The subsidiary of Bulgaria’s Mobile Virtual Network Operator, Loop Mobile – Loop Telecom has announced to commence its GSM-based cellular services in Tamil Nadu and Orissa circles shortly.

Formerly known as BPL Mobile, the Loop Telecom, which is presently testing its services in Tamil Nadu and Orissa, will stretch its services to Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala by June.

The Loop Telecom has been awarded licences to operate in 21 circles and spectrum for 20 circles in India (Loop Telecom got licences to operate in 21 circles in January 2008). The company will invite a penalty from the Department of Telecom (DoT), if it fails to begin its services within 52 weeks of allocation of spectrum in a circle. It will be given grace period of 13 weeks, but will have to commence its services by July. The Loop Telecom will provide services under the Loop Mobile banner.

The Loop Telecom CEO, Sanjeev Chachondia stated that they are currently testing their services and products in Tamil Nadu and Orissa, and subsequently, they will roll out a wider range of network coverage and services for the customers.

The Loop Telecom is first of the new entrant telecom companies to start its operations in India. The other new entrant gearing up to launch their services include Videocon group’s Datacom Solutions, Swan Telecom of the Dynamix Balwas group, and S-Tel.