India's cellular subscriber base rose to 1.26 crore (12.6 million) in March 2003 reflecting an increase of 7.92 per cent over the previous month.

The monthly additions this time, at 931,000 is higher than 593,000 in February 2003, according to the latest figures released by the Cellular Operators Association of India.    

While relatively higher growth rates were recorded in cumulative heads in all the three circles -- A, B and C -- metros' contribution was modest at 3.38 per cent.

A relatively higher growth rate during the month was in Circle B and C at 10.69 per cent and 12.74 per cent respectively, the COAI statement said.

States such as Kerala, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal comprise Circle B, while Circle C includes Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa, Assam, North East and Andaman and Nicobar.

During the period in reference, the metros added 145,000 users (which is more than last month) while Circle A comprising of states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, added about 400,000.

The subscriber base in Delhi circle rose to 18.06 lakh (1.8 million) in March from 17.47 lakh (1.7 million) in February.