 6: Making a decision
Step 1: Identifying and defining the problem
The first step is to understand the question(s), which need to be answered. Then they work to identify and outline the marketing research project objectives and define the size and source of the survey sample. Next, the most appropriate marketing research methodology is determined. The innovative and actionable design approaches ensures that study is customized to meet the unique needs of the project.
Step 2: Developing the approach and establishing research design and strategy
Mobilink researchers gather data both by primary and secondary means. The second step is questionnaire development. Surveys are designed with the marketing research objectives in mind. It is made sure that the questions address the needs of the project and all surveys are pre-tested to confirm the survey, instructions and procedures are set up appropriately. The next step is to coordinate data collection.
Step 3: Collecting the dataThe data is collected via telephone, in-person, through the Internet or by using qualitative research. Marketing research studies are continuously monitored by the research team to ensure accuracy. As Mobilink is well aware of the fact that data collection phase is prone to errors and inaccuracies so the management tries hard to get that right. A major problem is getting biased and dishonest answers. So getting true respondents is crucial.
Step 4: Performing data analysisThe fourth step is to analyze the data. Once collected, Mobilink utilizes their extensive statistical and analytical expertise to transform the data into clear, concise and actionable information. Key findings are summarized and a course of action is recommended.
Step 5: Reporting and presentationThe fifth step is to report the results. Our clients have come to rely on our reporting capabilities. Whether it's providing presentation-ready materials, formatting reports to meeting the internal standards or delivering reports via choice of media, every effort are made to give the insight that mobilink is the most innovative and progressive telecommunication company in Pakistan.
Step 6: Making a decisionMobilink uses marketing decision support system to enable its managers to make better decisions, it is the system for collection of data, system, tools and techniques with supporting software and hardware which an organization gathers and interprets relevant information from business and environment and turns it into a basis for marketing action.
Mobilink's Mobile Intelligence Program
Mobilink's Mobile Intelligence program is a framework, which we apply across our own research and development as well as across all our mobile marketing and mobile media assignments for our clients and partners.
This approach is market proven and has been the foundation for the 100's of mobile products and services that we have developed and managed since January 2001. This framework underpins our research and thinking on Mobile Communities, Mobile Services for the Youth Market and the convergence of Mobile Marketing and Mobile Media
The Mobile Intelligence program has 5 key phases:
Discovery
· Understanding and identifying the key objectives of the mobile services.
· Mobile Marketing or Mobile Media or a combination of both?
· Research and due diligence
Strategic Planning
· Identifying and documenting timeframes, milestones and business case
· Integration with new or existing marketing and media activities
· Legal and compliance issues
· Strategic partners and distribution channels
· Creative and campaign development
· End user experience and interaction design
· Mobile media production and delivery
· Integrated mobile marketing and media services
Mobile Technology and Implementation
· Element Platform and Modules
· Telecom and messaging infrastructure
· Use of appropriate technology and mobile content (SMS/MMS/Java/ Ring tones/Icons)
· Hosting, management and ongoing technical support
Program Management
· Client Services Team
· End user support
· Ongoing reporting and analysis
· Proactive ideas and research
· Roadmap for client development
Marketing Intelligence System is a method of collecting and organizing important business information into a useable form for important business marketing purposes. Marketing Intelligence System at mobilink is used for various purposes:-
· For the ability to forecast sociological and technological changes ahead of time and make the necessary internal changes to adjust to the changing environment of the consumer.
· The ability to track customers order history, their interests, and apply that information to better advertising and target marketing.
· The ability to detect competitor changes to enhance the company’s operation tactics in which area that competitor operates.
For Mobilink, the Intelligence Platform is a way of thinking about who they are, what they know, and what they think about the company and the competitive marketplace. When we begin an assignment, the Intelligence Platform is examined as it is. Questions like “What do we know? What ideas have been generated? What are the drivers that give the business its unique personality?” are answered in order to get the required information.
Mobilink views marketing intelligence with three very different components. It includes data, ideas, management experience, and judgments.
Source Categories
· Search engines, search utilities, etc.
· Financial information sources (Company filings / public & private company data)
· Newspaper and news resources
· Patent & trademark resources
· Government sources
· Demographic data
· Geographic / Country information & maps, satellite images, etc.
· Trade directories
· Competitive intelligence database software suppliers
Segmentation, Targeting,
&
Positioning
Mobilink, a telecommunication service provider emphasizes on being part of a value delivery process. The first phase, choosing the value, represents the ‘homework’ marketing must do before any product exists. First, the marketing staff must segment the market. The variables used for segmenting the consumer market demographic as well as psychographic:-
· Income
· Occupation
· Social Class
The second step of choosing the value is selecting the appropriate target market. Mobilink’s target market varies with its different product lines e.g. the Mobilink Indigo brand mainly targets the corporate sector of the Pakistani community. The Jazz Octane is designed to attract youth; Jazz Budget is aimed at the middle and upper-middle class, while Mobilink World targets the masses with its diverse value added services.
