Indian telecom sector is expanding its base despite tight economic conditions and global slowdown. Country witnessed record increase in GSM subscriber in October. It has now become the fastest growing mobile market of the world, where telecom companies are offering services at quite low rates.

Global System for Mobile communications (GSM)-based networks added 3.3 per cent more users in October. The country has a total 241.4 million users in October as compared to 233.7 million users in September, as per the data of nine telecom companies maintained by Cellular Operators’ Association of India.

Reliance Communications Ltd (RCom), which offers services through CDMA technology had 56.1 million total wireless users at end-September besides some GSM users.

Telecom companies also released separate data of GSM users. Total customer base of Bharti Airtel Ltd increased to 80.2 million by adding 2.72 million new users in October. Vodafone added 2.1 million users and maintains customer base of 56.7 million. Public sector operator, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd added 669,551 new users and increased total customer base to 31.6 million. Idea Cellular Ltd also added 1.2 million users in October to expand its customer base to 31.6 million.