Project Report On Market Potential Analysis

WEST BENGAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
A SUMMER TRAINING REPORT

ON
CONSUMER BUYING BEHAVIOUR WITH A FOCUS ON

PERCEPTION TOWARDS INTERNET DATA CARD
WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO VODAFONE
FROM,
(20th June,2009-5thAugust, 2009)
SUBMITTED BY
ARPITA TEWARY
WBUT Regn no. 081670710019

WBUT Roll no. 08167009061
Major: Marketing Management
Minor: Human Resource Management
MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF DURGAPUR

RAJBANDH
1
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
First of all I would like to thank the Management at Vodafone for giving me the
opportunity to do my two month project training in their esteemed organization. I
am highly obliged to the marketing manager at vodafone. I would like to express
my gratitude to area Sales Manager, who has provided me with guidance,
inspiration, perspective and stimulating discussion, throughout the writing of this
report. His constant review and excellent suggestions throughout the project are
highly commendable. A study like this cannot be completed without help of other
persons. And therefore I would like to express my gratitude to provide me crucial
guidance in the analytical part of this Project. My heartfelt thanks goes to Mr.
Koushik. Mukherjee (sales manager) and to all the executives who helped me gain
knowledge about the actual working and the processes involved in various
departments. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the director of MID,
Dr. N.C. Ghosh & also to our principal, Dr. A.K. Ghosh. I would like to express
my gratitude towards our H.O.D. Mr. B.Chandra who had helped me lot in
preparing this project report. I would like to forward my gratitude to my internal
guide Mr. Avijit Aditya & to all the marketing faculties of MID, Rajbandh .
Finally, I would like to convey my gratitude to my friends & family members &
other faculty members who always endured me and stood with me and without
whom I could not have envisaged the completion of my project.
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Students’ Declaration
I, Ms Arpita Tewary. hereby declare that the Project Work titled Consumer Buying
Behavior with a focus on perception towards internet data card is the original work
done by me and submitted to the MID, Rajbandh, Durgapur in partial fulfillment of
requirements for the award of Masters in Business Administration with major
Subject as Marketing Management and Minor subject as Human Resource
Management is a record of original work done by me under the supervision of Mr.
Avijit. Aditya (MID faculty).
Date:
Signature of the student
3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Growth on the Data Cards. Especially happen when business travelers,
academicians as well as other professionals need to access emails and corporate
applications as well as personal requirements during urgent trips and travels. Now,
what kind of a company enters an industry with competitors already entrenched?
Which ones actually succeed? The answer to both the questions is VODAFONE
ESSAR, which is now known as VODAFONE. It is a confident and smart
company that was able to enter a saturated and highly competitive industry, and
emerge at the top. The project aims to identify the problems faced by Vodafone in
the internet data card market. Customers often feel that service providers do not
deliver what they promise. They feel players should present the terms and
conditions and tariff plans/schemes in clear terms. The research we conducted also
supports this fact. We have suggested a marketing plan for Vodafone data card
along with other suggestions for VODAFONE to face the competition in the near
future and the long run.
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Contents
Pg. no.
1. About Vodafone……………………………………………………..
2. Introduction of project………………………………………………
3. Litrature Survey………………………………………………………..
Chapter 1: Experts views on Indian Telecom Sector………………….
Chapter 2: An overview of internet and wireless connectivity………..
Chapter 3: Telecom Sector-An Outlook……………………………….
3.1 Industry Analysis……………………………………………
3.2 About Internet Data Cards………………………………….
3.2.1 Vodafone……………………………................
3.2.2 Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)……….
3.2.3 Tata Indicom……………………………………
3.2.4 Reliance Communication………………………..
3.2.5 Airtel…………………………………………….
Chapter 4: Consumer behavior towards Internet data Card…………….

4. Research Methodology……………………………………………….....
5. Data Analysis……………………………………………………………
Chapter 1: Brand Recall…………………………………………………
Chapter 2: Development of Hypothesis and Testing…………………….
Chapter 3: Graphs and Charts……………………………………………
6. Recommendation and Conclusion……………………………………….
7. Annexure…………………………………………………………………
8. Bibliography………………………………………………………………
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About Vodafone
Vodafone Essar in India is a subsidiary of Vodafone Group Plc and commenced

operations in 1994 when its predecessor Hutchison Telecom acquired the cellular
license for Mumbai. Vodafone Essar now has operations in 22 circles with over
65.92 million customers. The company is a joint venture of Essar Communication
Holdings Ltd and the UK-based Vodafone Group. Vodafone has partnered with the
Essar Group as their principal joint venture partner for the Indian market. They are
in the business of cellular telephony. 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 currently has equity interests in 27 countries across 5
continents and 40 partner networks with over 303 million proportionate customers
worldwide. Vodafone has partnered with the Essar Group as its principal joint
venture partner for the Indian market. Essar Global Limited (EGL) is a diversified
business group spanning the manufacturing and services sectors of Steel, Energy,
Power, Communications, Shipping & Logistics, and Projects. The group has
operations and investments in India, Canada, USA, Africa, the Middle East, the
Caribbean and South East Asia and employs 30,000 people worldwide. Vodafone
Essar Ltd provides services like 3G, which are based on 1800 MHz and 900Mhz
GSM digital technology. They offers voice and data services. In addition, they
offers postpaid connections activation, prepaid SIM cards and recharge coupons
sale, service activation/deactivation, postpaid tariff plan change, customer query
resolution, prepaid/postpaid SIM card replacement and up gradation, mobile
number change, and information on and subscription of value added services
through stores. The Essar Group is Vodafone’s principle partner in India. The
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Essar Group is a diversified business corporation with a balaned portfolio of assets
in manufacturing and service sectors of Steel, Energy, Power, Communications,
Shipping prots & Logistics and Projects.
About Hutchison-Essar Vodafone Negotiations
The name Vodafone comes from “Voice data fone” HQ in Berkshire, England, is
the world’s leading international mobile communications group with
29Million revenues 27 countries, 303 million customers, 40 partner
networks. Advanced mobile telecommunications services provided by
vodafone are 3G, data related services. The Joint venture - 67% stake by
HTIL and 33% owned by Essar.HTIL – Li Ka-Shing , Essar – Ruia
Family.HTIL is HK Based Telecom Company and Essar is India based
diversified corporation 4th largest cellular operator in India 74.08 million
customer.
Vodafone’s Objective
To venture into the world’s most lucrative cellular market
Strengthen its operation worldwide
To obtain the majority stake of Hutchison
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Introduction of Project
The objective of the study is to understand the consumer’s pre, post behavior,
during perception of data card and consumer buying behavior and attitude for
Vodafone data card. To understand the former part, the researcher created a
questionnaire and conducted a survey. The researcher analyzed the questionnaire
and the survey to create an extensive questionnaire understanding the buying
behavior of consumers of Vodafone data card and other brands. The researcher had
an analysis done on the 600 respondents from Durgapur, Asansol & Burdwan to
identify how much of buying intension is due to attributes and how much due to
influence by referrals.
The research analysis had revealed that the consumers are satisfied with the brand
Vodafone data card and its attributes. However, Vodafone has not performed well
with the customers who are considerably concerned about internet connection with
its cost and tariff plans. This following detailed analysis is presented in the project
report.
9
LITERATURE
SURVEY
Chapter 1: Experts views on Indian Telecom Sector

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Girija (1998), in its article “Socioeconomic Implications of Telecommunications
Liberalization: India in the International Context” says that Telecommunications
restructuring have evolved differently in Asia and Latin America. While Asian
governments have moved, cautiously in bringing changes to the sector, Latin
American Nations have implemented radical ownership and market
transformations. The Indian telecommunications reform falls in between these two
general regional trends. The choice of a high component of competition, increased
private participation, and no privatization of the national carrier set conditions that
will trigger unique socioeconomic effects. This article identifies and highlights the
likely implications of the Indian reform on key economic and social issues, such as
the cost of services, cross-subsidies, network interconnection, private investments,
universal services, employment, and the possible rise of an information-intensive
economy. It does so by comparing and contrasting the Indian experience with
dominant reform strategies elsewhere in the developing world.
Chowdary (1999) discusses how Telecom reform, or demonopolization, in India

has been bungled. Shaped by legislation dating back to the colonial era and post
Second World War socialist policies, by the mid-1980s India realized that its poor
telecommunications infrastructure and service needed reform. At the heart of the
problem lay the monopoly by the government’s Department of
Telecommunications (DOT) in equipment, networks and services. The National
Telecom Policy 1994 spelt out decent objectives for reform but tragically its
implementation was entrusted to the DOT. This created an untenable situation in
which the DOT became policymaker, licenser, regulator, operator and also
arbitrator in disputes between itself and licensed competitors. He discusses the
question: ‘Why did India get it so wrong? and What India should do now?
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Anand (1999), in his article named “India's economic policy reforms” says that
India was embarked on economic reforms in July 1991, in the wake of a balance of
payments crisis. In this article, an attempt is made to review two books and a set of
World Bank reports concerning the progress of these reforms. Issues concerning
economic policy, impact of the reforms on poverty, sectoral issues relating to
agriculture, industry and infrastructure are briefly discussed. As reforms enter a
more difficult phase, several challenges remain. Some of this fall under the
“economic agenda'' of measures needed to maintain economic growth; others can
be termed the “development agenda'' - of improving human development. Progress
with regard to the former is not sufficient to produce results concerning the latter.
Bhattacharya (2000) constructs a vision of the Indian telecommunication sector

for the year 2020. The paper aims at isolating agents of change based on
international experiences and situates India in the development continuum. The
agents of change have been broadly categorized into economic structure,
competition policy and technology.
Das (2000), in her paper described the Liberalization of the Indian

telecommunications services which started in mid nineties with no change in the
existing public monopoly structure, entirely controlled by Department of
Telecommunications (DoT). In order to evaluate any proposed industry structure, it
is essential to analyze the production technology of DoT so as to determine the
rationale of liberalization and sustainability of competition. Accordingly, the
researcher estimates a frontier multi-product cost function for DoT, where the cost
function has been duly modified to account for the production technology of a
public monopoly. The study finds that although DoT displays high allocation
12
inefficiency, it is still a natural monopoly with very high degree of sub additively
of cost of production. This study implies that the choice of any reform policy
should consider the trade-off between the loss of scale and scope economies and
cost saving from the reduction in inefficiency of the incumbent monopoly in the
event of competition.
Rao (2000), in her article named “Internet service providers in India”, provides a
broad view of the role of an Internet service provider (ISP) and the factors to be
considered before entering the ISP market. Describes the Internet/ISP scene within
India and discusses the configuration of local, regional and national level ISPs, and
the supporting infrastructure. She also identifies the various success factors. The
global Internet scenario is discussed regarding the phases of the Internet in India,
i.e. pre and post commercialization. The main players are described: ERNET,
NICNET, STPI, VSNL,MTNL, Satyam Infoway and Bharti-BT. The financial and
legal implications are highlighted in the Indian context. Many companies entered
the nascent ISP business in India due to deregulation. Building local content,
foreknowledge of new Internet technologies, connecting issues, competitiveness,
etc. would help in their sustainability. She concludes that though many companies
entered the nascent ISP businesses in India due to deregulation, many of them are
unlikely to survive in the longer term.
Vrmani (2000) estimates the contribution of telecommunication (or telecom)

services to aggregate economic growth in India. Estimated contribution is
distinguished between public and private sectors to highlight the impact of telecom
privatization on economic growth. Knowledge of policy determinants of demand
of telecom services is shown to be essential to enhance growth contribution of
telecom services. Using a recent sample survey data from Karnataka State in South
13
India, price and income determinants of demand for telecom services are estimated
by capacity of telephone exchanges Estimation results offer evidence for
significant negative own price elasticity and positive income elasticity of demand
for telecom services.
Narinder (2004), in his article “Enhancing Developmental Opportunities by

