India to Hit 500 Million Mobile Subscribers by 2012

India is expected to pass the 500-million mobile subscribers mark by 2012 as the network operators continue to push into the rural market, a trade association has said.

"Over 380 million people in the country now own mobile phones, which is a significant opportunity for operators. The number of mobile subscribers in India will touch 500 million by 2012, with growth in rural markets," Mobile Marketing Association (MMA) Managing Director - Asia Pacific, Rohit Dadwal told The Economic Times.

By comparison, China is expected to reach one billion mobile phone subscribers around 2013, just one year after India hits the 500 million mark.

On the web: The Economic Times

Posted to the site on 5th May 2009