New Delhi, June 23, 2025 (ABC Live) – India’s telecom sector—once hailed as the cheapest and fastest-growing in the world—is showing signs of structural strain, even as usage and revenue edge upward. The latest TRAI’s Q4 Report 2025 reveals flattening subscriber growth, shrinking wired internet, and widening rural digital gaps. While India boasts 1.2 billion
New Delhi, June 23, 2025 (ABC Live) – India’s telecom sector—once hailed as the cheapest and fastest-growing in the world—is showing signs of structural strain, even as usage and revenue edge upward. The latest TRAI’s Q4 Report 2025 reveals flattening subscriber growth, shrinking wired internet, and widening rural digital gaps.
While India boasts 1.2 billion telecom subscribers and per-user data usage of 22 GB/month, its rural tele-density (59.06%), ARPU (~$2.20/month), and broadband density (68 per 100) continue to lag far behind international benchmarks.
? Internet Shrinks as Rural Gaps Widen
According to TRAI’s Q4 Report 2025, India’s internet subscribers dropped slightly to 969.10 million. Wired internet stagnated at 41.41 million users—barely 4.2% penetration.
Meanwhile, China’s universal internet program and the EU’s Digital Decade targets are racing ahead with rural-first broadband strategies.
? 5G Expands, Wireline Contracts
While TRAI’s Q4 Report 2025 notes an increase in 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) subscribers (6.77 million), this has coincided with a 5.67% drop in wireline connections.
“We’re witnessing a silent substitution,” said telecom analyst Kriti Narayan. “Fixed-line is collapsing before fiber can scale.”
In comparison, the GSMA Mobile Economy Report 2024 places China and the U.S. well ahead in 5G adoption.
? Data Usage Booms, Revenues Don’t
TRAI’s Q4 Report shows that average data use has reached 22.19 GB/month, but with operators earning just ?9.11 per GB—far below global rates.
Despite this, the sector’s Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) rose 1.66% QoQ to ?79,226 crore, driven by ARPU increases and premium data plans.
? Urban Booms, Rural Lags
Urban tele-density now exceeds 131.45%, but rural areas remain under 59%, as TRAI’s Q4 Report 2025 confirms. The World Bank’s Digital Development Index continues to flag India’s rural gap as a critical barrier to digital inclusion.
? DTH and FM Under Pressure
TRAI’s Q4 Report 2025 also highlights shifts in traditional content consumption:
-
Pay DTH subscribers fell to 56.92 million
-
FM ad revenues dropped nearly 7% QoQ
-
OTT platforms and mobile streaming continue to cannibalize legacy systems
?? Compliance vs Ground Reality
Although TRAI’s Q4 Report lists 100% QoS compliance for several network parameters, groups like CUTS International argue that on-ground service quality in Tier-2 and rural markets tells a different story.
? India vs Global Telecom Benchmarks
| Metric | India (TRAI Q4 Report 2025) | USA | China | EU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARPU | $2.20 | $36–45 | ~$6.50 | €18–25 |
| Broadband/100 | 68 | 108+ | 102+ | 90–95 |
| Rural Internet Access | 45/100 | 95/100 | ~100% | ~97% |
? Conclusion: Telecom’s Uneven Transformation
TRAI’s Q4 Report 2025 paints a mixed picture: India dominates in scale and affordability but trails on quality, inclusion, and viability. With ARPUs still unsustainable and rural access lacking, the sector must pivot from growth to equity and endurance.
Without bold reforms in rural fiber, net-neutrality safeguards, and infra-sharing, India’s telecom revolution may slow into a digital deadlock.
