IDEA captures 50 per cent of subscriber additions in Delhi

Company press release, April 21, 2003

New Delhi

After becoming the first cellular services provider in the country to sign on 100,000 subscribers in a period of 30 days, IDEA Cellular Delhi, India's premier cellular services provider continues its lead. Idea crossed MTNL's subscriber base within 2 months of launch. The company has acquired 50% of the total number of subscriber additions since its launch in November 2002. This is the first time that a fourth cellular player has created such an impact on the incumbent cellular operators. With this, Idea Cellular has become the market leader in four out of five circles of its operation viz. Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra (excluding Mumbai), Andhra Pradesh and Delhi.

Elated over the customer response received by Idea in Delhi, Mr. Himanshu Kapania, COO - Delhi circle, Idea Cellular Ltd. said," Our latest 3G compatible network coupled with our innovative value-added services and superior customer care have made us the capital's most preferred cellular services provider. We take this opportunity to thank all our valued customers and trade partners for extending their support and wish to re-iterate our commitment in delivering the best to them." Idea revolutionized Delhi's cellular market by launching a host of innovative products by being the first operator in Delhi to offer GPRS and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service). Idea was also recently awarded the Golden Peacock Innovative Product/ Service award for M-Coupons. However, Idea Delhi has not rested on its laurels. It has added 60 cell sites since launch, enhancing the coverage for its consumers. With a fresh investment of Rs 110 crores (over and above its initial project investment of Rs 500 crores), it plans to further enhance the coverage experience for the consumer.

With a 33% market share in its other four incumbent circles (viz Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra (excluding Mumbai), Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat), Idea has accounted for the highest share in subscriber additions among all the private cellular operators in the circles in which it operates. This, overall lead can be attributed to a series of focussed measures that the company has taken since its inception. The company has invested more than Rs.1300 Crores in building up a state-of-the-art network in all its circles during the last three years. In March 2003, Idea has also been ranked as the No.1 cellular operator for the second time consecutively in Madhya Pradesh circle by TRAI on "Quality of Service (QoS). With a subscriber base of nearly 1.3 million, Idea will be celebrating its first anniversary of the new brand on 1st May 2003.

About Idea Cellular

Idea Cellular Limited formerly Birla Tata AT&T Ltd. is India's premier and fastest growing cellular company, promoted by the country's largest business houses - the Aditya Birla Group and the Tata Group, and the world's largest telecom giant - AT&T Wireless, USA. The company has its footprints in the 7 circles of Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra (excluding Mumbai) and Delhi. Idea Cellular (Delhi) was recently awarded the 'Golden Peacock Innovative Product / Service Award ' from the Institute of Directors for M Coupons.

For further details, please contact:

Meghnad Mungale

Idea Cellular Ltd

meghnad.mungale@ideacellular.com