Promoting ICT Use: Vision for Rural India” talks about the foremost benefits of
Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in developing countries that
can be helpful in improving governance including public safety and eradication of
illiteracy. The benefits of ICTs have not reached the masses in India due to lack of
ICT infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, where two-third of the population of
the country lives. Even in cities and suburban areas, use of ICTs is not popular due
to lack of awareness to its use,computer illiteracy, and absence of practical
applications. India is the largest country in South Asia, with a population of over
one billion people and its telecom sector is presently experiencing fast growth
phases. However telephony penetration in villages is less than two percent of the
rural population and about 15 percent of the villages are still without any telephony
service. Universal access to ICTs in rural areas has been planned and is being
implemented through Public Tele Info Centers having voice data and video,as
majority of villagers in India cannot afford a separate home connection. Illiteracy
in rural areas is as high as 40 percent and in some tribal belts hardly about 20
percent people are literate. There are 35 million children in age group of 6–11
years, who are out of school and one out of four drops out during primary classes.
Education and training, therefore, must be given the top priority if advantages of
ICTs are to be harnessed. Indian economy is agriculture based and employs
maximum workforce. Improvement in agriculture productivity can help in
reducing rural poverty. Adoption of ICT in agriculture will play an increasingly
14
important role in crop production and natural resource management. The other
critical factor is technological challenges for universal access to ICTs to bring
down the network access cost.
Nikam, Ganesh, Tamizhchelvan (2004), analyses that changing face of India in

bridging the digital device. He reiterated - “India lives in villages” said the Father
of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. With 1,000 million people and 180 million
households, India is one of the biggest growing economies in the world. With the
advent of the Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) revolution, India
and its villages are slowly but steadily getting connected to the cities of the nation
and the world beyond. Owing to the late Rajiv Gandhi, India is now a powerful
knowledge economy, and though India may have been slow to start, it certainly has
caught up with the West and is ahead in important respects. The Government, the
corporate sector, NGOs and educational institutions have supported rural
development by encouraging digital libraries, e-business, e-learning and e-
governance. The aim of this paper is to touch upon and highlight some of the areas
where, by using ICT, the masses have been reached in this way. A follow-up paper
will outline collections of significant cultural material which, once national IT
strategies are fully achieved, could form part of a digitally preserved national
heritage collection.
Dey (2004), in her article talks about the discussions between the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) and communications policy makers and
regulators in other countries and how they have gleaned several clusters of issues
where further research would directly benefit them. Recently, there have been two
notable shifts. First, as the acceptance of the competition model over the monopoly
model for telecommunications markets takes deep effect in regulators all over the
15
world, questions regarding process and procedure for regulation are becoming ever
more urgent. This paper discusses current questions regarding decision making,
enforcement, and understanding consumer issues that arise often in the FCC's
discussions with other regulators. Second, technological change is potentially
shifting market definitions. In the FCC's discussion with other regulators over the
last two years, the overlap of wireline telecom, wireless telecom and cable
television has become more pronounced.
Singh (2005), in his article “The role of technology in the emergence of the
information society in India” describes the role that information and
communication technologies are playing for Indian society to educate them
formally or informally which is ultimately helping India to emerge as an
information society. Though India has a huge population, the illiteracy rate is also
huge in this country. The paper has taken an approach to find the historical
situation and present the prevailing scenario as well as the change that are taking
place with the application of ICT to the advantage of the society in different areas
including daily life. India is making all out efforts to be counted among the
developed nations of the world. The article also describes the considerable
attention India is taking for application of technology, development of
infrastructure and human resource for meeting national needs. Basically India is
building an information society. Technology has helped society to cut across the
traditional boundaries for getting converted into an emerging information society.
The study concludes that The Indian software and services industry has
significantly helped to boost the Indian economy. In IT-enabled services too, India
has been clearly perceived to be the dominant hub. The Indian software sector is
being recognized as the single largest contributor to incremental market
capitalization in India but the sector is still small in terms of contribution to GDP,
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especially when compared to other large sectors in the economy like agriculture
and manufacturing. Similarly, the telecommunication sector has contributed a lot
but still has a considerable way to go. The paper also enforces that comparisons of
India’s telecommunication statistics with those of developed and other emerging
economies show that the country is still far behind its contemporaries.
Banka (2006) gives an overview of the mergers and acquisitions in the

telecommunication industry. According to him Governments decision to raise the
foreign investment limit to 74% is expected to spur fresh rounds of mergers and
takeovers in India. He foresees a sector that represents humongous opportunity
waiting to be tapped by Indian and foreign conglomerates.
Thomas (2007), in his article describes the contribution made by

telecommunications in India by the state and civil society to public service, this
article aims to identify the state’s initial reluctance to recognize
telecommunications provision as a basic need as against the robust tradition of
public service aligned to the postal services and finds hope in the renewal of public
service telecommunications via the Right to Information movement. The article
follows the methodology of studying the history of telecommunications approach
that is conversant with the political economy tradition. It uses archival sources,
personal correspondence, and published information as its research material. The
findings of the paper suggests that public service in telecommunication is a
relatively ‘‘new’’ concept in the annals of Indian telecommunications and that a
deregulated environment along with the Right to Information movement holds
significant hope for making public service telecommunications a real alternative.
The article provides a reflexive, critical account of public service
telecommunications in India and suggests that it can be strengthened by learning
17
gained from the continual renewal of public service ideals and action by the postal
services and a people-based demand model linked to the Right to Information
Movement. All studies done by the researcher suggests that the right to information
movement has contributed to the re-vitalisation of participatory democracy in India
and to a strengthening of public service telecommunications.
Cygnus Business Consulting & Research Pvt. Ltd. (2008), in its “Quarterly
Performance Analysis of Companies (April-June 2008)” has analysed the Indian
telecom industry in the awake of recent global recession and its overall impact on
the Indian economy. The analysis is done in the background of wake of global
recession and rising inflation. Cygnus estimates, the Indian telecom industry is
expected to maintain the growth trajectory in the next quarter as well. With almost
5-6m subscribers are being added every month, and the country is witnessing wild
momentum in the telecom industry.
Maheshwari (July-September 2008), in her report analysed the Indian telecom

industry and ascertain that Indian telecommunications has been zooming up the
growth curve at an mounting pace, and India is has surpassed US to become the
second largest wireless network in the world. This growing subscriber base is
basically created by tapping into rural India, which is an emerging market for the
industry. The estimate for the next five to ten years is that the rural market will
form 40 % of the subscriber base. The study has analysed the human resource
management process of the industry, and specially the latest trends of recruitment
of this massively growing industry.
Anderson (2008), in his single executive interview titled “Developing a route to

market strategy for mobile communications in rural India An interview with
18
Gurdeep Singh, Operations Director, Uttar Pradesh, Hutch India”suggests that
managers need to go beyond traditional approaches to serving the poor, and
innovate by taking into account the unique institutional context of developing
markets. His practical implication says that
the experience of Hutchison Essar in India provides some important lessons for
mobile network operators (MNOs) and other firms in other developing markets
who are hoping to serve the rural poor: Hutchison has recognized the value of
corporate and noncorporate partners. The company has proactively established
relationships with individual entrepreneurs, and has provided has provided
development support to other partners such as distributors. The company has
recognized the value of leveraging existing local institutions, and has seen gaps in
local infrastructure or missing services as potential opportunities rather than
barriers to growth. The company has seen the rural market as an opportunity – not
just an obligation to be served because of universal service obligations. Also this
article demonstrates that MNOs can deliver availability and affordability to
achieve increased individual or household penetration through business model
innovation.
Mani (2008) addresses a number of issues arising from the growth of telecom
services in India since the mid-1990s. It also discusses a number of spillover
effects for the rest of the economy and one of the more important effects is the
potential to develop a major manufacturing hub in the country for telecom
equipment and for downstream industries such as semiconductor devices. The
telecom industry in India could slowly become an example of the service sector
acting as a fillip to the growth of the manufacturing sector. A beginning towards
this has been made. The formation of a Telecom Equipment Export Forum and the
announcement of the Indian Semiconductor Policy 2007 are steps in this direction.
19
Success crucially depends on the response of the private sector to these incentives.
Given the importance that a regulatory agency can play in this crafting, no effort
should be lost in strengthening the powers of the TRAI. The benefits to the Indian
economy from having both a strong services and manufacturing segments in the
telecom sector cannot be undermined.
Narayana (2008) estimates the contribution of telecommunication (or telecom)

