Introduction about two competitive company which is leading in telecom industry in India. Air tel & Vodafone

1. Field Study Report
On
A Comparative study of Vodafone Vs Airtel
with special reference of Prepaid Plan
A Project Report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements
For the award of the degree of
INTEGRATED MASTER OF BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION (IMBA)
Submitted By Under the guidance of
Manzer Abbas Prof. Rashmi Singh
IMBA 4th Semester SOM, BBDU
Session-2013-2014
Roll Number - 1120675024
SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, BBD UNIVERSITY
Sector 1, Dr. Akhilesh Das Nagar, Faizabad Road,
Lucknow (U.P.) India

2. PREFACE
As a part of our course curriculum I had to go under summer training and
prepare a project report on any topic to get the right exposure to the
practical aspects of business management.
I want to express my gratitude for the experience and practical knowledge that
I earned during the Research Project Report. In this project report I had
presented my great experience in the form of words. In making the project
report theoretical knowledge was needed more than the practical which was
given to us by my professors in my institutes. In the market the experience
relating to the practical knowledge was very good which realized me about the
real conditions of the marketing.
The project flows logically consisting of a questionnaire. I hope that the
findings and the suggestions will help the company, confidently to formulate its
strategy in comparison to its competitors.
My depth research on the particular topic has given an insight of the current
scenario in the telecommunication and service industry. The various brand
aspect to create the particular positioning of both product and service has
widened my knowledge.
This project provides an opportunity to relate my classroom learning with the
reality of management. I believe that this knowledge endeavor of mine has
prepared me for the future challenge.

3. DECLARATION
I declare that the project titled “A Comparative study of Vodafone Vs Airtel
with special reference of Prepaid Plan” is an original project done by me and
no part of the project is taken from any other project or material published or
otherwise or submitted earlier to any other college or university.
( )
Manzer Abbas
IMBA 4th
semester
Roll No. - 1120675024

4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I extended my special gratitude to our beloved Dean and Prof. Rashmi Singh
Mam for inspiring me to take up this project.
I wish to acknowledge my sincere gratitude and indebtedness to my project “A
Comparative study of Vodafone Vs Airtel with special reference of Prepaid
Plan” for his valuable guidance and constructive suggestion in the preparation
of project report.
I extended my gratitude to Prof. Rashmi Singh Mam and all my colleagues,
friends for their encouragement, support, guidance and for preparing the project
report.
Manzer Abbas
IMBA 4th
semester
Roll No. - 1120675024

5. CONTENT
1) Introduction
2) Company overview
3) Airtel
 Tariff rates
4) Vodafone
 Tariff rates
5) Research Methodology
 Data collection
 Primary data
 Secondary data
 Sampling techniques
6) Data analysis
7) Findings
8) Conclusion
9) Suggestion and recommendation
10) Bibliography/References
11) Appendix

6. INTRODUCTION
The unprecedented growth in the mobile is, perhaps, the most vivid facet of
India’s economic transformation since the mid 1990’s. Mobile technology and
services came to India less than a decade ago. In the early days, a mobile was
seen to be a fashion statement for the rich. Today, it is expected as a basic
communication medium for all socio- economic segments.
Company Overview

8. As the pioneer and front runner, Airtel has been instrumental in leading and
ushering in the mobile revolution in India.
The Indian mobile market is, today, amongst the fastest growing and the most
competitive in the world. There were 34.6 million mobile phone subscribers in
the country as of April 2004 (source: cellular operators association of India and
association of basic telecom operators) with approximately 7 million
subscribers, Airtel commands nearly 20% of the share of the market- making is
the number one brand in the country. Airtel world class service and innovative
products have enabled it to establish this position of leadership. AIRTEL is a
brand of telecommunication services in India operated by Bharti Airtel. Airtel
is the largest cellular services provider in India in terms of number of
subscribers. Bharti Airtel owns the Airtel Brand and provides the following
services under the brand name Airtel mobile services (Using GSM
Technology), Broadband & Telephone services { Fixed line, internet
Connectivity (DSL) and Leased Line}, Long distance services and Enterprise
Services(Telecommunication Consulting for corporate). It has presence in all
23 circles of the country and covers 71% of the current population (as of
FY07).
Leading international Communication companies such as Vodafone and
SingTel held partial stakes in Bharti Airtel.

