GSM operators reported combined subscriber net-adds of 7.7 MM in September versus 6.7 MM in August; we have assumed that RCOM’s GSM net-adds in September were the same (376,000) as in Aug. The GSM Mobile subscriber base stood at 233.67 mn at the end of Sept-2008.
Bharti Airtel: 2.7 mn net adds, more than 35% share of net adds and ~57% net adds from category B&C service areas. Airtel is the biggest gainer of wireless net adds share.
Idea Cellular: At 1.1 mn, IDEA’s net adds have remained stagnant for the last seven months. Importantly, in its first full month of operations in Mumbai, IDEA cornered more than 20% share of net adds; in line with the management’s target.
Vodafone India: Having added two new service areas to its coverage footprint, Vodafone posted a record high of 1.9 mn net adds in Sep-08; market share now stands at 23.4%.
BSNL added 677,000 subscribers while Aircel added 752,000 growing at a rate of 18% and 15.4% MoM respectively.