services to aggregate economic growth in India. Estimated contribution is
distinguished between public and private sectors to highlight the impact of telecom
privatization on economic growth. Knowledge of policy determinants of demand
of telecom services is shown to be essential to enhance growth contribution of
telecom services. Using a recent sample survey data from Karnataka State in South
India, price and income determinants of demand for telecom services are estimated
by capacity of telephone exchanges. Estimation results offer evidence for
significant negative own price elasticity and positive income elasticity of demand
for telecom services.
Sharma (2009) deals with the major challenges faced by India’s telecom
equipment manufacturing sector, which lags behind telecom services. Only 35% of
the total demand for telecom equipment in the country is met by domestic
production. This is not favourable to long-term sustained growth of the telecom
sector. The country is also far behind in R&D spending when compared to other
leading countries. India needs to see an increase in R&D investment, industry-
academia-government partnership, better quality doctoral education and incentives
to entrepreneurs for start-ups in telecom equipment manufacturing. In 2006-07,
65% of the total consumption of equipment was met through imports. This trend
has far-reaching implications for the economy and should not be allowed to
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continue for long. In a country like India which has a problem of massive
unemployment, the manufacturing sector should be promoted to create more
employment opportunities.
Shah (February, 2009), has analysed Indian telecom industry and studied the
sector keeping in mind three companies; namely Bharti, R.Comm and idea in the
background of recent global meltdown. The study suggests that though there is no
sign of slowdown in this sector, but surely a strong turmoil is going on in the
industry. The study states that the sector is fairly immune from the current
economic downturn & does provide a good defensive bet in medium term. With
the help of newer technologies, wireless penetration is expected to increase in the
near future, which is basically fuelling the growth of the sector. While the 3G /
Broadband adoption would ensure long term growth momentum,the article has
thoroughly investigated about the intense competitive scenario, pricing pressure,
high capital intensity & substantial regulatory uncertainties currently faced by the
industry. The article has also described the cause of being relatively safe of this
industry. The causes described by Shah are increasing rural coverage, rising
affordability, declining handset/subscription costs, substantially low tariffs &
established brand/distribution. However, the study also cautions the telecom
industry that a steeper economic slowdown could start impacting the subscriber
usage patterns as well as operator capital investments & thereby could substantially
restrict revenue growth rate.
Chapter 2: An overview of internet and wireless connectivity
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Definition of internet
The Internet is a worldwide, publicly accessible series of interconnected computer
networks that transmit data by packet switching using the standard Internet
Protocol (IP). It is a "network of networks" that consists of millions of smaller
domestic, academic, business, and government networks, which together carry
various information and services, such as electronic mail, online chat, file transfer,
and the interlinked web pages and other resources of the World Wide Web
(WWW).
Common uses of the Internet
E-mail
World Wide Web
Remote Access
Collaboration
Streaming Media
File Sharing
Voice Telephony
DRIVING GROWTH OF INTERNET DATA CARD
Growing business in all segments, necessity to access emails and corporate

applications during urgent business trips and the urge for some entertainment
While on the move are some drivers increasing the demand for data card usage.
Apart from these factors, as the name of Tata Indicom’s data card,’Plug 2 surf’,
Suggests, ease of use with plug and play factor is also a driver for growth, S P
Shukla, president, Personal Buisness, Reliance Communations, says that faster
surfing and higher download speeds, convenience of surfing the Internet while on
the move, simple to use, and affordable tariff are among the key reasons for the
data card growth, in both the laptop and desktop segments. While broadband
22
connections are yet to penetrate the vast semi-urban and rural parts of the country
where entrepreneurs , officials, students, etc. have the need to surf the internet for
various purposes. Though the laptop penetration in these areas has not made a
significant mark, desktop penetration is comparatively more. with data cards
offering convenient access to the Internet, a number of companies have started to
tie up with service providers to avail bulk network connections for their employees
on the go and allow them to utilize their time during business travels. Since data
cards can be used with desktop also, it cuts down the office infrastructure costs as
well. With the data card segment witnessing steady growth, affordability will go
up, which, in turn, will drive growth.” As the data card growth increases, speed
evolves and prices come down, affordability will go up and more users can begin
to think of data card as an affordable solution,” says an Airtel spokesperson. And
growth of mobile telephony in India has created users with specific needs like m-
commerce that require wireless Internet, driving the wireless data card growth.
Once the concept of mobile wallet and its applications hit the market in India in the
near future, the wireless data card segment is also expected to witness an
exponential growth. Apart from this, Internet charges in costly hotels are very high.
With the availability of data cards and USB modems, frequent business travelers
who stay in costly star hotels can access the internet and corporate applications on
their laptops and avoid using the Internet facility at hotels, savings on high Internet
charges.
The Deterrents
All players are competing with each other to give affordable tariff rates for their
data cards. But still the rates are very high when compared to countries like the
UK. In the UK, wireless broadband connection through 3G technology costs about
£10 per month and that too with a data download speed faster than 256Kbps.
23
International travelers who have used data cards with faster speed are not satisfied
with data cards and USB modems services offered in India. So, in India, data cards
mean accessing a bare minimum net connectivity only for a sizable population.
That is why it is said that data cards have not exactly taken off in India.
Chapter 3: Telecom Sector-An Outlook
3.1 Industry Analysis

24
Indian Telecom industry is one of the fastest growing telecom markets in the
world. In telecom industry, service providers are the main drivers; whereas
equipment manufacturers are witnessing growth and decline in successive quarters
as sales is dependent on order undertaken by the companies. Airtel, Reliance, Tata
and Vodafone are some of the companies that are expected to spur the growth in
AMJ08, as compared to AMJ07. According to Cygnus estimates, telecom industry
is expected to grow by 25% in AMJ 09 as compared to AMJ 08, in terms of sales.
EBDITA and PAT are expected to grow by 32% and 34% respectively in AMJ09
as cost expenses are being control by major companies like Airtel and Reliance.
The major booster is the wireless mobile subscriber base; crossing over 261m in
March 2009. Other services like Internet subscriber base has also provided
significant impetus with its subscriber base reaching over 11m in March 2009.
3.2 About Internet Data Cards
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An Internet Data card is a modem which can be connected to the PCs or Laptops
any where any time to get connected with the internet. A data card comes with
different verities and models, some of the models of data cards of different service
providers are mentioned below.
3.2.1 Vodafone
Vodafone has few models in the data card category, these are:
i. Vodafone Mobile Connect EDGE data card
Connect to Internet, the wireless way with Vodafone Mobile Connect EDGE Data
Card in India. Get quick, simple and secure access to the Internet. And your
company server.
Features of this Vodafone Data Card:
 Gives us high-speed connectivity through the Vodafone EDGE network in
India and abroad.
26
 Easy VPN connectivity, to give us secure access to our company server and
intranet
 Keeps us connected even while travelling – in India or abroad
 Saves our from high internet charges on your hotel bills
 Is easy to install & simple to use – no wires, phones lines or cable
connections required
 Comes with a choice of tariff plans, so one can pick the one that suits you
best
 Supports SMS
Charges & Price
For Mumbai and Maharashtra except Goa Rs 7799
For rest circles including Goa Rs 6499

Tariff Plans
Monthly 499 699
rental (Rs)
Free data 500MB 1GB
Usage 5p / 5p / 10KB
charges 10KB
27
ii. Vodafone Mobile Connect USB Modem
Gives wireless Internet – anywhere, anytime. With the Vodafone Mobile
Connect USB Modem you get real-time access to information. Plus, the
Vodafone Internet USB stick comes without any installation hassles. Just plug
the Vodafone USB modem into our laptop and get connected to the internet and
even your company server, at a speed that’s three times faster than our wired
dial-up connection. That’s not all – this Vodafone USB Modem gives us 3G
Broadband speeds while roaming abroad.
Features:
 High-speed connectivity through the Vodafone EDGE network
 Works with your preferred VPN software, to give us secure access to
our company server and intranet
 Keeps us connected even while travelling – in India or abroad
 Saves us from high internet charges on your hotel bills
28
 Easy to install & simple to use – no wires, phones lines or cable
connections required
 Comes with a choice of tariff plans, so we can pick the one that suits
best
 Supports SMS
Charges
Vodafone Mobile Connect USB Stick costs: Rs 2599
Tariff Plans
Monthly 499 699
rental (Rs)
Free data 500MB 1GB
Usage 5p / 5p / 10KB
charges 10KB
iii. Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G USB Stick
29
Now you can make the most of a mobile internet connection for our laptop or
desktop. With the Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G USB Stick one can work from
anywhere with real-time access to information. Without any installation hassles.
Just plug it into your laptop and get connected to the internet and even your
company server, at a speed that's faster than our traditional dial up connection.
That’s not all – the Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G USB Stick also gives us 3G
Broadband speeds while roaming abroad.
 Gets us high-speed connectivity to the internet through the Vodafone EDGE
network.
 Is easy to install – just plug in and is ready, no CDs required.
 Gives 3G Broadband speeds when we travel abroad.
 Works with your preferred VPN software, to give us secure access to your
company server and intranet.
 Has many different tariff plans, so we can choose the one that meets our
requirements.
 Saves from high internet charges on our hotel bills.
 Supports SMS
30
 Supports Micro SD card upto 2 GB.
Price
For Mumbai and Maharashtra except Goa Rs 6599
For rest circles including Goa Rs 5499
3.2.2 Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)
3.2.2.1 Why BSNL?
i. First thing is the tariff?
While other service providers charge Rs.1500 + tax for the same service, BSNL
charge only Rs.400+tax that also including voice rental!! And it is truly
unlimited. No caps at all. No hidden charges, no strings attached nothing. Now
isn't it a cool reason?
ii. The subscriber need not buy the card !
No other service provider allows you to take the data card on rental basis.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam, Limited - BSNL - has option to take the card on rental,
that also just Rs.150 a month.
iii. Unmatched Coverage
The user is never away from a BSNL CDMA tower. If the subsriber have WLL
coverage or FWT coverage in your area, the data card will work perfectly.
iv. Internet in rural areas
31
As only Bharat Sanchar Nigam, Limited - BSNL - has coverage in lot of places
which are very remote and rural areas, this service is best suited for people
there. A very affordable internet facility for the people there.
v. Discontinue when there is no need of it
All other service providers ask us to purchase the data card and we do not have
any alternatives if you wish to discontinue. There is no way one can return the
data card to get your money. But for BSNL one can give the data card back
after the minimum rental period and will get the security deposit back.
vi. Truely Unlimited Internet
No caps, no limits. we can go online 24x7. Need not worry on the bills and we
know how much to pay every month as it is NOT based on the monthly traffic
or hourly usage. No confusing tariff tables and nothing complicated. Simple and
affordable.
vii. Cutting Edge Technology
The BSNL data card is Huawei - EC 321 which is the latest one and support
ROMSIM/R-UIM card. It is CDMA2000 1X RTT, compatible with IS-95 A/B.
It support Voice and SMS, Incoming Calling Display, ring prompt, call
receiving while data service online (for this function Call Waiting service must
be activated) and it has a large-capacity phone book.
32
Tariff / Other
Security deposit - Rs. 1000