It is important to understand that the future of marketing telecommunication services in Pakistan is going to be based on targeted segmentation strategies. Mobilink follows the target selection pattern of full market coverage and develops strategies as per the requirement of the different targeted segments. Mobilink has followed a consistent strategy of growing the network and ensuring that the products are available everywhere. This growth has been further strengthened with brand building activities that have ensured that Jazz and Indigo remain synonymous for premium telecommunication services for which they are close to the hearts and minds of the customers.
Positioning
Developing the offering’s value positioning is the last part of choosing the value phase of the value delivery process.
Mobilink’s catchphrase “Mobilink… Reshaping Lives” tells all about how they want to position the brand in the minds of their target customers.
The message they want to communicate to the consumer market is that Mobilink is the best solution for telecommunication and can be trusted to provide communication facilities all across the globe where no other service is available.
Competitive Forces
The industry structure of Pakistan’s mobile phone service providers is differentiated oligopoly; a small no. of large firms producing products partially differentiated along the lines of quality, features, styling, or services. There are 6 major providers of mobile service in Pakistan.
· Mobilink GSM
· Telenor
· Warid Telecom
· Ufone
· Paktel GSM
· Instaphone
Pakistan’s largest cellular provider maintains a tremendous growth rate despite the deregulated market. With the introduction of new products into the market and expansion through various rural and urban cities, Mobilink continues to capitalize on its position in the market. Despite complaints about quality and connectivity issues, the number of customers continues to grow.
Mobilink commands approximately 46.5% market share and is the market leader. This firm has the largest market share in the relevant product market, and leads the other firms in price changes, new-product introductions, distribution coverage, and promotional intensity. It is followed by Ufone which has 20.9% of the total Pakistan market. Warid claims a 15.7% share of the country’s wireless market closely followed by Telenor with 14%. Paktel had 2.7% of the users untill the end of 2006.
Competitive Strategies
Being the market leader, first, Mobilink must find ways to expand total market demand. Second, it must protect its current market share through good defensive and offensive actions. Third, it has to try to increase its market share, even if the market size remains constant.
Expanding the Total MarketMobile phone tele-density has increased to 35 per cent with over 53 million users. The market growth still has 65 percent potential if not more, as Pakistan’s population is over 150 million. The dominant firm gains the most when the total market expands. Same is the case with Mobilink. It uses the following strategies to expand the total market:-
· Market-penetration strategy
· New-market segment strategy
· Geographical-expansion strategy
The rapid growth in mobile phone ownership has opened a new, mass marketing channel for marketers to reach their target market. Direct, responsive and measurable, mobile marketing is emerging as a key element of the marketing mix for Mobilink.
Mobile marketing integrates across the marketing mix to drive the effectiveness of both above and below the line activities. Delivering:
· Direct marketing channel to customers
· Clean, uncluttered environment to maximize the impact of the marketing message
· Context and time relevant marketing medium
· Instant response mechanism delivering true one to one communication
· A digital medium enabling deep campaign measurement and analysis
Mobilink marketers are deploying the mobile to strategically drive customer acquisition, retention and improved relationships to defend its market share. Campaign tactics include as an instant response mechanism to TV and poster campaigns, as a direct medium to drive awareness in targeted demographics and for instant win for on or off pack promotions.
Engaging and effective mobile marketing campaigns reflect an understanding of the existing mobile habits of the target market.
The unique and personal nature of mobile communication dictates an approach that is clear, actionable, engaging and instantly rewarding for consumers.
· How does the target market currently use mobile?
· The effective integration of the campaign across multiple elements of the marketing mix
· Ensuring a positive customer experience as a key driver for response and uptake
· Building long term value out of data collection
· Operating within the regulatory and legal guidelines for mobile marketing
While a company has to keep a watch on its competitors, Mobilink strongly favors a customer-centered orientation and considers itself to be a customer-centered company. A customer centered company is in a better position to identify new opportunities and set a course that promises to deliver long-run profits. Same is the case with Mobilink. By monitoring customer needs, it can decide which customer groups and emerging trends are the most important to serve given its resources and objectives.
Marketing Mix The 4 Ps
Marketing mix
It is the set of marketing tools a firm uses to pursue its marketing objectives. McCarthy has classified these tools into four broad groups, called the four Ps of marketing:
1. Product
2. Price
3. Place
4. Promotion
Mobilink management understands the importance of the marketing mix and its decisions, which must be made for influencing the trade channels as well as the final consumers. The company prepares an offering mix of products, services, and prices, and utilizes a communication mix of advertising, sales promotion, events, and experiences, public relations, direct marketing, and personal selling to reach the trade channels and the target customers.
As a popular brand there is a lot that is expected from the company and the management strives hard to ensure that the promises are kept. Mobilink has been continuously investing in network resources and improving its marketing mix so that its vast customer base can be satisfied and expanded.
The four Ps of Mobilink’s marketing mix are explained ahead in detail.
PRODUCT
Mobilink Product Lines
Mainly there are four product lines of Mobilink with each having separate target markets and positioning.
