GSM operators in September added 6.52 million new subscribers in September 2011, against compared 5.33 million in the previous month.
According to data released by the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the GSM subscriber base stood at 618.28 million at the end of September 2011.
“The reverse in September 2011 is mainly due to the subscriber additions in states like Kerala, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh (East and West), West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and North East, where operators like Uninor and Idea Cellular are adding a substantial number of users,? said Rajan S. Mathews, director general, COAI.
In September, Bharti Airtel added 0.94 million users, taking its total subscriber base to 172.78 million. It had 27.95 per cent market share in end-September.
Vodafone Essar, with a 23.45 per cent market share, garnered 0.85 million new subscribers during the month. Its subscriber base reached 144.99 million in September 2011.
Idea Cellular added 1.74 million users during the month to take its total user base to 100.18 million, while Aircel added 0.60 million customers to take its subscriber base to 59.79 million.
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) added 0.45 million and 0.03 million new users, respectively, taking their subscriber base to 91.07 million and 5.33 million, respectively.
