Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 19: India’s telecom sector continued its steady expansion, with the total number of telephone subscribers crossing 1.2 billion, according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) report released Thursday.
From 1.18 billion in December 2024, the subscriber base rose to 1.20 billion by March 2025, driven by over 13 million new wireless connections. Urban subscribers reached 666 million, while rural users grew to 534.7 million, pushing rural tele-density and digital inclusion to new highs.
Wireless services dominated growth, with the total wireless user base (including 5G FWA) rising to 1.16 billion. Traditional mobile users alone stood at 1.15 billion, signaling continued consumer interest in mobile-first connectivity.
India’s broadband base remained strong with 944 million subscribers, confirming its status as one of the world’s largest internet markets.
The telecom sector also saw financial improvement:
• Gross Revenue: Rs 98,250 crore
• Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR): Rs 79,226 crore
• License Fee Collections: Increased significantly
• Average Revenue Per User (ARPU): Rs 182.95 (Prepaid: Rs 182.53, Postpaid: Rs 187.48)
User engagement rose, with average monthly usage hitting 1,026 minutes, indicating growing reliance on telecom networks for voice, data, and streaming services.
In broadcasting, 333 satellite pay TV channels (including 101 HD channels) remained active out of 908 permitted. The Pay DTH market had an active user base of 56.92 million, alongside Doordarshan’s free-to-air services.
The data underscores India’s growing digital footprint and the expanding role of telecom in powering both urban convenience and rural transformation.