· Mobilink Jazz
· Mobilink World
· Mobilink PCO
Mobilink re-launched its postpaid services on the 11th of May, 2004 under the brand name, Indigo. Indigo ignited an evolution in the communication industry redefining the essence of the post-paid services in Pakistan. The brand delicately caters to the need of its customers, symbolizing the vision of connecting the subscribers in every aspect of life. Indigo says:
“In life you come across some exceptional people, who, like you, appreciate only the finer things in life. When it comes to creating a bond and staying connected to them count on Indigo for its unrivalled premium post – paid connectivity to get you through”.
Indigo Offerings· Indigo
· BlackBerry
· Citi Mobilink Credit Card
· Call& Control
· Indigo Reward
· Indigo Genie
Indigo targets the upper business class that is not concerned with the cost but want convenience, quality and a brand image that suits their personality. Who doesn’t want fun or music but want a brand that is “Competent” and Indigo is well satisfying the desires of its corporate customers. Introducing Blackberry connect through which businessmen can take
their office anywhere, share attachments etc. That is why Indigo customers are loyal to the brand and hesitate to switch to other connections. It can be said that Indigo enjoys the benefits of a monopoly in the corporate sector.
Mobilink JazzJazz is an exciting and energetic offering of Mobilink, targeting specifically those enthusiastic teenagers, middle class and the youth market of the country, wishing to enjoy freedom, fun, lower rates and a package that matches their personality.
Jazz Offerings· Jazz Budget
· Jazz Octane
· Jazz Ladies first
· Jazz Easy
· Jazz Share
· Jazz Load
· Jazz Advance
Jazz Budget
Target market is those young boys and girls who want to stay in touch with their friends and family all the time but with cheaper rates. “Happy hours” with only 0.40 /30 seconds.
Jazz Octane
Targets those customers who want to have fun in their daily life........enhancing energy in their personality of youth with low SMS rates, discount rates and lower air time rates for three numbers.
Jazz Ladies First
Specifically designed for ladies (housewives) who along with their routine work want to have recipes, beauty tips, shopping discounts etc. (Also lower rates for special numbers.)
Jazz Easy
Jazz Easy customers can enjoy calling at amazingly low call rates for Mobilink numbers, they also benefit tremendously from the fabulous rates to call on any other network.
Jazz ShareAn exciting new service targeting the Jazz family Members and allows them to share balance anytime, anywhere.Jazz AdvanceTargets Jazz Family Members with Additional balance benefit to help them talk some more!
Jazz Load
Jazz Load allows to recharge Jazz account in variable denominations.
Mobilink World
Mobilink World is the Value Added Services Brand for Mobilink. These services are not just fun, but also help its customers with their business needs. Whether it's a Bolo SMS they want to send to a friend or a ring tone they want to download to customize their phone with, Mobilink World has something special for them.
Mobilink World Offerings· Mobi Safe
· Holy Sayings
· Corporate SMS
· Mobi Greetings
· SMS Scheduler
· SMS Game Time
· Bolo SMS
· Mobitunes
· G:i:30
· WAP Portal
· Mobilink Edge
· Mind Reader
· CricVideo
· International SMS Chat
· Ring Tone Club
Mobilink World is the Value Added Services Brand for Mobilink and its target market is its whole customer base:
“Mobilink World services are not just fun, but also help you with your business needs. Whether it's a Bolo SMS you want to send to a friend or ring tone you want to download to customize your phone with, Mobilink World has something special just for you.”
Mobilink PCOFor the first time ever Mobilink has brought Mobilink PCO, a revolution in its own right that shall surely set apace the way its consumers communicate at the grass root level. Mobilink PCO is a fixed wireless phone that has special PCO functions capability. It consists of two LCD's that helps customers to keep a tap on the duration and the costing of the calls they make.
This latest venture from Mobilink is aimed at bringing prosperity and happiness for all the people throughout Pakistan. It's a complete self-employment solution for the people of Pakistan, fulfilling their dreams and aspirations.
Mobilink PCO does not only give its consumers higher returns on a very low investment but it also creates a world of better prospects in terms of a consistent source of income for them.
Mobilink PCO claims“Wherever you are, throughout Pakistan whether the remotest deserts of Sindh or the spectacular peaks up north expect unparallel coverage from your Mobilink PCO”
With this unit customers experience even higher returns even though the investment in terms of capital is very minimal. Mobilink PCO no doubt is a world of opportunities within itself.
