Aircel posts august growth

NEW DELHI, INDIA: Aircel Cellular Limited, which operates in nine circles in the country, has registered a faster growth compared to other telecom players present in more circles.

According to the figures released by the Cellular Operators Association of India for the month of August, Aircel has recorded a growth of 6.4 per cent compared to July.

Aircel has surpassed telecom majors Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Essar, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Idea Cellular in terms of growth in August.

Bharti recorded a growth 4.58 per cent, Vodafone Essar at 5.17 per cent and Idea at 5.1 per cent. Aircel holds a market share of 5.16 per cent, operating only in nine circles.

Industry experts say that the operator is witnessing major growth from rural locations. Aircel is present only in one metro, two A circles and six C circles.

Indian GSM industry added 5.95 million customers in August, taking their user base to 147.7 million in the world's fastest-growing cellular market.

Bharti Airtel maintained its top market position with 31.7 per cent market share, followed by Vodafone Essar 23.1 per cent and BSNL with 20.11 per cent.

Bharti Airtel added 2.1 million customers in August, taking its user base to 46.8 million, with Vodafone Essar adding 1.7 million users taking its subscriber base of 34.1 million.

State-owned BSNL added 0.72 million users in August, taking its user base to 29.7 million. Idea Cellular gained 0.86 million subscribers in August, lifting its user base to 17.9 million.

Aircel added 0.45 million taking the user base to 7.62 million.