According to Telecommunications Minister Dayanidhi Maran, India will overtake the U.S. and assume the second position in subscriber terms in 20 months. Currently, China leads the world with 450 million subscribers, U.S. 235 million, Russia 154 million, and India with 148 million. Maran says that India will cross Russia by end of the month with 160 million subscribers and boast 500 million subscribers by 2010.

Despite such growth, India's tele-density numbers (mobile users per 100 people) is still dismal. China will have 35% mobile tele-density, the U.S. 79%, Russia 112%, and India will have only 15%. Which means that should the economy continue to grow at current levels, the upside potential in telecommunications is greatest in India.