How Many Internet Subscribers Does India Have Now?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's internet subscribers reached 969.10 million in FY25.
- Broadband subscribers increased to 944.12 million.
- Narrowband subscribers declined to 24.98 million.
- ARPU for wireless services rose to Rs 174.46.
- Overall telephone subscriptions grew to 1,200.80 million.
New Delhi, July 8 (NationPress) The total number of internet subscribers in India saw an increase from 954.40 million at the conclusion of March 2024 to 969.10 million as of March this year, reflecting an annual growth rate of 1.54 percent, according to data from TRAI released on Tuesday.
Of the 969.10 million internet subscribers, there were 944.12 million broadband subscribers and 24.98 million narrowband subscribers at the end of March 2025, as indicated by a statement from the Ministry of Communications.
The number of broadband subscribers rose from 924.07 million at the end of March 2024 to 944.12 million at the end of March this year, showcasing a yearly growth rate of 2.17 percent.
Conversely, the number of narrowband subscribers fell from 30.34 million at the end of March 2024 to 24.98 million at the end of March 2025, marking a yearly decline of 17.66 percent.
The average revenue per user (ARPU) per month for wireless services increased from Rs 149.25 in 2023-24 to Rs 174.46 in 2024-25, indicating a yearly growth of 16.89 percent.
Specifically, ARPU for prepaid services climbed from Rs 146.37 in 2023-24 to Rs 173.84 in 2024-25. In contrast, ARPU for postpaid services saw a decrease from Rs 184.63 to Rs 180.86 during the same timeframe, as reported by TRAI.
The Average Minutes of Usage (MOUs) per subscriber per month increased from 963 in 2023-24 to 1,000 in 2024-25, reflecting a yearly growth rate of 3.91 percent.
Additionally, the total number of telephone subscribers in India grew from 1,199.28 million to 1,200.80 million in FY25, indicating a yearly growth rate of 0.13 percent.
Telephone subscriptions in urban areas increased from 665.38 million to 666.11 million, while rural telephone subscriptions rose from 533.90 million to 534.69 million.
Spectrum Usage Charges (SUC) surged by 13.02 percent, climbing from Rs 3,369 crore in 2023-24 to Rs 3,807 crore in 2024-25. Similarly, the license fee increased by 12.02 percent, from Rs 21,642 crore to Rs 24,242 crore over the same period.