As per the most recent data from TRAI - Telecom Regulatory Authority of India - mobile operators in India added an all-time high of 15.87 million subscribers in March, largely because of spreading out of mobile networks in smaller towns and rural areas. The record marks a step ahead of the February subscriber-addition figures of 13.82 million, and the January figures of 15.41 million.

While the total number of telephone connections increased to 429.72 million by March-end, in comparison to 413.85 million in February; the overall tele-density during the period went up to 36.98 as against 35.65.

During the year-long period that ended in March, the mobile subscriber base, inclusive of GSM, CDMA and WLL (F), swelled by 50 percent - that is, in excess of 130 million - to reach 391.8 million!

Meanwhile, the March subscriber base in the wireline segment rose by 230,000 - to reach 37.96 million from the February figures of 37.73 million; and the total broadband subscribers' base increased to 6.22 million from 5.85 million.

The astounding March figures reveal that, without doubt, India - the second-largest wireless services market, behind the 600 million users-strong China - is the fastest-growing wireless market in the world!