Idea Cellular extended its presence to 20 circles in the country with the launch of services in Kolkata and West Bengal.

Idea plans to gradually scale its cell sites in the region from 1,150 to 2,800 eventually covering over 8,200 towns and villages by the end of the fiscal. The launch phase covers 8 major districts, namely Hooghly, Burdwan, Murshidabad, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Nadia, Bankura and Purulia, to be expanded to cover 22 districts of West Bengal & Sikkim, before the end of current financial year.

Speaking at the launch, Mr. Ambrish Jain, Director - Operations, IDEA Cellular Ltd. said, "The launch of our services in Kolkata & West Bengal marks near completion of our mission to become a pan-India operator by 2010. IDEA is the fastest growing mobile operator in India, and I am confident that our high quality network and services will enhance mobile experience for subscribers in the 'City of Joy', and the rest of the state." 

WB including Kolkata has a population of 97 million with WB having 24% mobile penetration rate and Kolkata having 73 %.

Idea plans to launch its services in the remaining circles of Assam and North East soon.