India GSM operators’ subscriber base increased by 3.5 mn subscribers in Apr-13, according to data released by COAI. The Mar-13 subscriber additions were primarily driven by Vodafone and Idea, while Bharti also reported a meaningful increase in subscriber base. The India GSM subscriber base is now 664.5 mn, down from the peak of 680.1 mn in Jul-12.
Vodafone, Idea and Bharti Airtel accounted for 94% of total subscriber additions, while all other players (except MTNL) saw nominal increase (in) or flat subscriber base. Notably, these three operators (Bharti, Vodafone and Idea) constitute 70% of total GSM subscribers’. This points to ongoing consolidation in the sector.
Uninor and Videocon subscriber base increased by 0.2 mn and 0.1 mn, respectively. MTNL’s subscriber base decreased by 0.1 mn. BSNL, & Loop Mobile reported flat sub base M/M.
From a circle-wise perspective, Bihar grew the sharpest (1.7% MoM) followed by Orissa (1.6% MoM) and Jammu and Kashmir (1.5%
MoM). Delhi (down 0.2% MoM), Himachal Pradesh (down 0.7% MoM) and UP West (down 0.1% MoM) are the only three circles which registered a decline in net subscribers.