NEW DELHI: Vodafone India has invested over Rs 1050 crore on ramping its network and distribution and retail presence in Maharashtra and Goa circle over the past 12 months (April 2014-March 2015) in line with its policy of ‘Customer First’ approach.

According to an announcement made in Pune today, Vodafone has been focusing on closer engagement and enhancing customer experience in an endeavour to be future ready, claiming to be one of the preferred mobile services providers in terms of subscriber base, revenue, market share and retail touch points.

Pursuing an accelerated growth strategy since April 2014, Vodafone has expanded its network footprint by adding over 3000 new 3G and 2G sites across Maharashtra in the last financial year. During this period, Vodafone also increased its exclusive retail footprint by rolling out 17 Vodafone Stores and 200 Vodafone Mini Stores.

Vodafone India business head – Maharashtra and Goa Ashish Chandra said, “Gaining the trust of our customers and winning the distinction of being one of the most preferred mobile services provider in Maharashtra and Goa circle is not incidental. We have won the hearts of our customers by pursuing a continued and consistent customer centric strategy to bring the best connectivity solutions to our valued customers. It is their trust and support that has enabled us to further strengthen our position in Maharashtra and Goa across key parameters – Network, Subscriber base, Retail footprint and Revenue Market Share. We remain committed to continue investing in bringing the best in class, innovative, relevant products and services to win customer delight in the years to come.”

Having set up one of the largest networks in the circle, Vodafone claims to have has 5000+ 3G sites in Maharashtra and Goa. Specifically to spread awareness and increase adoption of mobile internet, Vodafone has been hand holding customers through on ground engagement and education initiatives. 3G has shown tremendous uptake and has been growing at 100 per cent YoY. Overall data contribution to circle service revenues is 18 per cent.

Presently, Vodafone has more than 900 retail outlets (largest and exclusive) in Maharashtra and Goa. Over the past 12 months, Vodafone has launched 22 Global Design Stores in Maharashtra and Goa.

Vodafone M-Pesa, which was launched in October 2013 in Maharashtra and Goa, currently has 7115 + agents in these states, and a customer base of over 2.96 lakh.