Key Highlights
- Total subscriber base reached 1.2 billion, up 0.91 % from Q4 2024.
- Wireless subscribers grew by 1.14 % to 1.16 billion, whereas wireline subscribers fell by 5.67 %.
- Gross revenue climbed to ₹98,250 crore, a 1.93 % QoQ increase and 11.74 % YoY.
- Broadband penetration attained 68.63 per 100 citizens, reflecting a stark urban‑rural divide.
- Satellite TV licensing expanded to 918 channels, yet active DTH subscriptions slipped slightly.
Detailed Insights
Subscriber Landscape – The telecom ecosystem hosts 1,200.80 million users, with urban and rural shares of 666.11 million and 534.69 million respectively. Tele‑density stands at 85.04 %, with 131.45 % in cities and 59.06 % in villages. Wireless subscribers topped 1,163.76 million, while wireline service users dropped to 37.04 million.
Internet and Broadband Adoption – 969.10 million net internet users remain, slightly down 0.11 % from the last quarter. Wired connections total 41.41 million, whereas wireless connections reach 927.70 million. Broadband accounts for 944.12 million users, and penetration is 68.63 per 100 citizens – 110.79 in urban areas, 45.03 in rural locales.
Financial Performance – Gross revenue of ₹98,250 crore outpaces the prior period by 1.93 % and 11.74 % year‑on‑year. Of this, applicable revenue measures ₹92,618 crore, adjusting for taxes and levies to ₹79,226 crore. License fees contributed ₹6,340 crore, while pass‑through charges added ₹12,982 crore.
Broadcasting & Cable Services – 918 satellite television channels are licensed, including 333 pay‑TV operators (101 HD). Active DTH subscribers now hold 56.92 million accounts, down from 58.22 million. FM radio expands to 388 channels across 113 cities, and advertising income contracted to ₹466.63 crore from ₹500.11 crore.
Infrastructure and Market Share – Private entities command 91.47 % of the market, taking 92.09 % of the wireless footprint, while PSUs hold 8.53 % overall and 7.91 % in wireless. Point‑to‑Mobile Radio Services (PMRTS) logged 67,023 connections; VSAT terminals exceeded 2.43 lakh.
Key Concepts
- Tele‑density – Percentage of individuals connected to a cellular network.
- 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) – Broadband connectivity delivered via 5G radio points.
- Broadband User Proportion – Share of total internet users subscribed to high‑speed fiber or wireless broadband.
- DTH (Direct‑to‑Home) – Satellite‑based television service delivered directly to consumers’ homes.
- License Fees – Fixed payments collected from operators for spectrum usage.