Date:13/12/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/12/13/stories/2003121304470401.htm

Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad

`BSNL biggest cellular provider in State'

Hyderabad: Dec.12. The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has become the largest cellular provider in Andhra Pradesh by the end of November with over five lakh subscribers, according to data released by the Cellular Operators Association of India.

With 5,12,483 subscribers as on November 30, BSNL is the first cellular provider to have crossed the five-lakh number in the State. Speaking to The Hindu after launching their "e-Services" here on Friday, the BSNL Chief General Manager, Sanjaya Kumar, said as of December 11, BSNL had crossed 5.3 lakh cellular subscriber mark. Of these, 1.58 lakhs were on their post paid `CellOne' scheme and the rest were on the pre-paid `Excel.'