BRIGHTSTAR LAUNCHES FIXED WIRELESS DIVISION IN INDIA
Company Further Invests in India, the Largest Market for Fixed Wireless Devices in the World
MIAMI – July 27, 2006 – Brightstar Corp., the largest wireless distribution and supply chain solutions company worldwide, announced the launch of its fixed wireless division in India, the largest market in the world for fixed wireless devices.
Fixed wireless devices provide connectivity where there is little or no access to landline communications. The devices, which use wireless technology but look and operate like a standard desk phone, provide families, businesses and communities with access to communications in markets where traditional forms of communication are unavailable.
The launch of this division in India further solidifies Brightstar’s existing infrastructure and investment in India. The company launched its subsidiary, Brightstar India, in early 2005. The subsidiary operates two sales and distribution offices in Mumbai and Delhi, as well as 23 billing points throughout the country to provide localized distribution and billing support.
Jaime Narea, vice president of Brightstar’s global fixed wireless division, says “India represents an enormous market for our highly regarded, high quality fixed wireless handsets and we’re excited to dedicate resources to support operators and consumers in this important market.”
According to industry and government analysts, India is one of the fastest growing wireless markets in the world. At the end of 2005, the country had a little over 75.5 million wireless users. By 2010, that number is predicted to rise to over 350 million.
The market for fixed wireless is also huge in the country. Over 4 million fixed wireless devices are expected to be sold in 2006 in India.
Arun Batra, Brightstar India country head, said, “Our corporation’s global leadership in the design, development and manufacturing of fixed wireless products coupled with our vast distribution infrastructure in India provide us with a unique vantage point to support this fast growing market.”
Batra added that Brightstar had invested in third party research and consultation from experts within India to ensure product development would meet the needs of the Indian consumers.
Brightstar will ship its first fixed wireless units into India in August. The company will support Indian consumers with fixed wireless devices that have been developed in conjunction with major manufacturers and also under its own “Avvio” brand specifically for India. Additionally, Brightstar intends to work with manufacturer partners in China and Korea to develop new fixed wireless handsets to meet the specific needs of the India market.
Brightstar has initially commercialized five models for India, both in GSM and CDMA technologies.
In 2001, Brightstar launched its fixed wireless division to meet the unfilled need of operators and consumers in certain markets who sought high quality fixed wireless phones. Brightstar created a division to design, develop, manufacture and sell handsets specific to these requirements. To date, the company has manufacturered and sold over 1.6 million fixed wireless handsets.
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About Brightstar
Brightstar Corp. is the largest wireless distributor and supply chain solutions provider in the world. Headquartered in Miami, FL, Brightstar has facilities in over 30 countries, serving customers on six continents. The company provides solutions to over 220 network operators and 25,000 MVNOs, resellers, retailers and agents around the world and also represents many of the world’s leading wireless manufacturers. In 2005, Brightstar exceeded $2.25 billion in revenue. For more information, visit http://www.brightstarcorp.com .