Idea Cellular, the pan India mobile operator, has crossed the landmark of one crore mobile subscribers in Maharashtra and Goa circle. Idea cellular, the first company to introduce mobile services in Maharashtra and Goa circle, started its operations in the year 1996 and achieved this remarkable feat in a span of 14 years. Idea Cellular boasts of extensive distribution with 380 exclusive showroom, and more than 80,000 multi-branded outlets and robust network comprising of 6,894 cell sites that provides non stop connectivity across Maharashtra & Goa. Idea cellular has the highest penetration of mobile network covering more than 82 percent of the population. Idea Cellular enjoys the top position among all mobile operators in the circle and crossed the landmark of one crore subscribers with addition of more than 2.4 lakh customers in June 2010.

Speaking on this occasion , Mr. P. Laxminarayana, Chief Operating Officer – Maharashtra & Goa, IDEA Cellular said, “Ever since the beginning, IDEA Cellular has been dedicated to the growth of telephony in this region. We have constantly strived to cater to the growing communication needs of the people of this state, and are proud to be the first mobile operator to reach the 1 Crore mark. This successful journey is a result of the strong faith expressed by our 1 crore customers, and our dedicated efforts to reach out to establish mobile connectivity in the remotest corners of the state”.

Idea’s strong growth in the Indian telephony market comes from its deep penetration in the non-urban and rural markets. The company has the highest share of rural subscribers as a percentage of total subscribers, amongst other GSM players. In fact, two out of every three new subscribers now come from non-urban markets.

In Maharashtra as well, Idea has strongly focused on penetrating deeper into the rural markets through various initiatives such as being part of Nokia Life Tools program; and the more recent ones being participation in Agri fairs like ‘Swabhimani krishi Mahotsav’ in Jaisinghpur, and ‘Grameenon Ke Beech’ – a series of fairs in small towns and villages across Maharashtra with 10,000 to 20,000 populace. Besides, the company has also been continuously reaching out to remote areas with vans fully equipped for subscriber activations.

Always innovating, Idea has constantly delighted consumers with products and services that offer more value and are affordable. The most recent offerings are – ‘Full Talktime’ Recharge which offers 100% value for all recharges in a month; and ‘Talktime Share’, a first-of-its kind in the country, which enables Idea subscribers to transfer talktime to their friends and family members.

In the next phase of growth, the company plans to offer high end data services through an enriched VAS portfolio for urban consumers, and basic mobility services and Marathi VAS content for the rural audience.