Activation charges - Rs. 250
Security deposit (voice- Rs.500
no STD) -
Advance rental for 3 Rs. 450
months -
Service tax - Rs. 87.00
Total initial charge - Rs. 2287.00
Monthly charges of BSNL data card Rs.400 - if you buy the card and Rs.550 if
you take the card on rental basis. Rate of BSNL data card for purchase Rs.2800
if you purchase it form BSNL.
Minimum hire period: Three months
The actual speed
The speed is mainly depend on the distance from the BSNL CDMA tower. If
we are near the tower we may get speed of 120 kbps, if we are away from the
tower it will go down to 80 or 60 kbps.
BSNL EVDO is a Wireless Based Broadband Service on CDMA network.
33
It offers Internet at 2.4 Mbps data rate. EVDO (Evolution Data Optimize, 3G
service in CDMA) is a technology for providing high Speed Internet on CDMA
network (Latest version of EVDO provides up to 7.2 Mbps Internet, but its not
available with BSNL now). As 3G is officially launched, BSNL is providing
this service on testing and unofficial basis like Reliance’s and Tata’s WIMAX.
BSNL EVDO comes as both USB Modem (Pen Drive like) and PCMCIA Card
form factor. BSNL started this service from small towns and some rural places
in South India and gradually expanding to all major cities in India. As BSNL is
currently in upgrading phase of its CDMA towers to EVDO enabled. The
availability of 2.4 EVDO connections depends on the city and the area in the
city where EVDO tower is present. Depending on the availability of the tower
in your area or your wish, you could choose between two speeds. Either EVDO
(2.4 Mbps) or CDMA 1x (144Kbps). Please note whatever you choose, the card
or modem will require to be pre configured at BSNL exchange for that. The
service totally depends on the area of availability and the signal you are getting.
The maximum practical speed is 1.5 Mbps (which I consider is very good).
34
However if the tower (in your area or the area you move) is not EVDO
enabled, the connection automatically switches to the CDMA 1x and provides
speed of 144 Kbps. BSNL EVDO provides roaming also however it’s available
in the state only, nationwide will be soon launched.
Rate and Tariff Plans:
EV-DO Device cost Rs 7,500 , Either USB Modem or PCMCIA card cost Rs.
3500 on out right purchase. For rental basis, you will have to give Rs. 1500
deposit (Rs. 1000 refundable) and the monthly modem rent will be Rs. 200.
Minimum commitment is 3 months. 250 Rs / Month (only if u buy the device
for 7,500 Rs at the Begining) 600 Rs / Month (On rental for device) Tariff for
EVDO (2.4 Mbps) is Rs. 550 + Tax/month unlimited download Tariff for
CDMA 1x (144 Kbps) is Rs. 250(reduced from 350) + Tax/month unlimited
download. Only above two tariff plans are available and Yes it’s too cheap than
Internet offered by other companies. So at starting, for Outright Purchase we
will have to pay 3500 + 550 or 250 plus tax. For Rental Basis we will have to
pay 1500 + 550 or 250 plus tax.
3.2.3 Tata Indicom
“STAY CONNECTED WHEREVER YOU ARE”
Now, stay connected to the internet from the comfort of your homes, offices, or
wherever you are with Tata Indicom. Presenting Vdata Card & Plug 2 Surf
35
(USB Modem), 2 innovative solutions that function as a wireless network
connection, a mobile phone and a modem. All in one and that too, with
attractive tariff plans.
ITS FAST. ITS EASY. ITS CONVENIENT.
 Easy Installation & maintenance.
 Now Surf the internet, intranet or the extranet with consistent & high speeds.
 Send/Receive SMS or use voice capabilities. (Plug2Surf Whiz does not
support Voice calls)
 Stay connected across the Tata indicom network 20 circles & 3500 cities
Actual internet speed will be dependent on multiple factors like time of the day,
number of simultaneous users, web page accessed etc.
THE 3-IN-1 ADVANTAGE
The Internet Advantage
 The Plug 2 Surf / Vdata card offers data transfer and access at high speeds.
Just switch on your PC / laptop and get connected, so don't miss out on any
critical information even while we are on the move.
36
 Connects directly to the Tata Indicom network with the minimal user steps
and fastest network registration.
The Voice Advantage
 Now you can make and receive voice calls without any hassles. All you need
to do is connect the earphone jack provided with the Plug 2 Surf / Vdata
card. (Plug2Surf Whiz does not support Voice calls)
 Provision of caller Id.
 Voice calls at attractive call rates.
The SMS Advantage
 Two way messaging facility available on both devices.
 Send messages while we are connected on our voice call or internet mode.
 Useful for being online, and being able to send and receive message.
 Plug 2 Surf - Unparalleled Features
Features Data-for Photon for Photon Whiz
Laptops PCs & for PCs &
Laptops Laptops
37
Speeds Upto 153.6kbps Upto 153.6kbps Upto 153.6kbps
Antenna External Internal Internal
retractable
SMS Capacity 1000 msgs in 1000 msgs in 10 msgs in
inbox and inbox and inbox and
outbox outbox outbox

Phonebook 1000 entries 1000 entries 250 entrie
Capacity
Type T-SIM Based T-SIM Based T-SIM Based
Interface PCMCIA USB USB
Supported OS Windows 2000/ Windows 2000/ Windows 2000/
Windows XP/ Windows XP/ Windows XP/
Windows Vista Windows Vista Redhat
Enterprise
Linux 3 & 4/
Fedora Core 5
& 6/
SUSE Desktop
Linux 9 & 10/
Debian Linux 5
& 6/
Ubuntu Linux 5
&6
38
Price Rs 2499/- Rs 2499/- Rs 2249/-
Photon & Photon Whiz – Tariffs
Plan Fixed Free Usage Additional
Name Charges usage charg

Budget Rs.150/mt 300 Mins (5 50p/min
Time 150 h Hrs) 50p/25p
Based Value Rs.325/mt 1800Mins 50p/25p
325 h (30 Hrs)
Value Rs.525/mt 3600Mins
525 h (60 Hrs)

Data ME Rs.500/mt 1 GB Rs.2/MB
Based Economy h 1.5GB Rs.2/MB
ME Rs.650/mt
Jumbo h
Unlimite Unlimite Rs Unlimited
d Plan d Data 799/mth data usage
Plan 799
Tata Photon+ USB Modem
Tata Photon Plus is a new Mobile Broadband Service. Tata Photon+ - the next
generation technology offers a great mobile internet connectivity solution. With
Tata Photon Plus we now have access to the internet at never before speeds .
39
Never before speeds:
With Tata Photon+ - Mobile Broadband Service you now have access to
internet at super fast speeds using the new USB modem.
Internet on the go:
With the new USB Modem we also now have the convenience of being able to
access Tata Photon+ service ( Mobile Broadband Service) from wherever we
are.
Plug and Play:
All we now need to do is just plug the USB Modem into your Laptop/Desktop
PC and we are ready to access a whole new world of High speed internet
connectivity.
Style statement:
With Tata Photon+'s new sleek and stylish USB Modem , you are now
completely free from wires.
USB interface:
With the USB port interface one can now simply plug the USB Modem device
into either a Laptop or your Desktop PC & get ready to access high speed
internet connectivity.
40
Feature Specifications
Speed Upto 3.1 Mbps Downlink speed .
Actual internet speed will depend on
multiple factors like time of the day,
number of simultaneous users, web
page accessed, etc.
NON-RUIM Non-RUIM based programmed
device is provided to customers.
OS Win 2000, Win XP, Win Vista
Antenna External
Price: Rs 3500/- for the device.
3.2.4 Reliance Communication
“The magic of mobile surfing”
Reliance Net connect Data and Voice Card
Now we don’t need to frantically search for a cyber café while on tour. Reliance
Netconnect gives us the freedom of mobile surfing anywhere in the country. Slip
41
the Reliance Netconnect Data & Voice Card into your laptop and you're ready to
go. This pocket-size wonder packs quite a punch — it works both as a modem and
a mobile phone, so you can surf at high speeds as well as make and receive calls
and SMSes from our laptop.
Reliance's cutting edge CDMA2000 1X technology offers pan-India coverage,
giving you wireless Internet access even from the remotest part of the country.
Experience it all at a cost that's incredibly affordable.
Reliance Netconnect Key Benefits:
Working while travel has never been this simple. Reliance Netconnect offers you
benefits that make it easy to connect to work or catch up with friends, no matter
where we go.
Coverage
Surf seamlessly across India in over 20,000 towns and 4.5 lakh villages and
counting.
Speed
Access files and download information at speeds up to 144kbps
Emails
Stay in touch by accessing mail while we're on the move.
Calls
42
Make and receive calls to any number in the world from our laptop.
SMS
Send and receive SMS messages from our laptop. Even multiple SMS is possible.
Address Book
Synchronise your address book with Outlook Express.
Convenience
Say goodbye to bothersome copper wires and the problem of dial-up connections
like timeouts, blackouts and frequent disconnections.
Easy to Install
Follow simple instructions after installing the software from the CD provided .
Unlimited Internet Surfing
Stay online always at just Rs 650 per month (up to 1 GB data transfer) without
bothering about running up huge phone bills.
i. Reliance Netconnect MG880 USB Modem
43
A revolutionary product from Reliance Netconnect that lets one access the Internet
anytime anywhere. This product is an unique sleek modem which can be attached
to the USB port directly and helps one to do the Internet, talk and send SMS.
Features: Connectivity
 Wireless Internet access across 20000 towns and 4.5 lakh villages and
counting
 Enhanced download & surfing speed with cutting-edge CDMA 1X
technology
 Internet browsing and download speed upto 153.6 kbps
 Compatible with Windows 2000, Windows XP & Vista
 High-speed wireless data access for laptop or tablet PC.
Voice and SMS Compatible:
 Make and receive voice calls
 Send and receive SMS.
Price : Rs 2490/- for the device
ii. Huawei EC-121 USB Modem
44
First time in India a revolutionary product from Reliance Netconnect that lets one
to access the internet anytime anywhere. This product is a unique modem which
can be attached to the USB port directly and helps to do the internet, talk and send
SMS.
Features: Connectivity
 CDMA 1x RTT 800Mhz.
 Inner Antenna.
 Auto Installation.
Voice Supported.
 Packet Data Service supported.
 Supports Incoming and Outgoing SMS.
 Laptop/PC Speaker & Mic / Head Jack can be used for voice calls.
 Windows 2000 (SP4), Windows XP (SP2), Windows Vista32/64bits, MAC
OS
45
Price: Rs 2500/- for the device
iii. PCMCIA card (Personal Computer Memory Card International
Association)
A revolutionary product from Reliance Netconnect that lets us access the Internet
anytime anywhere.
Price: Rs. 2500/- for the card.
Tariff Plans
Postpaid Plans
Tariff Plan Monthly Rental Free Usage Usage Charges
Rs. Beyond Free
Usage
Pay as you go 174 Nil 60 p/min day
30 p/min night
Swift 30 300 40 hrs day 50 p/ min
40 hrs nigh
Swift 40 Plus 400 Night unlimited 50 p/ min
46
Freedom 650 1 GB/ month Rs. 2.00/ MB
Freedom plus 900 1.5 GB/ month Rs. 2.00/ MB
Platinum 1500 Unlimited
Netconnect Prepaid Data Vouchers
5 Hour Pack 10 Hour Pack 25 Hour Pack Unlimited