9. AIRTEL TARIFF RATES
I am interested
One Time Charges, if any
Gold New
(Airtel/ DL/
GSM/3)
RTP Plan
Voucher (Airtel/
DL/ GSM/24)
RTP-FR Plan
Voucher
(Airtel/ DL/
GSM/3)
Free Calls/
SMS / Data
Transfer if
any
(included in
one time
charges)*
Loca
l
No
s
15 47 194
STD No
s
Nil NA NA
ISD No
s
Nil NA NA
SMS No
s
Nil NA NA
Data MB Nil NA NA
Regular
Validity
Regular Validity Regular
Validity
Sim/Account
Validity
Regular
Validity
180days 180days
Tariff Validity
(initial/promotional/
base, if any)**
1 second 1 second 1 second
Particulars/
Services
Details Units
Pulse Rate Sec./Min. Voice Video Voice V
Call Charges 2paisa/sec. 5paisa/sec. 1.5p/sec. 5

10. Local
On net (Airtel to
Airtel mobile)
Rs. 2paisa/sec. 5paisa/sec. 1.5p/sec. 5
Off net (Airtel to
other operators)
Rs. 2paisa/sec 5paisa/sec (Mobile),
NA(Fixed)
1.5p/sec. 5
Mobile/Fixed(*) Rs. 2paisa/sec 5paisa/sec 1.5p/sec 5
STD
On net (Airtel to
Airtel Mobile)
Rs. 2paisa/sec 5paisa/sec
Off net (Airtel to
other Operators)
Rs. 2paisa/sec 5paisa/sec(Mobile),
NA (Fixed)
Mobile/Fixed(*) Rs.
ISD ISD Tariff to be made
available on Website &
point of Recharge/
other conditions, if any
sale
For Country wise ISD tariff,
please Visit www.airtel.in or
nearest Airtel relationship
centre
10p/10kb for 2G
network & 3p/10kb
for 3G network
SMS
Local Rs Re. 1.00 Re. 1.00
National Rs Rs. 1.50 Rs. 1.50
International Rs Rs. 5.00 Rs. 5.00
Data
Home Paisa/kb 10p/10kb for 2G
network & 3p/10kb
for 3G network
10p/10kb for 2G
network & 3p/10kb for
3G network
Roaming Paisa/KB
10p/10kb for 2G
network & 3p/10kb
for 3G network
10p/10kb for 2G
network & 3p/10kb for
3G network

11. Chargeable while
Roaming National
Local outgoing Rs Voice
Rs 1/1.50/5
Video
NA
Voice
Rs 1/1.50/5
STD Outgoing Rs Nil NA
Incoming Rs Existing Customers will get
same benefits at Rs.2
Nil
SMS
(Local/STD/ISD)
Rs
Special benefits, if any
other conditions, if any
Blackout Days for year 2014- Applicable for
both SMS & Voice (on these days, tariff plan
rates will not applicable)
1. New Year(31st
Dec & 1st
Jan)
2. Holi
3. Chhoti Diwali
4. Diwali

12. Vodafone is the largest cellular operator in India that covers most of the
country. It offers both prepaid and postpaid GSM cellular phone coverage
throughout India and is especially strong in the major metros. The company is
often praised for its award winning advertisements which all follow a clean,
minimalist look. A recurrent theme is that its message Hi stands out visibly
though it uses only black letters on white
background. Another recent successful ad campaign in 2003 featured a dog
following a boy around in unlikely places, with the tagline, wherever you go,
and our network follows. Hutch Essar is owned by Vodafone 52%, Essar Group
33%, and other Indian nationals, 15%. Vodafone and the Essar group have
reached an agreement on the management of the company, which will be
renamed Vodafone Essar in the near future.
In Mumbai it was earlier known by the name Orange. It offers both prepaid and
postpaid GSM cellular phone coverage throughout India and is especially
strong in the major metros.
Vodafone Essar, previously Hutchison Essar is a cellular operator in India that
covers 16 telecom circles in India Despite the official name being Vodafone
Essar; its products are simply branded Vodafone. It offers both prepaid and
postpaid GSM cellular phone coverage throughout India and is especially
strong in the major metros.

13. Vodafone Essar Provides 2G services based on 900MHz and 1800MHz digital
GSM technology, offering voice and data services in 16 of the country’s license
areas.
Vodafone Essar, previously Hutchison Essar is a cellular operator in India that
covers 16 telecom circles in India. Despite the official name being Vodafone
Essar, its products are simply branded Vodafone.

