New entrant S Tel in which Batelco has a stake launched its GSM-based mobile services in Orissa circle.

“By the end of 2010, we are aiming to cover all urban towns in Orissa and 60 per cent of the state''s rural population. We are going to share the passive infrastructure in 900 telecom towers with the other cellular operators in the state”, said P Swaminathan, director, S Tel.

The company is aiming for one million subscriber base in Orissa by the end of 2010. Orisa has a mobile penetration of 26%.

Sanjib Swain, chief operating officer of S Tel's Orissa circle said, “From the day of launch, S Tel's services will be available in 11 towns of Orissa including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Berhampur, Chhatrapur, Pipili, Jatani, Khurda, Aska and Nimapada. Beyond this, we will also be present in over 3000 villages of the state.”

The company is offering one paisa per second plan and 49 paise per minute plan for prospective subscribers.