2.93 GSM subscribers added in March 2006

New Delhi, May 8 (UNI) With a record addition of 2.93 million in April 2006, the GSM mobile subscriber base crossed the 70 million mark.

The subscriber base grew from 69.2 million as on March 2006 to 72.12 million as on April 2006 - recording an addition of 2.93 million during the month, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) said.

Among all circles, Category C circles continued to witness the highest rate of growth at 7.2 per cent, followed by Category A circles at 4.6 per cent and Category B circles at 4.5 per cent.

Within the Category C circles, the highest growth was recorded by the North east Circle (14.3 per cent) and Assam Circle (13.8 per cent).

In A category circles, Gujarat circle lead the growth at 5.9 per cent followed by Tamil Nadu at 5.6 per cent.

Amongst the Category B circles, West Bengal&A&N recorded highest growth at 8.8 per cent, followed by U.P. (W) at 5.4 per cent.

In the metros, Mumbai lead the growth at 4 per cent followed by Kolkata, which witnessed a rise of 3.1 per cent.

UNI RT RA GC1921