Where Is The Telecom Growth Coming From?
The telecom companies have the otherwise underdeveloped states of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh to thank for their growth in subscriber base.
Bihar registered the maximum increase in annual telecom subscribers, registering a growth of 88.2% in the previous fiscal as compared to 51.1% in FY 2006-07, according to an Assocham Eco Pulse (AEP) state-wise analysis of mobile subscription. The total number of mobile phones in Bihar increased from 57,73,370 in 2006-07 to 108,69,459 in 2007-08
A region-wise analysis showed that Central India registered maximum growth of 84.5% in mobile subscription followed by the east with 75.3%, North East with 70.7%, south with 56.4%, west at 55.9% and north at 52.7% - a clear indication that, following the trend set by the Internet, the next phase of telecom growth is being driven by sub-urban places like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa. [Via]