New Delhi: India’s telecom sector continued to register steady growth in the January-March 2025 quarter, with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) reporting a notable rise in both revenues and average revenue per user (ARPU). The latest performance indicator report released by TRAI provides a snapshot of telecom, broadband, cable TV, DTH, and radio broadcasting trends during the first quarter of the calendar year.
According to the report, the sector’s gross revenue for the quarter is estimated at over ₹91,000 crore, marking a healthy year-on-year growth driven by strong user engagement and increased uptake of premium data plans. ARPU rose from ₹157 in the previous quarter to ₹172, reflecting an increased willingness among consumers to spend more on data and voice services.
While revenue metrics remained strong, the overall wireless subscriber base saw a marginal dip. The total wireless user count stood at approximately 1.15 billion, indicating a plateau in growth in several telecom circles. On the other hand, fixed-line subscriptions continued their upward momentum, though at a slower pace. The country’s tele-density fell slightly to around 85%, attributed to natural market saturation and rationalisation by service providers.
Broadband services continued to drive digital access, with wireless broadband users accounting for the lion’s share of connections, over 940 million. This reflects India’s heavy dependence on mobile broadband, even as demand for wireline broadband grows steadily among households and businesses. The total broadband subscriber base approached 975 million by the end of March.
In the broadcasting and cable services segment, the report documented stable performance in the DTH and cable TV sectors. These platforms remain key content delivery channels in urban and semi-urban regions, despite growing competition from over-the-top (OTT) streaming platforms. The report also tracked progress in radio broadcasting, with licensed operators maintaining service continuity across regions.
TRAI’s quarterly reports are based on data submitted by telecom service providers, and aim to provide a holistic view of industry performance. This latest edition underlines India’s transition toward a data-first digital economy, while also identifying challenges linked to subscriber churn, market consolidation, and the need for rural connectivity expansion.
Policymakers and industry stakeholders are expected to take cues from the report to address evolving consumer patterns and infrastructural requirements. With revenue and ARPU on the rise, attention is now shifting to improving quality of service, expanding 5G readiness, and bridging digital gaps in underserved areas.
The next quarter’s performance will be closely watched for signals of recovery in rural connectivity and growth in enterprise broadband, as the country pushes forward on its digital transformation roadmap.
