Gujarat has the highest number of cellular connections among states where the entire state comprises just one cellular circle. However, owing to a higher population, the state ranks third in teledensity among these states.
One of the biggest advantages that cellular subscribers enjoy in states where there is just one circle is that there are no roaming rates applicable within the state.
Gujarat has close to 39 lakh (3.9 million) cellular subscribers with over 30 lakh (3 million) GSM subscribers and over 800,000 CDMA cellular subscribers.
Cellular operators see this as a distinct advantage for subscribers, who tend to be far better connected when the whole state is apart of a circle.
Operators feel that there ought to be just one circle within a state.
Atul Joshi, chief operating officer, Bharti Cellular, Gujarat circle, said: "That is the way the licences were issued. The metropolitan cities were first given the licence and then second tier cities were given the licence. But in a state such as Gujarat, where the entire state is a circle, it definitely gives a clear advantage for cellular subscribers, as they pay lesser to remain connected within the state."
Joshi added that ideally, there ought to be just one circle within a state.
Subbaraman Iyer, head, Gujarat circle, of Idea Cellular, added, "It is definitely a huge advantage for subscribers, when the entire state comprises of just one circle, as the subscribers can talk more at less prices. However, the cellular licences were allotted on the fixed line model, and hence there are cases where people have to pay roaming charges within states too. But subscribers in a state such as Gujarat definitely have an advantage."