14. VODAPHONE TARIFF RATE
Tariff Plans SUK 10 Prepaid Plan
Voucher Rs.2
Prepaid Plan
Voucher Rs.3
MRP 10 2 3
Applicability New
Customer
Existing/Ne
w Customer
Existing/New
Customer
Talk Time Rs. 0 Rs. 0 Rs. 0
Sim/Account validity Lifetime Lifetime Lifetime
Local call rates
Vodafone-to-Vodafone calls 2p/sec. 1.2p/sec. 50p/min.
Vodafone-other mobiles 2p/sec. 1.2p/se0c. 60p/min.
To landlines 2p/sec. 1.2p/sec. 90p/min.
STD call rates
Vodafone-to-Vodafone calls 2p/sec 1.2p/sec. 60p/min.
Vodafone-other mobiles 2p/sec. 1.2p/sec. 60p/min.
To landlines 2p/sec. 1.2p/sec. 90p/min.
Tariff validity 180days 180days 180days
SMS
Local SMS Re.1.00/SMS Re.1.00/SMS Re.1.00/SMS
National SMS Rs.1.50/SMS Rs.1.50/SMS Rs.1.50/SMS
International SMS Rs.5.00/SMS Rs.50/SMS
Roaming Rs/min.
All Incoming Calls 0.75
Outgoing Calls Rs/min.

15. Local Calls 1
STD Calls 1.5
ISD Calls Rates applicable same as in home network
SMS Rs/min.
Outgoing(Local/National) 1/1.50on all networks
Outgoing(International &
Short Codes)
Rs. 5/SMS for all international SMS
Incoming Free
Note:
• Lifetime validity as per circle license period presently till 2026 for Bihar
circle
• MRP inclusive of 12.36% service tax
• To enjoy the benefits of bonus cards. Positive balance needs to be
maintained in account.
• As per govt. regulation. For connection without any usage (Voice/video
calls, outgoing SMS, Internet usage, VAS purchases with balance) for 90
days, following actions are liable to be performed:
• For subscriber with less than Rs. 20 balances all services will be
deactivated pending payment of reactivation fee Rs. 20 for a period of
15 days. Number will be disconnected on non-payment of sale fee with
in this period.
• For subscriber with more than Rs. 20 balance, Automatic Number
Retention Scheme will be put into effect – Rs. 20 will be deducted and
services will be continuing for 30 days.

16. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
It is descriptive research
Population
Lucknow region
Sampling Techniques Used – Convenience sampling
Sample Size – Taken is 25.
Method of data collection:-
There are two main sources of data:
Primary research is conducted from scratch. It is original and collected to solve
the problem in hand. The data is collected by the survey. By going to the
retailer shop and collect data.
Secondary research, also known as desk research, already exists since it has
been collected for other purposes. The data is collected by internet.
Problems & limitations
There was some problems is collecting the samples. Some peoples were not
filling the questionnaire properly. Some people don’t complete the
questionnaire.

17. DATA ANALYSIS
Q.1 Do you keep telecom Connection?
Reply of respondent No. of respondents Percentage of
respondents
Yes 22 88%
No 3 12%
Q.2 which mobile company services you are using now a days?
Airtel 7 28%
Vodafone 7 28%
Others 8 32%
None 3 12%
Q.3 among them, which brand, you prefer most?
Company Customer Percentage
Airtel 7 28%
Vodafone 7 28%
Reliance 2 8%
Tata 1 4%
Idea 3 12%
Others 2 8%
None 3 12%

18. Q.4 How long you have been using this product?
Years Airtel Vodafone Others None
0-1 1 1 1 5
1-2 4 1 2 0
2-5 0 2 1 0
5-10 1 1 1 0
More than 10 1 2 1 0
Q.5 Do you collect any information search before making purchase?
Company Yes No Total
Airtel 3 4 7
Vodafone 4 3 7
Others 3 3 8
None of these - - 3
Q.6 what are the features you look for in a product before making purchase
decisions?
Features Airtel Vodafone Others None
Brand credibility 1 3 2 -
Price & discount 2 - - -
Value of money 1 2 2 -
Value of performance 1 2 2 -

19. After sales service &
parts, network
2 - - -
None of these - - 2 -
Total 7 7 8 3
Q.7 if you have to purchase a new connection or product in near future, which
brand will you go for and why?
Company Plan Responses Popularity
Airtel 3 1 3
Vodafone 1 2 4
Others 5 2 1
None - - -
Q.8 Are you aware of various promotional activities being run by
Airtel/Vodafone. If yes then how?
Promotional activities Airtel Vodafone
Customer care 3 3
By ad films 1 4
By camp 1 -
24 hrs call center services 2 -