· Exceptional coverage and the ease of its wireless technology-carry it wherever you wish
· Load the free jazz card provided and embark on a successful business venture right away
· Benefits from after sales services
Mobilink and Disney have launched a parental-controlled mobile phone for children. This is the first time a cellular company in Pakistan has launched a mobile phone that will meet the communication and security needs of parents. The features of the new Mobilink-Disney D100 allow complete parental control on all outgoing and incoming calls and text messages. With the help of this new feature, parents can control who the child can correspond with, thus enabling parents to keep a check on the list of people the child is communicating with. Furthermore, the phone is easy to use as it provides the child with a one-key option to reach parents. It is also protected in that it does not feature Bluetooth or a camera and cannot access any type of multimedia content or website. The handset features embedded Disney ring tones, animated screensavers and wallpapers. The D100 will come with both four and twelve button keypads that are interchangeable to adapt the handset to the capability of the child. The handsets are available featuring popular Disney characters, including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Winnie the Pooh and Tinker Bell. Mobilink services give parents complete control over their child’s phone expenditure thus making it a cost-effective resource.
The D100 has been developed for Disney by Dubai based Broad link Research, Disney’s licensee and partner. After conducting market research and realizing the growing needs of working parents to stay in touch with their children using mobile phones; Mobilink in collaboration with Disney has introduced this innovative solution to the Pakistani market. Moreover, changing social trends and feedback received by Mobilink through this research led the market leader to co-launch a safe and secure solution for parents.
Pricing
Mobilink is the undisputed market leader, which is why it is believed to be expensive as compare to other telecommunication service providers. Having the largest customer base in the country with the fact that its service is available in the remote areas of Pakistan as well, people rely on Mobilink services leading to the fact that Mobilink charges higher compared to its competitors.
Mobilink has the largest subscriber base in Pakistan with 24 million customers. Mobilink recently started GPRS services with RS. 500/ month of unlimited usage which is a treat for GRPS users who want to take their office with them. Mobilink provides them with this facility with fairly reasonable charges.
Tariff Details for Mobilink Products
Indigo
Indigo Freedom Plans | ||||||
Details | Charge | Freedom Plan 1 | Freedom Plan 2 | Freedom Plan 3 | Freedom Plan 3+ | Freedom Plan 4 |
| Weekend Tariffs | Rs/min | 0.99 | 0.75 | 0.63 | 0.50 | 0.40 |
| F&F Charges | Rs/min | 0.99 | 0.75 | 0.63 | 0.50 | N/A |
| Air Time Charges | Rs/min | 2.00 | 1.50 | 1.25 | 1.00 | 0.60 |
| Free Minutes | Monthly | 0 | 100 | 400 | 800 | 1200 |
| Line Rent | Rs | 0 | 100 | 400 | 900 | 1500 |
| SMS | Rs/msg | 1.00 | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.75 | 0.50 |
| Free SMS | Monthly | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 30 |
Jazz
Jazz Budget Tariffs | |
| Details | Rates |
| Outgoing calls to any Mobilink number during selected Happy Hour Window * | Rs. 0.40 / 30 seconds |
| Outgoing to 3 F&F Mobilink numbers | Rs. 0.75 / 30 seconds |
| Outgoing calls to any Mobilink number | Rs. 0.90 / 30 seconds |
| Outgoing calls to all mobile networks in Pakistan | Rs. 1.25 / 30 seconds |
| Outgoing calls to all Landline numbers in Pakistan | Rs. 1.25 / 30 seconds |
| SMS (Jazz to Mobilink) | Rs. 1.0 / SMS |
| SMS (Jazz to other networks) | Rs. 1.5 / SMS |
Jazz Easy Tariffs | |
| Details | Rates |
| Outgoing calls to any 3 Friends & Family Mobilink numbers* | Rs. 0.99 / min |
| Outgoing calls to any Mobilink Number | Rs. 2.10 / min |
| Outgoing calls to all mobile networks in Pakistan | Rs. 2.50 / min |
| Outgoing calls to all Landline numbers in Pakistan | Rs. 2.50 / min |
| F&F Numbers Offered | 3 (Three) |
| SMS (Jazz to Mobilink) | Rs. 1.0 / SMS |
| SMS (Jazz to other networks) | Rs. 1.5 / SMS |
| F&F numbers addition/modification * | Rs. 15 + tax / Modification |
Jazz Octane Tariffs | |
| Details | Rates |
| Late Night Option - All Mobilink numbers ** | Rs. 0.75 / min |
| Outgoing Calls to any 3 F&F Mobilink numbers* | Rs. 0.99 / min |
| Outgoing calls - Any Mobilink number | Rs. 2.50 / min |
| Outgoing calls - To Landline numbers (inclusive of interconnect charges) | Rs. 2.99 / min |
| Outgoing calls - Other mobile networks (inclusive of interconnect charges) | Rs. 2.99 / min |
| SMS - to any Mobilink number *** | 20 paisas / SMS |
| SMS - to any other network in Pakistan | 50 paisas / SMS |
| Daily Charges | Rs. 1.00 |
Jazz Ladies First Tariffs | |
| Details | Rates |
| Outgoing calls - Any Mobilink number (1st Minute) | Rs. 2.50 / min |
| Outgoing calls - Any Mobilink number (2nd minute onwards) | Rs. 1.50 / min |
| Outgoing calls - Any Mobilink number ( 3pm-6pm ) | Rs. 1.50 / min |
| Outgoing calls - To Landline numbers (inclusive of interconnect charges) | Rs. 2.99 / min |
| Outgoing calls - Other mobile networks (inclusive of interconnect charges) | Rs. 2.99 / min |
| SMS based Value Added Services Subscription | Rs. 30 / month |
| SMS (Push based Value Added Services) | Rs. 2.00 / SMS |
| SMS - Any mobilink number | Rs. 1.00 / SMS |
| SMS - Any other network | Rs. 1.50 / SMS |
Pricing Strategies
Mobilink uses psychological pricing. They have set their target price on consumer perception of the product value e.g. outgoing calls at any 3 Mobilink numbers cost Rs.0.99/min. They haven’t set the price exactly on Re.1 but have used psychological pricing to attract customers. Mobilink is the only telecommunication network in Pakistan, which has reached maturity and is the market leader. This is why, there prices are somewhat higher than its competitors like PTCL Wireless and World Call Wireless (at introduction), Warid (at growth) and Paktel (at decline). They made use of psychological pricing also by offering free roaming facility during Hajj.
