TRAI Data: BSNL Gains Subscribers as Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone See Decline

BSNL’s Subscriber Gains Amid Private Player Losses

BSNL, the state-run telecom provider, has recorded a consistent rise in subscribers for two consecutive months, adding 25.3 lakh users in August after a 29.3 lakh increase in July. In contrast, private sector competitors Reliance Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea collectively lost 83 lakh subscribers, reflecting a sharp shift in the telecom landscape.

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Private Telecom Giants Lose Subscribers Due to Tariff Hikes

Tariff hikes by private telecom players have led to significant user losses. Reliance Jio lost 40.2 lakh subscribers, followed by Airtel with a 24.1 lakh decrease, and Vodafone Idea with an 18.7 lakh decline. This shift follows a 38.6 lakh net loss for the three companies in July, as users reportedly seek more affordable alternatives.

BSNL Confirms No Immediate Tariff Hikes

BSNL's chairman, Robert Ravi, has ruled out any immediate tariff increases, a stance contrasting with private competitors. “We can clearly say we are not going to increase our tariffs in the near future,” Ravi announced. He also highlighted BSNL’s focus on customer satisfaction, supported by ongoing 4G testing and a planned commercial launch later this year.

Airtel and Reliance Jio Back Higher Tariffs for Digital Infrastructure Growth

In contrast, Airtel’s chairman, Sunil Bharti Mittal, supports tariff hikes, citing the need to fund India's digital infrastructure and connectivity goals. Airtel, along with Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea, raised telecom prices by an average of 12% in June to finance network upgrades and spectrum purchases, underlining their commitment to future-ready networks.

Analyst Forecasts for Future Telecom Price Increases

Investment firm Jefferies anticipates that telecom tariffs will continue to rise, projecting additional 10% hikes in the second quarters of fiscal years 2026 and 2027, to keep pace with infrastructure investments and digital demands.

Vodafone Idea Engages with Government on AGR Ruling Setback

Following a recent setback related to adjusted gross revenue (AGR) calculations, Vodafone Idea has initiated discussions with government authorities, exploring ways to navigate regulatory challenges and secure its position amid the competitive telecom sector.