Norwegian telecommunications firm Telenor on Thursday announced its first break even in India in East Uttar Pradesh, and also expressed hope that it would be able to break even in its core six circles by the end of 2013.

In its Uttar Pradesh (East) circle, Telenor operations achieved 18 paise per minute cost structure, which is in line with its rival operators.

Announcing the company's first break even, Telenor Group president & chief executive Jon-Fredrik Baksaas said, "We expect to break even in 2013... We've had a bumpy ride but we are very satisfied with our performance now."

Baksaas added that Telenor would remain a key challenger in the market place by continuing to be on low side of tariffs. He further said that the low tariff environment in Indian telecommunications sector wasn't over yet.

Telenor, whaich serves as many as 30 million subscribers, has secured fresh spectrum in the recently held auction in six circles. It is now busy in the replenishment of its operations.

The Indian arm of the Norwegian mobile phone operator had lost all of its 13 licenses after the Supreme Court of India annulled all the 122 licences that had been awarded by former telecom minister A Raja.