Mobilink is not using competitive pricing strategy because they are enjoying the market leadership in Pakistan. At maturity, as different market segments are targeted the prices must be offered in such a way that suits the targeted segments.
Mobilink is doing exactly the same. They have offered prepaid connections like Jazz Octane, Jazz Budget and Jazz Ladies First, which can be afforded by the people not having very high incomes. Though, the prices of these packages are relatively higher than the prepaid packages of other telecommunication networks but still attractive. Jazz Ladies First is a package designed specially for ladies through which they can shop, listen to beauty tips and recipes at relatively lower rates. Jazz Octane offers SMS rates as low as 25 paisas/msg and late night option rates at Rs 1.50/min and many other facilities at attractive rates. JazzBudget Package is an economical way to talk to any Mobilink number in Pakistan. It has announced another ground breaking first of its kind offer with the re-launch of Jazz Budget. The package has been launched with a fresh look and tariffs tailored specifically for the masses.
One of the key highlights of this package is the ‘Happy Hour’, which is bound to hit a chord with the nation, and has been developed keeping the communication needs of the Pakistani people in mind. Keeping in view the fact that Mobilink customers make 7 out of every 10 calls to a Mobilink number, the new package is specifically customized to offer customers the lowest rates to call the largest mobile network in Pakistan.
Mobilink is also offering postpaid connections with the name of Mobilink Indigo, popular within the business class. In this way, Mobilink is earning maximum profits by enabling people from different target segments to become a part of the largest cellular network in Pakistan. Jazz customers can now call US and a number of other Zone 1 destinations on Jazz local outgoing rate!
Mobilink is also offering "Zabardast GPRS Offer" which allows Mobilink customers to use GPRS just for RS.100/year.
Place
Marketing NetworkDuring the last 13 years, Mobilink has set up one of the largest cellular networks in the country. Currently, Mobilink is covering more than 5000+ cities and towns. This has involved an investment in the company of more than US$ 1 Billion. Mobilink have 50 Switches and more than 4,900 cell sites and the number keeps growing at a rapid pace. Mobilink also have deployed around 3,000 km of optical cable.
For Mobilink, last year was a bit difficult as they struggled to grow as quickly as the market itself. Today mobilink is confident that it has all the essential building blocks in place to take the dream forward and to play a leadership role in the rapid growth and development of telecommunication industry in Pakistan.
In 2003 mobilink invested upwards of US$ 200 million in improving their network and services. Mobilink have already put in 7 switches, over 820 cell sites and new IN platforms for better coverage and connectivity. In upcoming years mobilink is trying to invest in technological upgrades, superior customer services, and improved coverage.
Mobilink customers remain their priority and in an effort to enrich their lives Mobilink have put in place state-of-the-art call centers in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad and in other cities of Pakistan where well trained staff is geared to answer complaints and queries, and a new billing system is in the process of commissioning. Mobilink is constantly expanding their nationwide franchise and distribution network and upgrading them to offer customer services so that the customers can find a Mobilink contact as near to them as possible.
CoverageMobilink provides the widest coverage network, covering more than 5000+ cities, towns, and villages across Pakistan. It connects over 24 million family members every second of the day with exceptional voice quality due to its broad coverage. The coverage is expanding day by day, and it is claimed by the management that soon the only other thing covering Pakistan more than Mobilink would be the clear blue sky.
The type of coverage service Mobilink provides is divided into three main categories:
· PHYSICAL PRESENCE (Mobilink has physical infrastructure in the area)
· INDOOR SPILLOVER COVERAGE (High coverage level in adjoining area)
· OUTDOOR SPILLOVER COVERAGE (Medium coverage level in adjoining area)
Mobilink provide true nationwide coverage in more than 5000+ cities, towns, and villages across Pakistan. Mobilink provide its services in urban areas as well as towns and villages. In nationwide Mobilink provide services in following areas.
