Upwardly mobile

The telecom industry is booming and so is the mobile applications industry. There's been a spurt in hiring over the last 18 months and this is expected to go up. "As companies set up new verticals to focus on areas like IP (Internet Protocol) TV, video streaming, audio streaming and television by broadband, there's a spurt in hiring in the mobile value-added services (VAS)," says Hitesh Oberoi, coo, Naukri.com.

Most in demand are skilled software engineers who understand networks and handset standards. "We expect to see an increase of 13-14 per cent this calendar year," says E. Balaji, coo, Ma Foi. While these jobs are being created across the board, there is an increased demand at the senior level for techies who are conversant with these telecom technologies.

Fact box

Who's hiring: Mobile application companies like OnMobile, Mobile2win, and a host of smaller players who cater to the telecom industry.

Who're they hiring: Skilled software engineers who understand networks and handset standards.

At what levels: Across all levels-the demand is the highest for skilled techies with an experience of over 3 years. Team leaders and senior-level engineers are also in demand.

At what salaries: Salaries depend on the exposure to value-added services (VAS). Rs 6-7 lakh p.a. for a techie with 3+ years of experience level; Rs 10 lakh p.a. for team leaders; and Rs 25 lakh p.a. at the senior level.

What are the numbers like: According to an industry estimate, India will need approximately 1,000 professionals specialising in VAS over the next two years.