GSM Operators in India added a record number of mobile subscribers in October-2008. According to data released by COAI, they added 7.3mn. If we assume RCom’s GSM net adds were the same as last month then the addition will be around ~8 mn subscribers. The GSM subscriber base in India is a whopping 241 mn. [Excludes RCom GSM]
Bharti Airtel continues to lead the GSM pack with record number of additions. The company added 2.7 mn subscribers in Oct-2008. Airtel now has a GSM market share of 33.2% with 80 mn subscribers.
Vodafone India achieved a new milestone by adding its highest subscribers in a single month – 2.1mn. Vodafone has a 23.5% GSM marketshare with 56.7 mn subscribers. Vodafone launched its services in MP and Bihar, thus extending its services in 20 out of 22 circles. It captured 14% and 18% of net adds in Orissa and Assam, where it launched its services in August and September, respectively.
Idea Cellular also achieved a new milestone by adding highet subscribers ina single month – 1.2mn. Idea has 31.5 mn subscribers [excludes Spice subscribers of 3.6 mn] and is closing the gap with state owned BSNL which has almost stagnated its growth and has a subscriber base of 39 mn. Idea launched services in Bihar.
Aircel added 781,000 subscribers ans now has a subscriber base of 14.6 mn.