Pack
Prepaid Data Rs. 111/- Rs. 202/- Rs. 404/- Rs. 1099/-
RCV (in Rs.)
Validity (in 0 0 30 30
Days)
Free SMS 50 100 300 300
Minutes of 300 600 1500 unlimited
usage (If
entire usage is
in Peak
Hours)
Minutes of 600 1200 3000 unlimited
usage (If
entire usage is
in Off Peak
Hours)
iv. Netconnect Broadband Plus
47
Features
 Wireless Broadband for laptops & desktops
 20 times faster with speed upto 3.1 Mbps
 Simply plug & play
 Fastest uploads at a speeds of upto 1.8 Mbps
 Seamless network across 20,000 towns and 4.5 lac villages
Reliance Communications has launched the Netconnect Broadband+ (Plus) service
which they call the “Fastest” internet broadband service and that also
wireless.According to Reliance Communications, the Netconnect Broadband+
(Plus) service will offer up to 3.1 Mbps download and up to 1.8 Mbps upload
speed.Netconnect Broadband Plus service will be available in 35 cities with
seamless handover to high speed 1x (CDMA Datacard) service covering 20,000
towns and 4.5 lakh villages.
Charges : Rs 3500/-
Tariff Plans
Plan Name Monthly Bundled Usage Roaming
Rental Usag Charges
beyond Free
Usage
Pay As you Go Rs. 299/- Nil Rs. 2/- per Nationwide*
48
MB
Broadband+ Rs. 499/- 10GB@ 50 paise per Nationwide*
10GB @Night Night minute
during day
Broadband+ 1 GB Rs. 650/- 1 GB Rs. 2/- per Nationwide*
Plan MB
Broadband+ 2.5 Rs. 850/- 2.5 GB Rs. 2/- per Nationwide*
GB Plan MB
Broadband+ 5 GB Rs. 1099/- 5 GB Rs. 2/- per Nationwide*
Plan MB
Broadband+ Rs. 1099/- 10GB Rs. 2/- per Citywide
Citywide 10GB MB
Plan
Broadband+ Rs. 1750/- 10GB Rs. 2/- per
10GB Plan MB Nationwide

Broadband+10GB Rs. 199/- 10GB Rs. 2/- per As per Plan
Night Add-on MB chosen
Pack**
Day Usage : 6 AM to 10 PM ; Night Usage : 10 PM to 6 AM
3.2.5 Airtel
Airtel USB Modem
49
Airtel USB Modem can be inserted along with a SIM card in your laptop/desktop
(in USB Slot). It works on GPRS/EDGE and gives you Anytime Anywhere
Connectivity through internet WIRELESSLY.
Airtel USB Modem advantages are:
 Large International Roaming GPRS coverage
 Technical Call Centre Support
 Customized for Airtel GPRS/EDGE usage (APN is customized to Airtel)
 Pan India Presence of Airtel Network
 Attractive plans to choose from
 1 years warranty
Features
 Quad band
 EDGE
 Plug & Play
50
 Data, SMS
 FOR USB PORT
 EDGE/ GPRS/GSM(SMS)
 SMS facilities
 For Notebooks and PCs
 Fully Customized
 International Roaming
Price: Rs 2,999/-
Tariff Plans
Standard Plan I Plan II Surf
Plan Unlimited
Airtel Data Card Rental Rs.49 Rs. 350 Rs. 599 Rs. 999
Free Bundled Usage NIL 500 MB 1 GB Unlimited
Additional Data Usage (per MB) Re.0.10p/1 Rs. 5/- Rs. 3/- NA
0 KB
Free SMS per Month NA Nil 100 100
Voice Plan Additional Voice Voice Voice
Any Plan Rental Rental Rental

51
Inclusive* Inclusive* Inclusive*
Chapter 4: Consumer behavior towards Internet data Card
When consumer purchase internet data card they still perform a similar sequence
of tasks: searching for information about different products, evaluating these
alternatives, and transacting the chosen alternative. However, the family and
friends has great impact on these activities.
Problem recognition:
The starting point is feeling the need or recognition of a problem. The need for
accessing internet at anywhere can trigger the recognition of a need or problem and
52
can have significant impact by encouraging customers to begin the information
search process (Breitenbach and van Doren, 1998).
Information Search:
Once customers identify the need they may seek information about retailers or
products to help them satisfy. Customer search regarding internet data card could
be limited because it’s a specialty product. Our analysis has shown that in terms of
internet data card customer mostly refer to family and friend as reference group.
These reference groups affect buying decision offering information like price, tariff
plan availability and so forth. Providing rewards for specific purchasing behaviors
for instance friends could appreciate that you could access internet at anywhere if
you are carrying a laptop. By identifying and affiliating with reference groups,
consumers create, enhance, and maintain their self-image. Customers who want to
create an image of mobile, technologically updated person as well as want to be
seen as members of a higher social class might buy internet data card from
Reliance or other competitor’s products.
Product Evaluation:
During this stage, consumers process different product information and make a
final value judgment. The multi attribute model provides a useful way for
summarizing how customers use the information they have about alternative
brands of internet data card. From our consumer behaviour analysis we have found
53
out that on this stage customer evaluate data card on its several attributes like price,
net speed, tariff plan which come along with, looks etc and they also decide which
attributes are most important for them. The multiattribute model shows that how a
consumer gives weights of importance to the various attributes of a data card. A
sample multiattribute model which is actually has been taken from one of our
questionnaire shown that how a consumer gives importance to different product
attributes of data card.
No. Attributes/Benefits Rating
1. Price
2. User friendly
3. Net Speed
4. Installation
5. Durability
6. Tariff plan
7. After sales service
Total evaluation score for each attributes is 5.From the above sample table we can
see that consumer is giving more importance to net speed and signal strength. So
marketer should put more focus of highlighting these two attributes
Purchase Activity:
54
Its not necessary that customer will always purchase a brand or data card with
evaluation. The data card offering benefits (having the highest evaluation) may not
be available in the store, or the customer may feel that the risks outweigh the
potential. During purchasing customer also may feel that their data card might not
be able to meet their expectations. Therefore retailer should ensure that their sales
persons are knowledgeable enough and they are also skilled presenter of their
product, otherwise it could raise confusion in customers’ mind during purchasing
of data card. Reducing the actual and perceived time of purchasing.
Post Purchase Activities:
As we know buying process doesn’t end when a customer purchase a product.
From focus group interviews we have come to know that after making a purchase
of data card, customer evaluate their experience on the basis of net speed, signal
strength amount of money they have spent. Customers often feel that service
providers do not deliver what they promise. They feel players should present the
terms and conditions and tariff plans/schemes in clear terms. Mentioning every
small detail regarding the tariff plans must be included in the bill. For example, if a
company intends to collect an advanced monthly rental from customers, then it has
to mention that in its tariff plan, so that customers are not shocked when they see a
55
bill that includes monthly advance rentals as well. This kind of practice might keep
customers away from going for a particular brand.
Perceived benefits of Internet data card
Among the process there are various factors that might influence consumers
purchase during their purchasing process. Many of these factors also reflect the
advantages and disadvantages of Internet as a shopping medium. The advantages
or benefits currently conceived by people are described as the followings.
Convenience:
From our questionnaire survey and focus group discussion we have come to know
that when a customer thinks to purchase a data card for accessing internet they
mostly its convenient to access internet at any where at any time. Especially those
who have to extensively traveling its quite convenient for them to get connected
with World Wide Web!
Time saving:
Some time data card also proves time saving from the customers especially for
business executives who have to travel extensively due to their job purpose. If they
are using a data card for accessing internet they don’t have to find out a cyber café
at an unknown place.
Economical:
56
From our secondary research we have found that for younger group of consumers
(age group of 18-28) who generally spend a lot of time for downloading different
kind of materials like music, picture, data, due to availability of some attractive
tariff plans offered by the different players along with their respective data cards,
its seems a must have utility device for all young laptop users.
DRAWBACKS.
Perceived risk of Internet data card
Perceived risk can be defined as the uncertainty that consumers face when they
cannot foresee the consequences of their purchase decision. Customer perception
of risk varies depending on individuals, situation and product. The degree of risk
that consumers perceive and their own tolerance for risk taking,are factors that
influence their purchase strategy (Schiffman and Kanuk, 2000).Individuals tend to
reduce perceived risk to some acceptable level in any given purchase situation.
Risks of internet connection speed:
Internet connection speed refers to the data transfer rate from the Internet to our
computer. Basically that means the amount of time it takes our computer to
download a given amount of data. Internet connection speeds are usually measured
in Kbps (kilobits per second, or thousands of bits per second) or KBps(kilobytes
per second).According to our study, consumers already have a predisposition that
57
data card do not provide good internet connection speed, so during products
evaluations and purchasing activities they mostly think about product attributes
e.g. internet connection speed, signal strength. Therefore here implication for
management is during product evaluation; purchase activities, retailers must take
some necessary measures to reduce the uncertainty in the customer mind by
aggressive promotional strategies, especially focusing on innovating below the line
(BTL) marketing activities, giving excellent product demonstrations during
purchase and most importantly reducing the cognitive dissonance during post
purchase behaviour by giving enough assurance about product qualities, warranty
as well as excellent after sale service.
Research Methodology
Chapter 1: Data Collection

There are two types of data; primary and secondary data.
Primary data
In this project work primary data has been collected by:
• Interviews with employees working at Vodafone people for collecting of
background information such as products explanation; market situation in
asansol, durgapur and burdwan and contact information for distributors.
58
• Discussions have been done with Vodafone representatives in the
investigated markets to apply information and further discussions after the
questionnaires.
• Questionnaires have been done on several respondents in the local area and
perception about the data card were collected. Several tele-callings were
done to gather information an about the data card after they had used it .
The questionnaires are used to get exactly and comparable answers in
questions.
Primary data has given answer in following questions in each of the studied
markets:
• Competitors name and position
• Customers
• Marketing methods used by different data card providers
• Number of people having laptop or PC
• Number of people using internet.
• Average monthly usage of internet
• Monthly expenditure of internet of the people.
• Number of different occupation & age category using internet
• Number of people aware about the data card
• Number of data card users
• Number of people favouring different categories of data card.
• Number of people aware about the vodafone data card.
• Purpose of using internet.
Secondary data
59
• Review of literatures are used to get relevant theories . Printed literatures are
articles and books in telecom sectors providing data card .
• Homepages are used for information about competitors. The information

about the different product launched by different players along with their
tarrif plans, cost ,etc. were collected from different websites.
Secondary data has given answer in following questions in each of the studied
markets:
• Information about competitors
• Information about marketing methods
Different statistical models used.