· Punjab
· Sindh
· Balochistan
· NWFP
· Capital
· AJK
· FATA
Along with nationwide coverage, Mobilink also provides true International Roaming in over 100 countries with more than 300 partner operators worldwide. The regions where Mobilink provide International Roaming are as follows. Mobilink’s roaming partnership with Thuraya has further enhanced international roaming coverage. Through satellite communication the Mobilink connection can be used in areas where there is no GSM coverage.
· United States
· Canada
· Caribbean
· Europe
· Middle East
· Africa
· Asia
· Australia
Mobilink International Partners
A list of recent partners is given below:
Sr. # | Country Name | Operator Name | Frequency |
1. | Jamaica | Digicel | 900/1800 |
2. | UAE | du | 900/1800 |
3. | Cyprus | Areeba | 900/1800 |
4. | N/A | GSM on the Ship | 900/1800 |
5. | United Kingdom | T - Mobile | 900/1800 |
6. | Maldives | Wataniya | 900 |
7. | Switzerland | Orange | 1800 |
8. | N/A | OceanCell | 900 |
9. | Maritime Roaming | MCP | 1800 |
10. | Mozambique | mCel | 900/1800 |
11. | Senegal | Sonatel | 900 |
12. | Panama | C&W | 850 |
13. | Ivory Coast | MTN | 900 |
14. | Oman | Nawras | 900 |
15. | Brunei | DST | 900 |
16. | Ukraine | UMC | 900/1800 |
17. | Portugal | Optimus | 900/1800 |
18. | Uzbekistan | Coscom | 900/1800 |
19. | South Africa | Vodacom | 900 |
20. | Argentina | CTI Movil | 1900 |
21. | Jordan | Xpress | iDEN |
22. | Uruguay | CTI Movil | 1900 |
23. | Belgium | BASE | 1800 |
24. | Sri Lanka | Mobitel | 1800 |
25. | El Salvador | CTE Personal | 1900 |
26. | Armenia | K Telecom | 900/1800 |
27. | Saudi Arabia | Etihad Etisalat | 900 |
28. | Tajikistan | Indigo (North) | 900 |
29. | Italy | Wind | 900/1800 |
30. | Germany | O2 | 1800 |
Distribution channel of Mobilink
Mobilink provide its service products directly to customers or with help of intermediaries involved in distributing its product. Distribution channel contain set of interdependent organizations involved in the process of making a product or service available for use or consumption by the consumer or business users. Mobilink also distributes its product to end user with help of intermediaries as well as it distributes its product directly to customers.
Mobilink supplies its product range to intermediaries with involvement of its “Commercial and Sales Department.”
Mobilink authorizes limited number of dealers to deliver its service product. But Mobilink provides its prepaid cards to almost all the markets and consumer shops. Providing its prepaid cards in every corner of the city helps mobilink to satisfy the need of consumer and to gain customer satisfaction. However mobilink deliver its Sims to customer with help of Franchises, service centers, and sales offices. These Franchises, service centers, and sales offices are given by the right of providing its service product by Mobilink itself.
Distribution Strategy of MobilinkThere are three types of distribution strategies. First Intensive Distribution, second Extensive Distribution and third is Selective Distribution. However mobilink follow both intensive and exclusive distribution strategies. While providing its Jazz prepaid cards Mobilink follow Intensive Distribution strategy means that stocking Jazz prepaid cards in as many outlets as possible. While providing its service products (like SIM Cards of Jazz, SIM Cards of indigo and Mobilink PCO Sets as well as Prepaid cards) Mobilink follow Extensive Distribution strategy means that it gives limited number of dealers the right to deliver its product.
Logistic Management & MobilinkIn today’s global marketplace, selling a product is sometime easier than getting it to customers. Companies must decide on the best way to store, handle and move their products and services so that they are available to customers in the right assortment, at a right time, and in the right place. Physical distribution and logistics effectiveness has a major impact on both the customer satisfaction and company costs.
Mobilink also tries to be best in physical distribution and logistics effectiveness. Mobilink provides the most extensive network coverage footprint across Pakistan through an integrated technology infrastructure in more than 5,000 cities, towns, villages, and countless remote destinations, including International Roaming in 100 countries through 300 partner operators. Mobilink is best in logistic management and physical distribution from its competitors.
Logistic partnership and MobilinkCompanies must also work with other channel partners to improve whole channel distribution. The members of distribution channel are linked closely in creating customer value and building customer relationship.
Mobilink management builds logistic partnership to achieve customer value and building customer satisfaction with different courier services. The courier companies by which Mobilink has partnered are as follows:
· TCS
· OCS
· UPS
Most business perform their own logistics functions. However growing number of firms now outsource some or all of their logistics to Third Party Logistics providers.
Mobilink also use Third Party Logistic provider for transportation of shipment of its service products to warehouses, dealers or customers. Different courier service providers are the Mobilink third party logistic providers. The main reason for using third party logistic provider by Mobilink is that it is useful for Low Fixed Investments.Mobilink selects, motivates & evaluates channel members thought Interviews, Financial standing, Training and Reports.
