Idea Cellular Expands GSM Coverage to Two More Indian States

India's Idea Cellular has expanded its GSM network to include Bihar and Jharkhand states - making it the fifth operator in the two states after Reliance (which has both CDMA and GSM mobile service), BSNL, AirTel, and Aircel.

"Our service will be available from tomorrow (October 1) in Bihar and Jharkhand. We are making a very serious attempt to broaden our customer base through wide and rapid expansion of our network in both states," said Ambarish P Jain, director for Idea's north-east region operations.

In the first phase of the network launch, Idea plans to cover 150,000 people in 2,500 towns and villages in the two states through its 880 towers. The coverage should be expanded to 600,000 people in 16,500 towns and villages through increased 3,000 mobile towers by the end of the year.

Idea is now offering services in 15 of the country's 22 circles. The company recently secured a US$100 million loan from the IFC to fund a rural network in Bihar state. The company is also expected to launch services in Tamil Nadu later this year.

Figures from the Mobile World subscriber tracker note that Idea Cellular ended the first half of this year with just under 27.2 million customers - representing a market share of 0.6% on a national basis.

On the web: Mobile World - Idea Cellular

Posted to the site on 30th September 2008