India's Wireless Subscriber Growth: A Closer Look at the March Surge

India's wireless subscriber base increased to 1,163.76 million in March, driven by rural sector growth, while urban numbers slightly declined. TRAI data indicates a rise in wireless teledensity to 82.42%. Reliance Jio led net additions, followed by Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and BSNL.

India witnessed a rise in its total wireless subscriber base, including mobile and 5G fixed wireless access (FWA), which grew from 1,160.33 million in February to 1,163.76 million in March. This marks a monthly growth of 0.28%, according to the latest figures from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

Despite a decline in urban areas, with subscriptions falling from 634 million in February to 632.57 million in March, rural areas recorded an increase from 526.33 million to 531.18 million. The rural sector experienced a growth rate of 0.92%, contrasting with urban areas' dip of 0.26% in wireless subscriptions.

The overall wireless teledensity in India improved from 82.23% to 82.42% over the period. Regionally, Delhi maintained the highest tele-density at 275.79%, while Bihar reported the lowest at 57.23%. In terms of net additions, Reliance Jio led with a 40.60% share, ahead of Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and BSNL.

(With inputs from agencies.)