mobile operators - approach to customers

We have seen tremendous growth in the mobile industry in the past few years in India. This industry must have grown much faster than any other industry in the last 6-7 years. This can also be derived from the fact that the stock of Bharti Airtel IPO stock was around less than 100 INR but it now trades at 850 INR on the Indian stock exchange ( I'am discounting any stock splits, if they have happened )..Easily a ten fold growth !!!

Pause for a moment and think how have you been personally treated by any of the operators considering the below facts:

- The rates have been gradually coming down ( from around 8 INR per minute in late 90's to around0.5 INR per min currently )

- More Value added services exist for the operators/users

- users have been paying less for voice but has been made up by expenses on the data side ( sms, ring tone etc )

- Pre Paid model has been a great success.

Now, by actually thinking back ..I feel that operators have been arrogant and not taking care of its loyal customers.

-Do you wonder why the new subscribers always end up getting the better rates ?

-If you are a post paid customer, has your monthly bill actually reduced though the rates/min have reduced ?

-Do you always struggle to get best deal for yourself ?

-Do you to always tell the opearator that you are a loyal customer OR have they ever come back to you because of loyalty ?


It may actually hurt you if you are loyal ....Just Pondering ..