MTS, the CDMA mobile telephony brand of Sistema-Shyam Teleservices (SSTL), which launched its services in the country from Tamil Nadu and Kerala circles earlier this year, is eyeing to become a pan-India operator by extending its coverage by next year.
The company, a joint venture between Sistema of Russia and Shyam Group of India, currently has operations in six telecom circles -- Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Bihar and Kolkata.
MTS would make its entry in more circles over the next few months, Sistema Shyam Teleservices Ltd Chief Operating Officer (TN and Kerala) Srinivasa Rao Saripalli told PTI here today.
It planned to unveil its services in Mumbai, Delhi, Maharashtra and Karnataka circles over the next few months while remaining circles would be covered in a phased manner.
With the expansion, the company hopes to achieve a 'significant' subscriber base. "After the pan-India operation, our subscriber base should be significant," he said.
Declining to divulge financial details for the expansion plans, he said the company had invested Rs 800 crore for its operations in Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
"Of this Rs 800 crore, close to Rs 400 crore would be utilised to cover more areas in the two states and also to set up infrastructre," he explained.
Saripalli said the company had aggressive growth plans and would soon launch it's wireless internet services, mobile cards and various value-added services.
As part of promoting its brand, the company had alloted a 'substantial' amount, he added but declined to spell out exact figures.
On GSM mobile technology, he said people prefer GSM because of it's 'legacy'. CDMA is the latest technology and mobile connections' growth is dependent on it, he claimed.