Z TEST
CHI-SQUARE.
Data Analysis
Chapter 1: Brand Recall

A sample of customers, which is representative of the Durgapur, Asansol and
Burdwan population, was surveyed and unaided recall of the brands by these
customers was recorded. It was observed that Reliance data cards had the highest
60
brand recall amongst all the brand of Internet data card. This can be attributed to
various reasons like brand perception, usage pattern, advertisement expenditure
etc. The survey administered had questions which measured the importance of
various attributes like price, net speed, signal strength, offers & discounts of
various data cards and specifically for Vodafone data card.
Chapter 2: Development of Hypothesis and Testing
Development of Hypothesis
1. Hypothesis
Price is an important factor that governs the buying behaviour of the

customers while making purchase of data card.
61
Null Hypothesis H0: Price plays an insignificant role in purchase of data
card.
Alternative Hypothesis H1 : Price plays a significant role in the purchase of
data card.
This hypothetical statement is drawn from question no. 12(in likert scale of
1-5) from the questionnaire of annexure 1. To test this hypothesis the
researcher has done z-test (two-tailed test) and the inference drawn from the
hypothesis is stated below.
INFERENCE: The observed value of the test statistic Z is 10.55 but at the
critical region the value of Z at 5% level of significance is I Z I ≥ 1.96.
Therefore, the observed value of Z does not lie in the critical region so
therefore we reject the null hypothesis and conclude that price plays a
significant role in the purchase of data card.
Mathematically:
z = x̄ - µ/S.E of x̄, where S.E of x̄ = σ/√n
The Null Hypothesis is H0 : µ = 3 (where the respondents are giving no
response)
Then the Alternative Hypothesis H1 : µ ≠ 3
= 3.76 – 3/0.07 = 10.55
Since I Z I = 10.55 > 1.96, hence H0 = Rejected.
Price of the data card: In this research, it is discovered that price of the
Data card is playing an important role in the purchase decision of the
customer; Data cards with high prices are less preferred. BSNL is the only
company in the market, which is providing Data cards on rental basis, and it
is one of the main reasons behind BSNL’s success. Reliance
Communication and Tata Indicom is also providing data cards at cheaper
62
rates. Normal Data cards ranges from Rs 2000 to Rs 3000 and 3G,
Broadband Data cards range starts from Rs 3500 onwards.
2. Hypothesis:
Installation of the data card plays an important role in the purchase decision
of the data card.
Null Hypothesis H0 = Installation of the data card plays an insignificant role

in the purchase decision of data card.
Alternative Hypothesis H1 = Installation of the data card plays a significant

role in the purchase decision of data card.
critical region the value of Z at 5% level of significance is I Z I ≥ 1.96. So,
the observed value of Z does not lie in the critical region so therefore we
reject the null hypothesis and conclude that price plays a significant role in
the purchase of data card.
Mathematically:
response)
63
= 3.8 – 3/0.074 = 10.81
Installation process: The installation process of data card should be simple
and can be easily understood by the user, because the user is the one who is
going to operate it with the machine, and if it is a complicated process then
user might think for other options. A user wants simplest process to get
connected with the internet, just plug in the data card and connect, if he/she
needs to install some special software’s in the PC or Laptop for using the
data card, it is not possible for everyone to handle this installation process,
so installation process plays an pivotal role in the purchase decision.
3. Hypothesis:
Durability of the Data card plays influential role in the purchase decision of
data card.
Null Hypothesis H0 = Durability of the data card plays an insignificant role
in the purchase of Data card.
Alternative Hypothesis H1 = Durability of the Data card plays a significance
role in the purchase of Data card.
64
reject the null hypothesis and conclude that durability of the data card plays
a significant role in the purchase of data card.
Mathematically:
response)
= 3.9 – 3/0.073 = 12.32
Durability: Purchasing a Data card is mostly a long-term investment, so a
Data must have to be durable enough to meet the requirements of the user. A
Data card should not get over heated while in use, should be made up of un-
breakable plastic are some features of durable Data card.
4. Hypothesis
User friendliness of the data card plays an important role in the purchasing
decision of data cards.
Null Hypothesis H0 = User friendliness of the data card plays an
insignificant role in the purchase of Data card.
Alternative Hypothesis H1 = User friendliness of the data card plays a
significance role in the purchase of Data card.
65
INFERENCE: The observed value of the test statistic Z is 18 but at the
reject the null hypothesis and conclude that user friendliness of the data
card plays a significant role in the purchase of data card.
Mathematically:
response)
= 4.8 – 3/0.6 = 18
Since I Z I = 18 > 1.96, hence H0 = Rejected.
User Friendly: A Data should be user friendly in operations. Apart from
connecting internet, Data cards comes with multiple features such as
receiving and sending SMS, making and receiving voice calls, etc, so all
these functions should be easy to operate, if it is little complicated it
becomes a hassle for the user and ultimately affects the purchasing decision.
5. Hypothesis
Tarrif plans offered by the service providers of the data card play an
influential role in the consumer buying behavior.
Null Hypothesis H0 = Tariff plans of the data card plays an insignificant role
Alternative Hypothesis H1 = Tarrif plans of the data card plays a significance
role in the purchase of Data card.
66
reject the null hypothesis and conclude that user friendliness of the data
Mathematically:
response)
= 3.81 – 3/0.068 = 11.91
Tariff Plans: Apart from the price of the Data, card how much the internet
service is costing to the pocket of the user is very important factor in the
purchase of any Data card. A internet user wants tariff plans which fits into
his/her budget and fulfills all the other requirements. Again BSNL is the
market leader in this segment with cheapest tariff plans and after that
Reliance and Tata Indicom comes.
6. Hypothesis
Speed of the data card plays a pivotal role in the purchase decision of data
card.
Null Hypothesis H0 = speed of the data card plays an insignificant role in
the purchase of Data card.
67
Alternative Hypothesis H1 = speed of the data card plays a significance role
reject the null hypothesis and conclude that speed of the data card plays a
significant role in the purchase of data card.
Mathematically:
response)
= 4.12 – 3/0.06 = 18.66
Net Speed: The internet speed is very important for the users and slow
internet is not at all preferred in our fast moving lives. With the introduction
of Broadband and 3G in the market of Data cards, the competition has got
even tougher. Customers prefers internet with good downloading speed.
7. Hypothesis
After sales service provided by the service providers plays a significant role
in the purchase decision of data cards.
68
Null Hypothesis H0 = After sales service of the data card plays an
Alternative Hypothesis H1 = After sales service of the data card plays a
reject the null hypothesis and conclude that after sales service of the data
Mathematically:
response)
= 3.50 – 3/0.08 = 6.25
After Sale Service: After sales service like sending bills on time, keep the
customers updated with the new developments in different areas etc
improves the chances of increasing the sale of data card, and plays an
important role in the purchase decision of the customer also.
8. Hypothesis
69
Image of the company in the minds of the customers plays a vital role in the
purchase decision of data card.
Null Hypothesis H0 = mage of the company of the data card plays an

Alternative Hypothesis H1 = Image of the company of the data card plays a
INFERENCE: The observed value of the test statistic Z is but 3.87 at the
reject the null hypothesis and conclude that image of the company of the
data card plays a significant role in the purchase of data card.
Mathematically:
response)
= 3.31 – 3/0.08 = 3.87
Image of the company: The goodwill created in the market through years
of providing superior service quality helps the company to sale its products,
because it’s the image of the company in the minds of the customer who is
70
going to purchase the data card. If the brand is trusted in the market, it
makes a positive impact on the purchase decision.
Analysis of the factors affecting the buying behaviour of DATA CARD

SIGNIFICANT TEST [ASYMMETRY TWO TAILED]
Statement of Sample Standard Test statistic. Zcritical Hypothesis
Hypothesis mean deviation Applied Z α=0.05 Status
(x̄) Of the TEST( two
Sample tailed)
(Zobserved)
(σ x̄)
H1 = Price plays a 3.76 0.07 10.55 1.96 H0

pivotal role in the REJECTE
purchase of data card D
H2= Installation of the 3.8 0.074 10.81 1.96