20. Q.9 Are you satisfied with these promotional activities?
Promotional activities Airtel Vodafone
Very satisfied 1 2
Satisfied 2 4
Somewhat satisfied 3 1
Not satisfied 1 -
Q.10 what are you suggestions for improving the product quality, service
availability and parts availability?
Company Costly Plans Quick response No suggestion
Airtel 4 - 3
Vodafone 3 1 3
Others 1 1 6
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Costly Plans Quick
Response
No
Suggestion
Airtel
Vodafone
Others
Q.11 which company provides you best plan?
Company No. of respondents Percentage of

21. respondent
Airtel 6 24%
Vodafone 3 12%
Reliance 3 12%
Idea 5 20%
Others 5 20%
None of these 3 12%

22. FINDINGS
The basic and to the point conclusion of the above discussed issue is that the
company can make more and more profits only when it can satisfy all its
customers,/dealers and distributors in order to do that the company should
agree with all their fair Suggestions and make them happy. If workers will be
happy and satisfy then they will make sincere efforts to achieve their targets
and increase the sales of the company.

23. CONCLUSIONS
After analyzing the findings of the research, I can conclude that Airtel Lagged
behind its competitors as far as customer service availability is concerned. The
maximum no. of people who use the mobile is in the age group of 20 to 28.
Cash cards are the most popular type of mobile connections, as they are
consumer friendly and recharging the connection is not a problem.
Maximum no. of people spends Rs. 300 on their connections. As Airtel is the
only company having the maximum no. of mobile connections so it must
seriously look into the loop holes of the existing customer service department.
As we know that now Airtel has already launched its logo “Aisi azaadi aur
kahan” has already became popular in market. So we can say that in spite of so
many competitors in the market Airtel is having a good position just because
every time, it tries its best to understand the needs of its important customers.
From the comparison and deep analysis of every aspects of business and both
the companies we can conclude that Bharti Airtel has to more work in every
field communications business.
• It is the time not only to survive but to sustain in the market for a long
time.
• For this Airtel has to work on its all marketing strategies, marketing,
promotion, brand image.etc.
• Airtel has to take Vodafone. Very seriously and update its own strategies
from time to time and when the need arises.
• With aggressive marketing strategies Airtel has to target rural India as
70% of population of India lives in these areas.
• The other segment may be customer of all age groups.

24. SUGGESTION & RECOMMENDATION
Following are the few suggestions to Vodafone for improving the market share
and image of the products concerned.
1. Product
• Modification must be brought about in Airtel, in terms of quality. Its
demand should be increased.
2. Place
• The brands must be made available easily in PCO & general stores.
3. Promotion
• Company must undertake extensive promotional activities like
advertisements must be released in different Medias to create brand
awareness.
• free samples (TERMS AND CONDITION APPLY) should be distributed among the
prospects. Sales promotion tools like gifts, contests and coupons must be
given to retailers as well as customers and prospects.
• Catalogues should be distributed among customers.
4. Price
• Price should be as competitive as other company maintains.
• Distribution of new connection should be in reach of customer pocket.

25. BIBLIOGRAPHY
In this project report, while finalizing and for analyzing quality problem in
details the following Books, magazines/ journals and websites have been
referred. All the material detailed below provides effective help and a guiding
layout while designing this text report.
Websites:
www.airtel.in
www.google.in
www.slideshare.net
www.slideshare.net/hemanthcrpatna/a-project-report-on-comparative-brand-
equity-of-hutch-and-airtel-cell-phone
www.vodafone.in

26. APPENDIX
QUESTIONNAIRE
Q.1 Do you keep telecom connections?
• Yes
• No
Q.2 which mobile company services you are using now a days?
• Airtel
• Vodafone
• Reliance
• others
Q.3 Among them, which brand, you prefer most?
• Airtel
• Vodafone
• Reliance
• Tata
• Idea
Q.4 How long you have been using this product?
• 0-1 years
• 1-2 years
• 2-5 years
• 5-10 years
• More than 10 years
Q.5 Do you collect any information search before making purchase?

27. • Yes
• No
Q.6 what are the features you look for in a product before making purchase
decisions? Give preferences (1-highest, 6-least)
• Brand credibility
• Price and discount
• Value of money
• Value of performance
• After sales service and parts, network
Q.7 if you have to purchase a new connection or product in near future, which
brand will you go for and why?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
____________
Q.8 Are you aware of various promotional activities being run by
Airtel/Vodafone. If yes then how?
• Customer care
• By ad films
• By camp
• 24 hrs call center services
Q.9 Are you satisfied with these promotional activities?
Very satisfied Satisfied Somewhat satisfied Not satisfied

28. Q.10 what are you suggestions for improving the product quality, service
availability and parts availability?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
____________
Q.11 which company provides you best plan?
• Airtel
• Vodafone
• Reliance
• Idea
• others