Blyk Looking to Launch MVNO in India

European MVNO, Blyk that targets the youth market with advertising subsidised services is reported to be looking at a launch in India, and is reported to be in talks with one or more local telecom operators.

"Discussions are ongoing (with potential partners). So yes, we do intend to enter India but cannot comment yet on the timing," Blyk spokesperson Ann Sarimo told Indian business newspaper, Live Mint. Senior-level recruitment for Blyk's proposed Indian operation is already under way, said an unnamed communications executive who was tapped for a job.

Sanjay Behl, head of branding and marketing operations at Reliance Communications expressed concerns about whether consumers would find the adverts too intrusive, while declining to confirm or deny if the company is in talks with the MVNO.

Blyk, back by an ex-Nokia executive, originally launched in the UK in Sept 2007, and says that it has over 200,000 customers. It recently scrapped plans to launch in Belgium and Holland, and said that its UK service was a "proof of concept". The firm is now looking at other options to expand its services to other countries, which could include a licensing deal.

On the web: Live Mint

Posted to the site on 10th June 2009