We are excited about 3G since it can be looked forward to as a future technology driving the growth of telecom in the country. Ajay Mathur, Senior Vicepresident, Consumer Market Planning, Tata Teleservices Limited

India's mobile telecom network is expected to grow to over 400 million by the end of 2009, as against the current 300 million subscribers.

While there are many trends in the mobile space applications, mobile VAS and mobile commerce clearly lead the race amongst the mobile phone users. VAS has redefined the mobile space by allowing multiple platforms such as mobile web, widgets, and m-apps to co-exist and bring forth a host of benefits to the end-user. From knowing the rates of vegetables and grains in the market to accessing social network sites to keeping in touch with friends and family—the scope of VAS cuts across segments and social demarcations, thus making it one of the hottest trends to have hit the telecom space. In fact, VAS has proven to be such an effective tool that all operators seem to be renewing their efforts and coming up with unique initiatives.

Another trend that has picked up lately, though among niche audience, is mobile photography and movie-making. People have moved beyond viewing their handset as utility trends and consider it more as an extension of their lives and use it to fulfill their entertainment needs.

Global positioning system (GPS) started off last year and has placed mobile phones at the centre of a converged, digital universe. With 3G technology, and 16 GB of storage, mobile phones have become the consumers' storehouse, credit card, and their identity.

On buying tips

India is known for its diversity, which makes it difficult to narrow down to the rationale behind a consumer's choice. However, if one was to broadly hand out advice or  'buying tips', the one thing that is true for all segments is value for money. While the quantification of value would vary according to the needs of the end consumer, each consumer should evaluate their choice against the benefits which they are availing of. We at TTSL have a diverse range of products and services that cater to diverse segments. From low-end handsets with added benefits of additional talk-time and lifetime validity to feature rich and stylish handsets offering enterprise solutions.

On the most preferred/desired features of a mobile phone

The first thing that attracts a buyer is of course the look and feel of the phone. Mobile phones have become an extension of the personality of the user and a consumer wants his/her phone to reflect their choice and attitude. Also, a phone may have all the desired features from FM radio option to a great camera, from hi-fi speakers to a large screen, but if it does not cater to the basic need of convenience- it will always fall short of the consumer's expectations.

On the major mobile phones providers' in India

Nokia, Huawei, ZTE, Samsung are some of the major mobile phone providers in India today who have capitalized on their understanding of these needs and have come up with some of the best handsets available in the market today.

On the effect of the continued economic slowdown on the mobile phones market

The telecom sector is not at all being adversely affected by global slowdown from services standpoint. In fact telecom sector is actually in growth mode as increasing number of companies today are getting into cost rationalization and looking at telecom services like video conferencing and audio conferencing for better productivity and reducing costs.

On India gearing up for 3G mobile services

We are excited about 3G since it can be looked forward to as a future technology driving the growth of telecom in the country. We will discuss 3G once bid details are available.

On after sales services that you would like to avail

Tata Indicom has recently unveiled a new concept called I-care centers. These centers are opening in a phased manner across all operating circles. These centers will provide after sales service on all hardware products such Walky, USB modem, handsets. We will provide a standby handset till such time the devices are repaired and handed over to customers.