TDP cheap plans attract 30,000 users

Budget fixed line plans introduced by Peru's largest fixed line operator Telefonica del Peru (NYSE: TDP) in March are responsible for the bulk of new subscribers in the first four months of the year, local daily Gestion reported. TDP's fixed line clientele grew by almost 29,600 in the year to May 12, chief telecoms regulator Edwin San Roman was quoted as saying. TDP ended 2002 with 1.81 million lines in service, growing to 1.83 million at the end of the first quarter. Most new users opted for a 40-sol (US$11.5) monthly plan with 60 free minutes, but regulatory agency Osiptel expects the company to have yet more success with a recently announced alternative 40-sol plan billed by the second. Furthermore, the government plans to advise TDP of special zones where it should offer a 25-sol plan. Meanwhile competition is set to increase when BellSouth Peru launches a fixed wireless service in the next few days, said BellSouth country manager Juan Saca. BellSouth has already signed up 6,500 users, and is applying for licenses to increase coverage to provincial areas.