Idea Cellular Expands its Indian GSM Network

­India's Idea Cellular has launched its GSM mobile services in Kolkata Metro and Rest of West Bengal, to become a pan-India player with 98% coverage of the telephony potential of the country.

The under-penetrated region of West Bengal with mobile penetration of just 24%, in contrast to the highly competitive market of Kolkata Metro with a high mobile tele-density of 73%, has been identified as a strategic market by Idea Cellular.

Idea's initial network of 1,150 cell sites will progressively grow to a network of over 2,800 cell sites to cover more than 8,200 towns & villages, by end of March 2010. Idea's EDGE enabled network will cover 8 major districts, namely Hooghly, Burdwan, Murshidabad, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Bankura and Purulia, during the launch phase, and will be expanded to cover 22 districts of West Bengal & Sikkim, before the end of current financial year. With the launch in Kolkata, Idea has now covered all the metros in the country.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Ambrish Jain, Director - Operations, Idea Cellular said, "The launch of our services in Kolkata & West Bengal marks near completion of our mission to become a pan-India operator by 2010. Idea is the fastest growing mobile operator in India, and I am confident that our high quality network and services will enhance mobile experience for subscribers in the 'City of Joy', and the rest of the state."

Idea will establish several customer service centres and retail network. This service network will comprise of over 29,000 retail outlets and 156 showrooms in the state, by March 2010.

Idea Cellular has a subscriber base of over 51 million across the country. The company has recently launched services in Jammu & Kashmir and will soon launch operations in Assam & North East, to make its presence felt in all 22 telecom circles in the country.

Posted to the site on 27th October 2009