The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) figures say that the number of telephone subscribers in India increased to 885.99 million at the end of June 2011, from 874.68 million at the end of May, 2011, with a growth rate of 1.29 per cent.
But the share of urban subscribers in this is 66.36 per cent while the rural subscribers are just 33.64 per cent.
Deora also disclosed that as of August 31, 2011, about 5,79,486 villages have been provided with telephone connectivity through village telephones (VPTs).
The government has introduced a mobile infrastructure scheme that has been launched by Universal Service Obligation Fund (USO Fund).
Under the scheme the government provides subsidy for setting up and managing 7,353 infrastructure sites/towers (revised from 7,871) in 500 districts, spread over 27 states.
