Norwegian telco Telenor may ring India

Norwegian telecom group Telenor today said it is looking to enhance its presence in Asia which could include a possible entry into India's growing mobile market.

"We have been present in Asia for more than a decade. As a long-term player, we have all ambitions of developing and increasing our presence in this region," Telenor Asia (ROH) communications director Esben Tuman told PTI. "As part of this, we naturally discuss and consider different opportunities."

Asked if the company has started talks in this regard with any firm here, Tuman said, "We do not, as a principle, comment on rumours and speculations. In general, however, it is part of our strategy and the way we work to constantly keep our eyes and ears open."

A team from Telenor was recently in India to assess such possibilities, sources said. The company has mobile operations in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand and Malaysia.

Recent media reports have linked Telenor to BPL group company Loop Telecom which has a pan-India GSM license.

Analysts said India is the world's second largest and the fastest growing wireless market which could not be overlooked by any global player with an Asian presence.

With revenues drying up from mature markets, India's 297 million wireless subscriber base offers tremendous scope for growth.

Telenor, the world's seventh largest telecom company, will be among the first European entrants to enter Indian telecom sector.

The company added 30 million new subscribers last year and has a subscriber base of 143 million.

With a host of new telecom players looking for global tie-ups with companies like Telenor and others for funds as well as technical know-how, India offers an ideal investment destination, said an industry player.