According to a new study, 71 million subscribers use Multiple SIM cards across India. The survey by Nielsen, leading global provider of information and insights into what consumers watch and buy, reveals that among 14 percent of Multi SIM card users who plan to buy new handset, 75 percent intend to choose dual SIM card handset.

The study said that Nokia leads the pack with 30 percent market share while Samsung is distant second with 16 percent. In fact, the popularity of dual SIM handsets is set to surge as among 14 percent of Multi SIM card users who plan to purchase new handset, 75 percent intend to choose dual SIM handset.    

The study revealed that smaller operators have relatively higher share among Multi SIM card users. While Uninor has just percent market share among mobile users, it goes up to percent when it comes to Multi SIM user share. Similarly, Aircel’s share too goes up notch in the Multi SIM card usage space. 

It revealed that overall, 13 percent of unique active mobile subscribers use Multiple SIM cards. The reach peaks in towns with population of five to ten lakh, where 21 percent of the populace use multi SIMs. The corresponding figure in town class with 40 lakh plus population is just 11 percent.

According to study, while several users chose to physically switch SIM cards in their phones, Dual SIM card handsets are gaining popularity. The Nielsen study has found that 61 percent of handsets used by multi-SIM owners are dual SIM.

On taking closer look at the demographics, Nielsen has found that Multiple SIM card users tend to be younger largely students, newly employed and working professionals.   

Typical user has two SIM cards, but from different operators. What is interesting here is that users prefer to keep both SIM cards as prepaid to have better control on costs as well as to capitalize on monthly deals offered by operators.