Promotion
Companies can do more than make good products—they must inform consumers about product benefits and carefully position products in consumers’ minds. To do this, they must skillfully use the promotion tools of advertising, sales promotion, public relations, sales force, direct marketing, and personal selling.
Advertising GoalThe chief advertising goal of Mobilink is to increase its customer base and to stimulate more usage.
Mobilink is currently using:
· Information Advertising: To create brand awareness and knowledge of its Mobilink World brand.
· Reminder Advertising: To stimulate the repeat purchase of its Jazz and Indigo brands.
Advertising MediaMobilink is using television, print, and radio advertising media to disseminate its message and to build a brand preference but the most preferred is television since this medium is the most powerful, reaches a broad spectrum of consumers and has the maximum customer impact.
· Billboards and Print Media: The Company has come up with elaborate campaigns, billboards and posters to promote Indigo, their post-paid brand.
Along with its service debut, Mobilink launched a nationwide campaign composed of television commercials and print ads. The national campaign is supplemented by local and regional ad campaigns produced by the Mobilink licencees. The national print and broadcast ads are designed to be localized.
The success of Mobilink has not only to do with its increased offerings, but also has a great deal to do with the campaigns that Mobilink comes up with. The TV ads exude energy and liveliness, and an expressive color and lightning palette, the high frequency and visibility makes these advertisements noticeable which results into increased brand awareness and brand loyalty boosting sales.
Strong Brand Ambassadors: Mobilink in its advertising went on a different route (now copied by competitors) by starring the most charismatic superstars in its advertisements. The tested method of having a pretty face holding a Jazz card makes its advertising campaigns booming. Strings, Vaneeza Ahmad, Shaan, Iman Ali, Zainab Qayyum, Wasim Akram, and Shahid Afridi are some of celebrities associated with Mobilink.
The Indigo Campaign: In its Indigo campaign, Mobilink has made a conscious effort of strongly placing it on the “image” platform and mapping it in the prospects mind making it a prestigious brand. Interestingly, it re-enforces Mobilink’s early perception of being the brand for the image conscious (peer leader) which gives the impression that Indigo is an ‘enhanced’ step further in this direction.
The Jazz Campaign: The current prepaid Jazz campaign has brought Mobilink’s image to the masses and is more on the ‘functional’ platform. When competition was introduced in the Pakistani market, It was at this point that the true evolution of prepay began. It was more than apparent that every single customer was important and every single subscriber was vital. Almost immediately, the marketing and advertising improved; and a more conscious effort was made towards trying to reach out to every aspect of the consumer market. At first, Mobilink went a slightly different route, and instead of targeting the large youth market, continued to use it’s tried and tested method of having a pretty face holding a Jazz card. Iman Ali joined other famous models as being a Jazz Girl. But with the competition getting intense, Mobilink finally decided to raise the profile of Jazz. The tariff wars between the providers initially caused Mobilink to offer WAP on Jazz, and then to slash prices and improve its quality. Finally, in February 2006, Mobilink launched Jazz Octane, a package ‘designed for the communication needs and lifestyle of the Pakistani youth segment’. The belated foray of Mobilink into the youth market has met with promising early success, and the new package offers quite a bit. The early success of Octane has not only to do with its increased offerings, but also has a great deal to do with the campaign that Mobilink came up with. Perhaps most effectively and symbolically, the ad showed an old woman embracing the youthful abandon that Octane is shown to offer. It can be argued that the old woman’s name is Mobilink.
Later the introduction of such packages as Jazz Budget, and Jazz Ladies First has met tremendous success.
The Mobilink World Campaign: Mobilink World being the value added service brand for Mobilink has been started with an elaborate campaign with TV advertisements and print ads.
Sales PromotionMobilink uses different types of sales promotion method such as:Consumer promotions
In order to kindle greater and quicker purchases Mobilink is carrying out the following consumer promotion activities including special deals such as:
· Indigo Freedom Plan: this deal offers certain benefits of which two are:-
o Friends & Family: This feature is available to the customers on any three Mobilink numbers (Jazz and Indigo) which can be added into F&F list by calling the help line at 111.
o Local Rates: According to this freedom plan across Pakistan, all call, across all networks are charged as local calls.
· Bonuses & Free Airtimes: Mobilink has been offering a number of bonuses to its consumers. An example of its current bonus offer is:
o Bonus on Recharge: Mobilink brings an exciting offer for its Jazz customers. Recharging their Mobilink Jazz connection between 18th May 2007 and 18th June 2007 will give them 100% free airtime (if the customers have not recharged in the year 2007).
Mobilink also carries out business and sales force promotions on frequent basis.
· Specialty Advertising: Mobilink uses certain items imprinted with its logo as well advertising messages such as calendars, caps, radios, mugs, and candles. These items are given as gifts to customers by salespeople.
· Sales Contests: Mobilink actively carries out yearly sales contests in order to motivate the sales force to put in greater effort.
