NEW DELHI: The demand for mobile handsets in the country was 180 million in 2011 as against 150 million the previous year, signifying a growth of 20 per cent.

In value terms, this stands at Rs 382 billion in 2011 as compared to Rs 345 billion in 2010, a growth of 11 per cent, Minister of State for Communications and Information Technology Milind Deora told Rajya Sabha today.

Indian Cellular Association (ICA) estimates say the demand will reach 200 million in volume term at a rate of growth of 11 per cent in the year 2012, while in value terms it will stand at Rs 430 billion, a growth of 13 per cent.

The demand of mobile handsets in 2009 had been 130 million at a value of Rs 301 billion.

The projected growth is 225 million, or Rs 482 billion in value, in 2013. This is expected to climb to 250 million in 2014, or Rs 540 billion in value.