The latest data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) paints a mixed picture for India’s telecom industry. Jiothe country’s largest telecom operator, and Vodafone Idea (You) faced significant subscriber losses in October 2024, while Airtel and BSNL managed to expand their user bases.
Airtel: A Strong Comeback
After losing 14.35 lakh users in SeptemberAirtel rebounded in October by adding an impressive 19.28 lakh new usersboosting its market share to 33.5%. This growth highlights Airtel’s strategic focus on connectivity improvements and maintaining a robust Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). The company’s ability to recover so quickly underscores its resilience in a highly competitive market.
Jio: Struggling to Retain Users
Despite its position as the largest telecom operator, Jio is facing a tough period. The company reported a staggering loss of 37.60 lakh users in Octoberadding to the 79.70 lakh users lost in September. These consecutive declines have reduced Jio’s market share to 39.9%raising concerns about its ability to retain users amid rising plan prices and market competition.
Vodafone Idea: Continued Decline
Vodafone Idea (You)the third-largest telecom provider, also reported a significant loss of 19.77 lakh users in Octoberfollowing a 15.5 lakh decline in September. With a market share of 18.3%Vi faces mounting pressure to stabilize its customer base and regain lost ground in a market dominated by fierce competition and shifting user preferences.
BSNL: The State-Owned Resurgence
Amid the struggles of private telecom operators, BSNL has emerged as a standout performer. The state-owned telecom provider added 5 lakh new users in Octoberbuilding on an 8.5 lakh increase in September. BSNL’s total user base has now reached nearly 10 crorereflecting growing interest in its affordable plans and improved connectivity in rural and semi-urban areas.
Industry-Wide Implications
The shakeup in subscriber numbers comes in the wake of mobile plan price hikes by private telecom firms earlier this year. While companies like Jio and Vi have struggled to retain customers, Airtel and BSNL have capitalized on the shift:
- Airtel’s Growth: Driven by strong ARPU and a focus on better services.
- BSNL’s Appeal: Affordable pricing and increased reliability have attracted cost-conscious users.
- Jio’s Challenges: The losses highlight user dissatisfaction, despite its dominant position in the market.
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