According to the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the rural subscriber base in the country increased by 0.50 per cent from 271.21 million in August 2013 to 272.66 million in September 2013. Service providers added 1.45 million new rural subscribers in the period under review.
As per the industry association, Bharti Airtel had the maximum number of rural subscribers – 86.81 million-in September 2013. However, for the period under review Idea Cellular added the maximum number of subscribers – 1.45 million.
Further, circle-wise, the Uttar Pradesh (East) service area had the maximum number of rural subscribers – 28.01 million-in September 2013. State-wise, Karnataka witnessed the maximum addition of rural subscribers – 413,279 -in September 2013.
