|
|
| • EXCH RATES |
|
Baht/$ 33.47/52
Bid/Ask
|
GOLD |
Closed
-
|
|
MOBILE PHONES
SRISAMORN PHOOSUPHANUSORN
A presenter shows off one of the new Wellcom handsets, which boast good video and the ability to accommodate two SIM cards. |
Newtel Corporation, the producer and distributor of Wellcom mobile handsets, is bullish on the local household phone market and expects sales to grow by at least 400% this year.
The Thai-owned handset company is aiming to sell up to 480,000 units this year, up from 100,000 in 2007, fuelled by rising living costs and shrinking purchasing power.
Sales director Somchai Ruamkornthong said Newtel expected ''miracle sales figures'' for Wellcom phones in 2008 as rising oil prices and foods were forcing consumers to tighten their belts and shifting to more reasonable prices.
''While other businesses are getting squeezed under current economic difficulties, we are defying the trend and enjoying significant sales growth in the first half of this year,'' he said.
The company expects to have a 5% share in the household market this year, out of an expected total 20% share of household handset market. The total number of handset sales was expected between 8 and 8.5 million units.
Mr Somchai said the local household market has witnessed significant growth in the last two years, due largely to a better perception of handset quality, variety of functions and models, as well as economic uncertainties.
Since its debut three years ago, Wellcom has highlighted its loud voice quality, leading TV mobile functions and the ability to hold two SIM cards selling points.
The company plans to introduce 30 new handset models this year, about the same as last year. Average prices would range from 2,190 to 6,990 baht.
Mr Somchai said the company planned to spend 100 million baht expanding its service centres and local partners this year to strengthen after-sale services and distribution channels.
It is spending an additional 100 million baht on marketing promotion for Wellcom handsets this year. Part of the budget was slated for organising a ''Wellcom Short Film Festival 2008'' campaign.
The programme allowed university students to compete by producing a short film under the theme ''The Family'' using mobile phones. It also hopes to build awareness of Wellcom handsets among the younger generation, develop mobile content and pave the way for third-generation (3G) mobile broadband services.
Prev
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Next
