(Rephrasing para 1)

New Delhi, June 8 (UNI) The GSM subscriber base has increased by over five million connections to 130.6 million in May from 125.57 million in the previous month, registering a 4.02 per cent growth.

''The growth of GSM subscribers is being driven primarily by aggressive network expansions by the operators coupled with decreasing tariffs and increasing affordability,'' Cellular Operator Association of India (COAI) Director General T V Ramachandran said.

Among all circles, Category B witnessed the highest increase at 4.40 per cent. Within the category, the highest growth was recorded by the Rajasthan Circle (6.22 per cent) followed by Madhya Pradesh Circle (5.30 per cent).

Category C circle closely follows with a 4.21 per cent rise over the previous month. The North East Circle recorded the maximum increase in this region at 6.68 per cent followed by Bihar at 4.37 per cent.

Category A circle witnessed a jump of 4.05 per cent. In this category, Andhra Pradesh registered the maximum increase of 4.09 per cent followed by Maharasthtra at 4.07 per cent.

The Metro subscribers grew by 3.04 per cent over the previous month. Delhi ranked first at 3.93 per cent followed by Chennai at 3.59 per cent.

UNI