data card is an important H0
factor in the purchasing REJECTED
of datacard
H3= Durability of the 3.9 0.073 12.32 1.96
data card plays an H0
influencial role in the REJECTED
buying of data card
H4 = User friendliness 4.08 0.06 18 1.96 H0
of the data card plays an REJECTED
important role in the
purchasing of data card
H5 = Tarrif plans of the 3.81 0.068 11.91 1.96 H0
data card plays an REJECTED
infuencial role in the
consumer buying
behaviour
H6 =Speed of the data 4.12 0.06 18.66 1.96 H0
card plays an important REJECTED
role in the purchase of
data card
H7 =After sales service 3.50 0.08 6.25 1.96 H0
plays an significant role REJECTED
in the purchase of data
card
H8 =Image of the 3.31 0.08 3.87 1.96 H0
71
company plays a vital REJECTED
role in the purchase of
data card.
9. Hypothesis:
High phone book memory in data cards is an essential feature of the Data
card for the consumers purchasing descision.
Null Hypothesis H0 = High phone book memory makes a heavy influence in
the buying behaviour of the data card.
Alternative Hypothesis H1 = High phone book memory does makes any
influence in the buying behaviour of Data card.
INFERENCE: The observed value of the test statistic Z is 0.09. At the
the observed value of Z lie in the critical region so therefore we accept the
null hypothesis and conclude that high phone book memory is an essential
feature in the buying behaviour of Data card.
Mathematically:
response)
= 3.02 – 3/0.22 = 0.09
Since I Z I = 0.09 < 1.96, hence H0 = Accepted.
10. Hypothesis
72
Micro SD card slot in the data card is an essential feature of data card, which
makes an influence in purchase of Data card.
Null Hypothesis H0 = Miro SD card slot plays a significance role in the
purchase of the data card.
Alternative Hypothesis H1 = Micro SD card slot plays an insignificant role in
the purchase of Data card.
INFERENCE: The observed value of the test statistic Z is 1.06 .At the
the observed value of Z lies in the critical region so therefore we accept the
null hypothesis and conclude that Micro SD card slot plays a significance
role in the purchase of the data card.
Mathematically:
response)
= 3.18 – 3/0.169 = 1.06
11. Hypothesis
High storage capacity & supporting SMS facility in a data card plays an
important role in the purchase of Data card.
73
Null Hypothesis H0 = High storage capacity & supporting SMS plays a
significance role in the purchase of the data card.
Alternative Hypothesis H1 = High storage capacity & supporting SMS plays
a insignificant role in the purchase of Data card.
null hypothesis and conclude that High storage capacity & supporting SMS
facility is an essential feature which plays an essential role in the purchase of
Data card.
Mathematically:
response)
= 3.24 – 3/0.17 = 1.41
12.Hypothesis
Making calls & receiving calls is an essential feature of the Data card and
plays an important role in the purchase of the Data card.
Null Hypothesis H0 = Making calls & receiving calls feature of the Data card
plays a significance role in the purchase of the data card.
74
Alternative Hypothesis H1 = Making calls & receiving calls feature of the
Data card plays an insignificant role in the purchase of Data card.
null hypothesis and conclude that Making calls & receiving calls feature of
the Data card plays a significance role in the purchase of the data card.
Mathematically:
response)
= 3.35 – 3/0.22 = 1.59
Since I Z I = 1.59 < 1.96, hence H0 = Accepted
Analysis of the factors affecting the buying behaviour of DATA CARD
SIGNIFICANT TEST [ASYMMETRY TWO TAILED]
Statement of Sample Standard Test statistic. Zcritical Hypothesis
Hypothesis mean (x̄) deviation Applied Z α=0.05 Status
Of the TEST( two
Sample (σ tailed)
x̄) (Zobserved)
75
H9= High phone book 3.02 0.22 0.09 1.9 H0
memory is an 6 ACCEPTED
essential feature of the
Data card in the
consumer buying
behaviour of Data
card
H10 = .Micro SD 3.18 0.169 1.06 1.9 H0

card slot is an 6 ACCEPTED
essential feature in the
purchase of Data card.
H11= High storage 3.24 0.17 1.41 1.9 H0

capacity & supporting 6 ACCEPTED
SMS facility is an
essential feature
which plays an
essential role in the
purchase of Data card
H12= Making calls & 3.35 0.22 1.59 1.9 H0

receiving calls feature 6 ACCEPTED
of the Data card plays
an essential role in the
purchase of the Data
card.
13. Hypothesis
A significant relationship exists between the average monthly usage of

internet with the occupation category.
76
Null Hypothesis H0 = Average monthly usage of internet are independent of
occupation category.
Alternative Hypothesis H1 = Average monthly usage of internet are
dependent of occupation.
This hypothetical statement is drawn from question no. 8 of the
questionnaire in annexure 1. To test this hypothesis the researcher has used
Chi-Square test for independence of attribute. The inference drawn from the
test is stated below.
INFERENCE: The observed value of the test statistic Х2 = 1.34 < 12.592 at
5% level of significance with 6 d.f., i.e., calculated value of Х2 is less then
the tabulated value.
Hence, we accept the Null Hypothesis and conclude that average monthly
usage of internet is independent of occupation.
n = 220
Observed Degrees of Level of Tabulated Hypothesis
value freedom significance value status
1.34 6 5% 12.59 H0
ACCEPTED
14. Hypothesis
A significant difference lies in the awareness of all the brands available in

the market.
Null Hypothesis H0 = peoples are equally aware of all the brands available in
the market.
Alternative Hypothesis H1 = peoples are not equally aware of all the brands
available in the market.
77
This hypothetical statement is drawn from question no. 18 from the
questionnaire of annexure 1. To test this hypothesis Chi-Square test for
goodness of fit is done. The inference drawn from the test is show below.
INFERENCE: The observed value of the test statistic Х2 = 81.4 > 9.49 at
5% level of significance with 4 d.f., i.e., calculated value of Х2 is more then
the tabulated value. Hence we reject the null hypothesis and conclude that
the awareness of all the brands available in the market are not equal.
n = 250
Observed Degrees of Level of Tabulated Hypothesis
value freedom significance value status
81.4 4 5% 9.49 H0 Rejected
Chapter 3: Graphs and Charts
1. Have internet connection or not ?

78
total = 340
If the avalability of the computer is low, then the probability of having an internet
connection connected to it getting more less, this fact shows that only 64% out of
340 are connected to the internet and maximum of them are through GPRS or
GSM connections or through landlines.
2. Aware of data card or not?
total = 600
The awareness about the data card is also low in the market, only 39% of
respondents out of 600 were aware of data cards, inspite of random advertisment
there is a lot more to be done, we need to educate our potential customers more
about the product.
3. Awareness of Vodafone’s Data card.
79
total = 600
The awareness of Vodafones data card is very low in the market, its only 9.5% of
the total sample, the main reason behind this was because Vodafone doesnot
promote its products actively like others. Vodafone is having world class poducts,
but due to lack of promotion the awareness is very low.
80
Recommendation And Conclusion
PLAYING WITH THE PLC:

Vodafone has one of the widest internet data cards range and the deepest product
line in internet data card market, its also has broadband business as well as internet
connection GPRS .This is a double edged sword because of the variety Vodafone
offer and the cannibalization that can occur. The segments thus formed and the
components extracted indicate that different buyer groups have different decision
variables, use data card for accessing internet for different purposes and have
varied perceptions about brands. All the segments require different pricing
strategies and hence Vodafone should come out with different plans specifically
targeting different groups. Vodafone having several types of tariff plan but it
would have improved network connectivity along with aggressive promotional
strategies can be an unbeatable advantage in upgrading the consumer throughout
his lifetime and also making him brand loyal in the process. From the research, it
comes out that Vodafone is not a user friendly service provider. Users have taken
to Vodafone essentially because of high recommendation from friends and family
and its image in the market. According to our research high price of data cards and
costly tariff plans could be a deterrent for Vodafone data cards. Hence, Vodafone
should aim to providing data cards at a competitive price, cost effective tariff
plans, and more efficient response to requests.
Our analysis indicates clearly reliance is popular among the youth because of low
usage rate. These users use data card mostly for entertainments. This target
segment can be attracted by advertising in Television and internet. Also, word of
mouth publicity clearly scores above all forms of information search, primarily
81
because of its convenience and source credibility. Everybody whom we surveyed
believed in consulting their “circle” for opinions while buying connections
Recommendations 4 P’s
1. Product:
The products launched should focus on improving service response i.e. better
customer service and greater network connectivity.
2. Price:
It should keep focus on reducing usage rates and be a price leader for price
sensitive heavy usage segments.
3. Promotions:
One important finding of our Consumer Survey was that very low number of
consumer were aware of the fact that Vodafone has Data cards and different tariff
plans. This can be attributed to one or more of the following reasons:
The consumers have low involvement and do not search for information. This
implies that wireless data card is becoming a commodity. Reliance has spent
mostly on advertisements for the mobile business, not on internet data cards.
Hence the information available to public is limited. To discommodities the
category, to increase customer loyalty and repeat purchase, promotions have to be
done on a bigger scale. The promotions should have more of a pull effect in the
advertisements that communicate not just the price and offers/discounts but also
the values, attributes which the consumer can relate to. In short, more information
has to be communicated to the consumer through ads, To lift the sales of internet
data card Vodafone can think to adopt of innovative give away strategy, for
instance design laptops with manufactures in such a way that there will be a built
in Vodafone internet data card. It should focus on Television advertising and
Internet ads primarily. Print ads do not seem to have that effective influence in
82
purchase decisions of the sample. Our analysis has shown that word of mouth
(WOM) marketing has a excellent effect on the consumer purchasing decision of
internet data card. So promotional strategies could be given focus on viral
marketing campaign like on SMS, e-letters or blogs and so forth.
4. Place:
Vodafone should strengthen its distribution network and also focus on creating
more Vodafone stores with easy accessibility outside cities as they are perceived to
be authentic by consumers.
Note: The recommendations have limitations of a small sample size and a simple
sampling.
CONTINUE WITH UPGRADATION

Vodafone has been very successful in its strategy of upgrading the consumer in the
mobile business segment. Vodafone has made sure that it makes its consumers
move up the product chain by introducing new, technologically superior products
and phasing their PLC very well. But sadly, this approach is missing in the
wireless data card segment. Though there are 3 variants, there has been no effort
made to communicate to the consumer of the superior quality and attributes.
Hence, we suggest that Vodafone should adopt its “upgrading the consumer”
strategy for the internet data card segment also. This up gradation has 2 main
advantages : Vodafone can fully leverage the Product life cycle and the individual
phases of the products in different markets and Vodafone can make the consumer
loyal to the brand over his lifetime.
Future challenges
83
Introduce a product which would be designed specifically for Indian consumer and
satisfy aspiration of youths. To match the increased demand patterns in the
country. Launching of innovative products in regular and short intervals Vodafone
products are descending the customer value hierarchy from that of a potential
product towards an expected product. Competitors like Tata-Indicom, Reliance
communication, are moving up the hierarchy. So, Vodafone will find it tough to
charge the moderately high price it has tilled now charge. It is also highly likely
that Vodafone may not fully absorb the consumers who upgrade from slow speed
internet connection device USB modem to broadband. Hence, Vodafone’s market
share might not grow as good as their competitor Tata-Indicom, Reliance
Communication or BSNL. Vodafone’s major challenge lies in entering the
premium market through an upgraded version of wireless data card the way it did
in mobile business.
Store Centric Recommendations
In order to increase the Vodafone wireless data card sales in exclusive Vodafone
stores and other franchisees across the country management has to take some
aggressive steps to ensure that customers who are evaluating alternatives are
coming in store for purchasing a Vodafone data card. According to our research
outcomes some following measures can be taken:
• Management has to ensure that Customer service executives especially those
who are dealing with internet connections and data cards and also other
telecom products, have exhaustive knowledge about their own products.
• Customer service executives should be given special behavioral training to

