Have India's internet subscribers really crossed 1 billion?
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Synopsis
India's internet subscriber base has officially surpassed 1 billion, marking a significant milestone. With robust growth in broadband and a steady increase in both urban and rural users, this development showcases the ever-expanding digital landscape of the country. Discover the latest statistics and trends that are shaping India's internet journey.
Key Takeaways
- India's internet subscriber count exceeded 1 billion.
- 3.48% quarterly growth driven by broadband.
- Urban subscribers: 57.94 crore; rural: 42.33 crore.
- Tele-density increased to 86.09%.
- Wireless ARPU stands at Rs 186.62.
New Delhi, Sep 4 (NationPress) India's internet subscribers have officially crossed the 1 billion mark, reaching 1,002.85 million by June 30, 2025, which is a remarkable increase of 3.48 percent since March, fueled by a surge in broadband usage, according to government statistics.
A report issued by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) reveals that out of these over 100 crore subscribers, approximately 4.47 crore are connected via wired internet, while a significant 95.81 crore utilize wireless services.
The number of broadband subscribers rose by 3.77 percent to 979.71 million, contrasting with a decline in narrowband users, which stood at 23.14 million. Overall telephone subscribers reached 1,218.36 million in the March-June 2025 quarter, reflecting a 1.46 percent growth compared to the previous quarter.
This growth boosted the national tele-density to 86.09 percent, an increase from 85.04 percent in the preceding quarter, as per the official announcement.
Demographically, urban internet users total around 57.94 crore, while rural internet subscribers are close behind at 42.33 crore.
The report also highlights that the monthly Average Revenue per User (ARPU) for wireless services is Rs 186.62, with an average Minutes of Usage (MOU) per wireless subscriber of 16.76 hours each month.
Despite a 1.63 percent decline in the telecom sector's gross revenue, which reached Rs. 96,646 crore, there is a notable year-on-year increase of 12.34 percent. Adjusted gross revenue stood at Rs. 81,325 crore, reflecting a 2.65 percent rise from the last quarter, with access services contributing 83.62 percent of this revenue.
Additionally, license fees increased by 2.63 percent to Rs 6,506 crore, while pass-through charges saw a significant drop of 19.45 percent, amounting to Rs 10,457 crore, as reported.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has granted permission for around 912 private satellite TV channels for uplinking, downlinking, or both.
As of June 30, 2025, out of 902 permitted satellite TV channels available for downlinking in India, there are 333 satellite pay TV channels, according to the release.
Point of View
It is vital to recognize the significance of crossing the 1 billion mark in internet subscribers within India. This growth reflects not only advancements in technology but also the government's commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure. The trend indicates a rapidly evolving digital economy that can empower both urban and rural communities, ensuring that the nation remains at the forefront of global connectivity.
NationPress
04/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total number of internet subscribers in India as of June 2025?
As of June 30, 2025, India's internet subscribers have exceeded 1 billion, totaling 1,002.85 million.
How much did the internet subscriber base grow from March to June 2025?
The internet subscriber base grew by 3.48 percent from March to June 2025.
What is the breakdown of wired versus wireless internet connections?
Out of the total subscribers, 4.47 crore had wired connections, while 95.81 crore utilized wireless connections.
What is the current tele-density in India?
The overall tele-density in India has reached 86.09 percent, up from 85.04 percent in the previous quarter.
What is the Average Revenue per User (ARPU) for wireless services?
The monthly Average Revenue per User (ARPU) for wireless services is Rs 186.62.
