India's mobile subscriber base reaches a whopping 1.049 billion
According to the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the total mobile subscriber base in India has hit a record 1.049 billion for the month ending in April 2018. By adding 4.50 million subscribers during the month, Bharti Airtel continues to hold the top position. In absolute terms, Idea Cellular had the maximum number of subscriber additions in April. Here are finer details.
Expansion of connectivity and reach of 4G technology instrumental: COAI
"We are glad to see the constant growth of the subscribers' base and expansion of connectivity in the rural areas. With this increasing reach, people are also shifting to 4G technology," said Rajan S Mathews, Director General, COAI.
Airtel continues to lead; Idea bags most number of subscribers
Airtel, with a market share of 29.41%, continues to lead; its total subscribers reached 308.6 million in April. Vodafone came second with a 21.15% share representing a total subscriber base of 222.03 million. Notably, Idea with 5.55 million subscriber additions, brings its total subscribers to 216.76 million to hold the third position. Reliance Jio with a 17.77% market share holds the fourth spot.
Among individual circles, UP (East) tops the list
The COAI report for April also provides the number of mobile subscribers for individual circles within the country. UP (East) circle remained at the top with a total of 91.07 mn subscribers, followed by Maharashtra with a total of 84.26 mn mobile subscribers.
