Has India’s Telecom Subscriber Base Surpassed 1.2 Billion?
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Synopsis
India's telecom sector has achieved a significant milestone as the subscriber base surpasses 1.2 billion. This report by TRAI highlights the impressive growth in both urban and rural areas, reflecting the increasing connectivity in the country.
Key Takeaways
- India’s telecom subscriber base exceeds 1.2 billion.
- Urban and rural connectivity shows significant improvement.
- Wireless subscriptions added over 13 million new connections.
- Broadband internet subscribers surpass 944 million.
- ARPU for wireless services reaches Rs 182.95.
New Delhi, June 19 (NationPress) The growth of India's telecom industry remains robust, as the total number of telephone subscribers has now exceeded the 1.2 billion mark, as reported by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Thursday.
The subscriber count rose from 1,189.92 million in December 2024 to 1,200.80 million by March 2025. The increase in tele-density signifies enhanced connectivity across both urban and rural areas.
Urban subscribers have grown to 666.11 million, while rural subscribers reached 534.69 million.
This expansion has contributed to a rise in rural tele-density, signifying an improved digital reach in remote locations.
The proportion of rural subscriptions increased from 44.31 percent at the end of December 2024 to 44.53 percent by the end of March 2025.
Wireless subscriptions saw remarkable growth, with over 13 million new connections added in the quarter ending March 31.
The total user base for mobile and 5G FWA reached 1,163.76 million, while traditional mobile connections rose to 1,156.99 million.
This indicates a growing interest in mobile services among various consumer segments.
India’s broadband internet sector remains strong, boasting over 944 million subscribers, affirming India’s status as one of the largest internet user bases globally, even as new technologies reshape connectivity.
The sector also experienced enhancements in financial performance. Gross Revenue (GR) for the quarter was recorded at Rs 98,250 crore, with Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) reaching Rs 79,226 crore.
License fee collections also saw an uptick, highlighting the robust demand for telecom services.
The Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) for wireless services increased to Rs 182.95, with prepaid users contributing Rs 182.53 and postpaid users averaging Rs 187.48 monthly.
User engagement remained elevated, with the average minutes of usage per month rising to 1,026, indicating greater interaction with telecom services for voice, data, and content.
The broadcasting sector maintained stability, with 333 satellite pay TV channels reported out of 908 permitted channels, including 101 HD channels.
The Pay DTH segment recorded an active user base of 56.92 million, providing a diverse range of content alongside Doordarshan’s free services.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge the remarkable strides in India’s telecom sector, which not only reflect the growing connectivity but also the potential for economic growth. The rising number of subscriptions signifies a demand for enhanced communication services, making it crucial for policymakers to ensure equitable access across all regions.
NationPress
19/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the recent TRAI report indicate about India's telecom growth?
The TRAI report indicates that India's telecom subscriber base has crossed the 1.2 billion mark, demonstrating significant growth in both urban and rural connectivity.
How many new wireless connections were added in the latest quarter?
Over 13 million new wireless connections were added during the quarter ending March 31.
What is the current number of broadband internet subscribers in India?
India boasts over 944 million broadband internet subscribers, reflecting its status as one of the largest internet user bases globally.
What was the Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) for wireless services?
The Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) for wireless services rose to Rs 182.95.
How many satellite pay TV channels are currently active?
There are currently 333 active satellite pay TV channels reported out of 908 permitted channels.