· Trade Shows: mobilink actively participates in trade shows in order to enhance its business promotions. It took part in the usual trade-show presentations of Asia Pacific Billing and RevenueManagement Week. This event has a particularly interesting through line of taking services to understand markets. Topics like ‘Increasing Prepaid ARPU in Price Sensitive Markets’ and sessions on micro payment plans for low income markets were discussed in detail. The speakers included individuals from Mobilink GSM in Pakistan and Telemig Celular in Brazil.
To enhance its corporate image, Mobilink practices event sponsorship. It sponsors movie premieres, concerts, sports events and community welfare. A few events sponsored by Mobilink are given below.
Golf Organized for Premium Consumers by Mobilink Indigo Brand
On May 4, 2007 Mobilink Pakistan organized an invitational Club Indigo Golf Tournament exclusively for Mobilink’s corporate customers. The golf tournament was organized at the Islamabad Golf Club by Mobilink Indigo Club. It aimed at bringing the top executives from the corporate sector at one of the most popular greens of the city. Expressing his views on the Indigo Club tournament, Zouhair A. Khaliq, the President and CEO of Mobilink said,
“Needless to say we are the leaders in the telecom sector, but this does not stop us from doing more for our customers, we strive to set higher standards for all in the business. Through Club Indigo we ensure the maximum level of customer satisfaction for our corporate accounts and establish concrete relationships through tailor-made services and special offers for our major clients.”
Club Indigo is responsible for building relationships with its exclusive clientele, through superior customer services.
Other Sports Events
Recently Mobilink also held an invitational tennis tournament in Karachi and has organized and sponsored various sports events across Pakistan, including cricket and Polo tournaments, providing quality entertainment to its customers.
Direct MarketingMobilink also uses direct channels to reach its customers without using marketing middlemen. These channels include direct mail, catalogues, tele marketing as well as e-marketing. Mobilink also uses a very unique technique to reach its customers directly.
SMS MarketingMobilink uses SMS marketing to send messages directly to customers. SMS marketing creates one-on-one communication with the market. Mobilink management believes that:-
“Today’s consumers are mobile and today’s marketing must reflect that.”
As SMS is one of the largest platform to reach consumers and almost every mobile phone is SMS enabled, this method has 100% penetration. SMS targets end consumers directly via their mobile phones and compels them to take action in order to enjoy a promotion, thus increasing the success rate of the brand. Plus, SMS is also a cost-effective way to communicate.
Electronic MarketingMobilink finds it electronic marketing very important and highly accountable.
Mobilink’s Website
Mobilink has paid special attention to the “context” & “content” of its website to encourage repeat visits.Mobilink’s website not only has attractive design and layout but is also very interesting and easy to navigate.
Context:The alluring color scheme used in the layout of website make it worth navigating. The choice of color itself has a table to tell.
· Red: illustrates passion of blood.
Content:The content is also the heart of the website. It includes:
o Weather
o Business
o Mobilink GSM updates
o Double mustt tones (true tones)
o Music Videos
o Wallpapers
o Greeting Cards
o Java Games
o Animation
o Today’s Special
o Color Logos
o Mobile themes
o Football
o Golf
o Tennis
o Others
o MSN
o Google
o MSN Messenger
o Hotmail
o Gmail
Online Ads and Promotions
Online ads and promotions tools such as banners ads and search related ads are being used by Mobilink GSM. These ads are placed on targeted and frequently viewed websites. Banners are also placed on related websites such as those which support web to SMS. For example “smspk.net”Mobilink’s Sales Force
Sales force serves as the companies personal links to the customers. Mobilink fast paced growth is fueled by the foundation of innovation and the relentless work of 4000 dynamic team members.The sales force members are some of the best talent in the country and can be distinguished from others on the basis of their convincing power. The have the passion and the spirit to challenge the norms, and so they are the part of winning team.
Sales Force Objective:
The chief objective of Mobilink’s sales force is not only to encourage sales but also to diagnose customer’s problem and to propose an effective solution thus satisfying them completely. They play a strong role in improving customer profitability.
Sales force Structure
Mobilink’s sales force manages following types of sales force:· Service Personal
· Distributor Sales Force
Training the sales RepresentativesSince Mobilink realize that a professional sales force plays a key role in developing and growing customers, it trains its sales representatives to effectively convince the customers by using effective screening techniques.
Success Factors of Mobilink
Mobilink is still the Market Leader and its success factors include:· Excellent Customer Services
· Best Coverage among cellular operators
Conclusion
After the great research and paper work we are of opinion that a lot of people have shown their interest in these two Mobilink offers i.e. Postpaid & Jazz ladies first.
The motto of the company is “Connecting People" and “Reshaping Communications”
Mobilink is proud to be the leader in telecommunication industry.
SUGGESTIONS
&
RECOMMENDATIONS
Suggestions
We have a lot of suggestion for the company. Some of them are:· As far as their charges are concerned they are a bit expensive as compared to their competitors so we suggest that the charges should be reduced.
· Mobilink should attract maximum customers and satisfy them.