recognize the customers’ expectations and convey the all benefits of the
product accordingly.
84
• Management has to ensure that their sales persons are updated with new
schemes regarding product.
• Product knowledge as well as sales techniques of the sales personnel should

be reviewed frequently by the senior management.
• Customer service executives should be remained motivated through various

incentives which are only proportionate to their target achievements.
Segmentation
In the wireless data card market there exist different categories of customers who
have different needs and are willing to pay different amount for the product that
meets their demand. Introduction of upgraded version of wireless data card for
instance Vodafone recently launched wireless data card specially meant for those
who frequently travel abroad would help Vodafone identify the needs of the
customers and take advantage of the segment which has not yet been targeted by
the company. Price sensitivity, importance of attributes, point of purchase decision
makers and customers influenced by additional features are the factors on which
we will segment the upgraded internet data card market.
Segment one- is most prices sensitive and values additional feature the least. As
Vodafone is not an economic brand which focuses on differentiating its products
from the competitors and upgrading the customers in the value chain, targeting this
segment will be a strategically appropriate decision.
Segment two- is more influenced by attributes of the products and is not a price
sensitive segment. Vodafone through its wireless data card is currently catering to
this segment.
85
Segment three- is concerned about the attributes, additional features as well as
price.
86
Annexure 1
QUESTIONNAIRE
1. What is your Age?_______________________
2. Your occupation?
a. Student
b. Service holder
c. Business men
2. Do you use PCs of Laptop?
a. Yes
b. No
3. If you have a PC or Laptop then, do you have an internet connection on it?
a. Yes
b. No
4. Are you aware of internet data cards?
a. Yes
b. No
5. If you have an internet connection, then what kind of connection do you have?
a. Data card
b. Use mobile phone to connect to the internet
c. Use landline connection to connect to the internet
d. Other types of connections
6. If you have an internet connection, then which service provider is providing you this service?
a. BSNL
b. Reliance Communication
c. Tata indicom
d. Vodafone
e. Airtel
87
f. Others
7. In a month, on an average how many hours do you use internet?
a. 10 hrs to 15 hrs or >500 MB
b. 15 hrs to 30 hrs or 500 MB to 1 GB
c. 30 hrs to 45 hrs or 1 GB to 2.5 GB
d. 45 hrs & above or 2.5 GB and above
8. If you use internet regularly, then what is your average monthly expenditure?
a. Between Rs 300 to Rs 350
b. Between Rs 350 to Rs 500
c. Between Rs 500 to Rs 800
d. Rs 800 and above
9. If you are using internet, then what is your purpose behind using it?
a. For work purpose
b. For entertainment
c. For business
d. To collect information
10. What is your initial setup cost?
a. Below Rs 1500
b. Between Rs 1500 to Rs 2500
c. Between Rs 2500 to Rs 3500
d. Rs 3500 and above
11. Suppose you want to purchase an internet data card, please rate the importance of the following
factors in selecting a data card.
Factor Not Less No Importan Very

Importan Importan respons t Important
t t e
88
Price of Data card 1 2 3 4 5
Installation process 1 2 3 4 5
Durability 1 2 3 4 5
User friendly 1 2 3 4 5
Tariff plans 1 2 3 4 5
Speed 1 2 3 4 5
After sale service 1 2 3 4 5
Image of the company 1 2 3 4 5
13. Are you aware of Vodafone data card?
a. Yes
b. No
14. Which of the following features do you rate as important at the time of making purchase of data card?
Please rate the following 1- as least important and 5- as more important.
Feature Not Less No Importan Very

Importan important respons t Important
t e
High phone book memory 1 2 3 4 5
Micro SD card slot (expandable 1 2 3 4 5
memory)
Supports SMS(High storage 1 2 3 4 5
capacity)
Make and receive voice calls 1 2 3 4 5
16.Which company’s data card do you use?
a . BSNL
c. Tata Indicom
d. Airtel
89
e. Reliance
f. Vodafone
17. At the time of purchasing a data card of Vodafone which factors do you consider is
more important and less important? Please rate the following as 1 to 5.
Factor Not Less No important Very
Importan Importan respons Important
t t e
Cost of Data card 1 2 3 4 5
Installation process 1 2 3 4 5
Durability 1 2 3 4 5
User friendly 1 2 3 4 5
Tariff plans 1 2 3 4 5
Speed 1 2 3 4 5
After sale service 1 2 3 4 5
Image of the company 1 2 3 4 5
Q.18 . From where did you get the information about datacard?
a. Friends
b. Family
c. Advertisement(television)
d. Advertisement(other sources)
Q.19. Which brands Data Card are you aware off?

a. Reliance
b. Tata Indicom
c. Vodafone
d. Bsnl
e. Airtel
Bibliography
Information has been sourced from namely, books, newspapers, journals, industry portals,
government agencies, industry news and developments and through access to database.
 http://www.capitaline.com/
90
 http://www.wikipedia.org/
 http://www.oecd.org/
 http://www.legalserviceindia.com/
 http://www.dot.gov.in/
 http://www.economictimes.indiatimes.com/
 http://www.ibef.org/
 http://www.domain-b.com/
 http://www.trai.gov.in/
 http://www.perry4law.wordpress.com/
 http://www.financialexpress.com
 http://www.pib.nic.in/
 http://www.emeraldinsight.com/
 http://www.search.epnet.com/
 http://www.rcom.co.in
 http://www.airtelworld.com
 http://www.vodafone.in
 http://www.airtel.in
 http://www.tataindicom.com
 http://bsnl.co.in
 http://www.ibef.org/industry/telecommunications.aspx
 http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Telecom/GSM-CDMA-
players-maintain-subscriber-growth-momentum/articleshow/4281903.cms
 http://in.news.yahoo.com/139/20090404/868/ttc-dot-directs-ban-on-usage-of-
chinese.html
91
 http://www.netweavermagazine.com/archive/Volume_02_(2006)/Issue_02_(Spring)/v2i2
a09.cfm
 Frost & Sullivan (2007), “Telecom – Catalyzing India’s New Economy”
 Marketing Research “An Applied Orientation”- Naresh K. Malhotra
 Banka Sanjoy (2006), “Mergers and Acquisitions in Indian Telecom Industry-A Study”
 Jain Rekha (2001), “A review of The Indian Telecom Sector”
 Fortis Investments (2006),”Global Telecom Sector”
 Sharma Seema and Lokesh Singla (2009), “Telecom equipment Industry: Challenges and
Prospects”
 Bhattacharya Manas (2000), “Telecom Sector in India: Vision 2020
 Levy & Weitz, Tata McGraw-Hill Publishing Company Limited, 2006.
 Daft, Richard L. Organization Theory & Design. Thomson/ South-Western, 2007.
 Miller, Chris. SAP NetWeaver Magazine. 2006.
 Marketing Management – Philip Kotler 2001.
92

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WEST BENGAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

A SUMMER TRAINING REPORT

CONSUMER BUYING BEHAVIOUR WITH A FOCUS ON

(20th June,2009-5thAugust, 2009)

WBUT Regn no. 081670710019

MANAGEMENT INSTITUTE OF DURGAPUR

done by me and submitted to the MID, Rajbandh, Durgapur in partial fulfillment of

requirements for the award of Masters in Business Administration with major

Subject as Marketing Management and Minor subject as Human Resource

Management is a record of original work done by me under the supervision of Mr.

Avijit. Aditya (MID faculty).

Signature of the student

Growth on the Data Cards. Especially happen when business travelers,

academicians as well as other professionals need to access emails and corporate

what kind of a company enters an industry with competitors already entrenched?

ESSAR, which is now known as VODAFONE. It is a confident and smart

future and the long run.

Chapter 1: Experts views on Indian Telecom Sector………………….

Chapter 2: An overview of internet and wireless connectivity………..

Chapter 3: Telecom Sector-An Outlook……………………………….

3.1 Industry Analysis……………………………………………

3.2 About Internet Data Cards………………………………….

3.2.2 Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)……….

3.2.3 Tata Indicom……………………………………

3.2.4 Reliance Communication………………………..

Chapter 4: Consumer behavior towards Internet data Card…………….

Chapter 1: Brand Recall…………………………………………………

Chapter 2: Development of Hypothesis and Testing…………………….

Chapter 3: Graphs and Charts……………………………………………

6. Recommendation and Conclusion……………………………………….

Vodafone Essar in India is a subsidiary of Vodafone Group Plc and commenced

About Hutchison-Essar Vodafone Negotiations

To venture into the world’s most lucrative cellular market

Strengthen its operation worldwide

To obtain the majority stake of Hutchison

questionnaire and conducted a survey. The researcher analyzed the questionnaire

and the survey to create an extensive questionnaire understanding the buying

Chapter 1: Experts views on Indian Telecom Sector

Chowdary (1999) discusses how Telecom reform, or demonopolization, in India

Bhattacharya (2000) constructs a vision of the Indian telecommunication sector

Das (2000), in her paper described the Liberalization of the Indian

Vrmani (2000) estimates the contribution of telecommunication (or telecom)

Narinder (2004), in his article “Enhancing Developmental Opportunities by

Nikam, Ganesh, Tamizhchelvan (2004), analyses that changing face of India in

Banka (2006) gives an overview of the mergers and acquisitions in the

Thomas (2007), in his article describes the contribution made by

Maheshwari (July-September 2008), in her report analysed the Indian telecom

Anderson (2008), in his single executive interview titled “Developing a route to

Narayana (2008) estimates the contribution of telecommunication (or telecom)

Chapter 2: An overview of internet and wireless connectivity

DRIVING GROWTH OF INTERNET DATA CARD

Growing business in all segments, necessity to access emails and corporate

Chapter 3: Telecom Sector-An Outlook

3.1 Industry Analysis

equipment manufacturers are witnessing growth and decline in successive quarters

as sales is dependent on order undertaken by the companies. Airtel, Reliance, Tata

AMJ08, as compared to AMJ07. According to Cygnus estimates, telecom industry

is expected to grow by 25% in AMJ 09 as compared to AMJ 08, in terms of sales.

3.2 About Internet Data Cards

providers are mentioned below.

i. Vodafone Mobile Connect EDGE data card

Features of this Vodafone Data Card:

 Gives us high-speed connectivity through the Vodafone EDGE network in