The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its subscriber data for December 2024highlighting the growing dominance of Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtelwhile BSNL and Vi continue to struggle with significant subscriber losses.

The report provides a detailed insight into the number of subscribers gained and lost by telecom operatorsreflecting the competitive landscape of the Indian telecom industry.

Jio & Airtel Lead the Market With Significant Subscriber Growth

India’s telecom sector witnessed a net increase of 2 million new wireless subscribers in December, primarily driven by Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtelboth of which expanded their user bases.

Reliance Jio – The Undisputed Market Leader

New Subscribers in December: 3.9 million
Total Subscriber Base: 465.1 million (up from 461.2 million in November)

Reliance Jio continues to maintain its dominance in the Indian telecom marketadding the highest number of subscribers in December. The telecom giant’s aggressive expansion, 5G rollout, and competitive pricing strategy have helped it consolidate its leadership position.

Bharti Airtel – Steady Growth & Expanding Reach

New Subscribers in December: 1 million
Total Subscriber Base: 385.3 million (up from 384.2 million in November)

Bharti Airtel remains the second-largest telecom operatorwith consistent subscriber growth. Airtel’s premium postpaid offerings, strong 5G infrastructure, and expanding fiber broadband network have contributed to its steady rise in market share.

BSNL & Vi Struggle as Subscriber Losses Continue

While Jio and Airtel gained millions of new subscribers, BSNL and Vi continued their downward trendstruggling to retain users amid rising competition and tariff adjustments.

BSNL – Another Month of Decline

Subscribers Lost in December: 0.322 million
Total Subscriber Base: 91.7 million

BSNL has been consistently losing subscribersprimarily due to its outdated infrastructure, slow 4G rollout, and post-tariff hike effects. While the government-backed operator continues its efforts to modernize its networkit faces tough competition from private telecom giants.

Vi – The Biggest Loser in December

Subscribers Lost in December: 1.715 million (up from 1 million in November)
Total Subscriber Base: 207.2 million

Vi (Vodafone Idea) remains the worst-hit telecom operatorrecording the largest subscriber loss in December. Despite testing 5G in select locationsthe company has failed to attract new usersstruggling with financial instability and network reliability issues.

Key Takeaways – Jio’s Dominance & Vi’s Struggles Continue

Jio added the highest number of subscribers (3.9 million), reinforcing its market leadership.
Airtel saw steady growth, adding 1 million new users.
BSNL and Vi continued to lose subscribers, with Vi emerging as the biggest loser of the month.
Vi’s subscriber loss surged to 1.715 million, marking a worsening trend.

Airtel’s Collaboration With SpaceX for Starlink in India

In another major developmentBharti Airtel has announced a strategic collaboration with SpaceX to introduce Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet services in India.

Key Details of the Airtel-Starlink Partnership:

SpaceX’s Starlink Aims to Expand Broadband Access – Focus on remote and rural areas.
Airtel-SpaceX Partnership Dependent on Regulatory Approvals – Starlink still requires government clearance to operate in India.
Potential Disruption in the Indian Internet Market – Could transform satellite-based internet access across the country.

If approved, Starlink’s entry into the Indian market could revolutionize broadband connectivityparticularly in underserved and rural regions.