Dun & Bradstreet India is pleased to present to you a report titled the ‘Indian Telecom Industry’ under the ‘D&B Sectoral Round Table Conferences’ series. The publication provides an overview on the current trends and future prospects of the Indian telecom industry.

India has emerged as one of the fastest growing economies in the world after having recorded an annual average growth rate of 8% during the last 4 years. The proactive policies of the Indian government and an active private sector participation have together helped the telecom industry achieve unprecedented growth over the last decade. The sector has seen unbridled competition and this has reflected in the growth of subscriber numbers. The sector crossed the 500-mn-subscribers-mark to reach 509.03 mn in September 2009 from around 18.68 mn during FY98. The fact that this milestone has been covered at a time when the country was reeling under an economic slowdown is truly commendable.

Telecommunications, which is a critical aspect of infrastructure, acts as a catalyst for economic growth as well as social development of a nation. The recent convergence of voice and data transmission has helped overcome the technological barriers arising out of distance, topography and remoteness. Going forward, the advent of next generation technologies is expected to increase telecom penetration even further, and bridge the digital divide between the rural and urban population.

The publication ‘Indian Telecom Industry’ is an endeavor to highlight the current status as well as the issues and challenges that exist in the telecom industry. I hope you enjoy reading this publication and look forward to receiving your suggestions.

Dr Manoj Vaish
President & CEO - India
Dun & Bradstreet