Indian telco dangles free pepper spray, self-defense classes

Indian CDMA mobile operator MTS has launched a range of initiatives targeting women consumers, which will revolve around safety amid rising incidents of crime against them.
Among the benefits include free pepper spray for women buying a new prepaid connection, according to the company in a press release Wednesday.

The telco has also introduced a "MTS women MPowered Plan" which will offer free self-defense classes to female customers from a newly set up "Vigilance Team". A service will also be available for women to call in to find out more about safety tips and their rights.

The plan will also allow calls even with negative balance and offer special rates for SMS and voice, said MTS.
"With the incidents of crime on the rise especially against women, the challenge is to come up with innovations to create a safer environment," said Leonid Musatov, chief marketing and sales officer at MTS India.
He added the initiatives was part of the telco doing its bit for International Women's Day to empower female customers. The features will roll out in Delhi first and then other circles over the next few months.

MTS is run by Sistema Shyam TeleServices, a venture between Russia's Sistema and the Shyam Group of India.

According to the Hindu Business Line, Vodafone India will be opening its 16th "Angel Store" in Kerala state on March 8, commemorating International Women's Day. The Angel Store is a retail concept store entirely managed and run by women staff.
Bharti Airtel also offers a call manager service for customers to block stalkers and an emergency alert service, noted the news agency.