Telecommunications in India: Difference between revisions

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{{About|communications in India|a more general coverage of media in India|Media of India}}
{{About|communications in India|a more general coverage of media in India|Media of India}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{Multiple issues|
{{Update|date=November 2024}}
{{Update|date=April 2026}}
{{Cleanup infobox|date=November 2024}}
{{Cleanup infobox|date=November 2024}}
{{Copy edit|date=April 2026}}
}}
}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}  
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2026}}  
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}}
{{infobox
{{infobox
|above = Communications in India
|above = Communications in India
|headerstyle = background:light black
|headerstyle = background:light black


|label1 = Gross adjusted revenue (2023)
|label1 = Gross adjusted revenue (2026)
| data1 = {{INRConvert|229071|c}}<ref name="performance2019">[https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/QPIR_09022024_0.pdf The Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicators October – December, 2019] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308221831/https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/QPIR_09022024_0.pdf |date=8 March 2024 }} trai.gov.in Retrieved 8 August 2023</ref>
| data1 = {{INRConvert|229071|c}}<ref name="performance2019">[https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/QPIR_09022024_0.pdf The Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicators October – December, 2019] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308221831/https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/QPIR_09022024_0.pdf |date=8 March 2024 }} trai.gov.in Retrieved 8 August 2023</ref>
| header2 = Telephony
| header2 = Telephony
|label3 = Total subscribers
|label3 = Total subscribers
| data3 = 1,190.66 million {{small|(Sept 2024)}}<ref name="TraidataO">{{cite web|date=31 October 2020|title=Telecom Subscription Data as on 31 December 2023|url=https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/QPIR_09022024_0.pdf|website=Telecom Regulatory Authority of India|access-date=8 March 2024|archive-date=8 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308221831/https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/QPIR_09022024_0.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
| data3 = 1,337.54 million {{small|(April 2026)}}<ref name="TraidataO">{{cite web|date=31 October 2020|title=Telecom Subscription Data as on 31 December 2023|url=https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/QPIR_09022024_0.pdf|website=Telecom Regulatory Authority of India|access-date=8 March 2024|archive-date=8 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308221831/https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/QPIR_09022024_0.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|label4 = Wireless subscribers
|label4 = Wireless subscribers
| data4 = 1,153.72 million {{small|(September 2024)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
| data4 = 1,288.96 million {{small|(April 2026)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
|label5 = [[Fixed line]] subscribers
|label5 = [[Fixed line]] subscribers
| data5 = 36.93 million {{small|(September 2024)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
| data5 = 48.58 million {{small|(April 2026)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
|label6 = Monthly telephone additions (Net)
|label6 = Monthly telephone additions (Net)
| data6 = -14,20,000 {{small|(Sep 2023)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
| data6 = 69,50,000 {{small|(April 2026)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
|label7 = [[Teledensity]]
|label7 = [[Teledensity]]
| data7 = 84.69%<br/>{{small|(Sep 2023)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
| data7 = 90.28%<br/>{{small|(April 2026)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
|label8 = Urban Teledensity
|label8 = Urban Teledensity
| data8 = 131.86%<br/>{{small|(Sept 2024)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
| data8 = 152.11%<br/>{{small|(April 2026)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
|label9 = Rural Teledensity
|label9 = Rural Teledensity
| data9 = 58.48%<br/>{{small|(Sept 2024)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
| data9 = 60.74%<br/>{{small|(April 2026)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
|label10 = Urban subscriber
|label10 = Urban subscriber
| data10 = 662.15 Million<br/>{{small|(Sept 2024)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
| data10 = 783.12 Million<br/>{{small|(April 2026)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
|label11 = Rural subscriber
|label11 = Rural subscriber
| data11 = 528.51 Million<br/>{{small|(Sep 2023)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
| data11 = 554.41 Million<br/>{{small|(April 2026)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
|label12 = Broadband subscriber
|label12 = Broadband subscriber
| data12 = 949.21 million <br/>{{small|(Aug 2024)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
| data12 = 1073.44 million <br/>{{small|(April 2026)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
|label13 = Broadband subscribers (Wireless)
|label13 = Broadband subscribers (Wireless)
| data13 = 905.46 million <br/>{{small|(Aug 2024)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
| data13 = 1026.60 million <br/>{{small|(April 2026)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
|label14 = Broadband subscribers (Wireline)
|label14 = Broadband subscribers (Wireline)
| data14 = 43.75 million <br/>{{small|(Aug 2024)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
| data14 = 46.84 million <br/>{{small|(April 2026)}}<ref name="TraidataO"/>
|label15 = [[country code top-level domain]]
|label15 = [[country code top-level domain]]
| data15 = ''[[.in]]''
| data15 = ''[[.in]]''
}}
}}
'''India's telecommunication network''' is the [[List of mobile network operators|second largest in the world]] by number of telephone users<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anand |first=Saurav |date=2022-11-16 |title=India has over 1.19 bn mobile phone users: I&B ministry |url=https://www.livemint.com/technology/gadgets/india-has-over-1-2-bn-mobile-phone-users-i-b-ministry-11668610623295.html |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=mint |language=en |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217123559/https://www.livemint.com/technology/gadgets/india-has-over-1-2-bn-mobile-phone-users-i-b-ministry-11668610623295.html |url-status=live }}</ref> (both fixed and mobile phones) with over 1.19 billion subscribers as of September 2024.<ref name=":3"/> It has one of the lowest call tariffs in the world enabled by multiple large-scale telecom operators and the ensuant hyper-competition between them. India has the [[List of countries by number of Internet users|world's second largest]] Internet user-base with over 949.21 million broadband internet subscribers as of September 2024.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Highlights of Telecom Subscription Data as on 31st December, 2023 |url=https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PR_No.07of2024_0.pdf |website=TELECOM REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF INDIA}}</ref>
'''India's telecommunication network''' is the [[List of mobile network operators|second largest in the world]] by number of telephone users<ref>{{Cite web |last=Anand |first=Saurav |date=2022-11-16 |title=India has over 1337.54 million mobile phone users: I&B ministry |url=https://www.livemint.com/technology/gadgets/india-has-over-1-2-bn-mobile-phone-users-i-b-ministry-11668610623295.html |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=mint |language=en |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217123559/https://www.livemint.com/technology/gadgets/india-has-over-1-2-bn-mobile-phone-users-i-b-ministry-11668610623295.html |url-status=live }}</ref> (both fixed and mobile phones) with over 1337.54 million subscribers as of April 2026.


Major sectors of the Indian telecommunication industry are the telephone, internet and television broadcast industries in the country which are involved in an ongoing process of developing into a [[next-generation network]], increasingly employing an extensive array of modern network infrastructure such as digital [[telephone exchange]]s, [[Network switching subsystem|network switching subsystems]], [[media gateway]]s and [[Signaling gateway|signaling gateways]] at the core, interconnected by a wide variety of transmission systems using [[optical fiber]] or [[Microwave transmission|microwave radio relay]] networks. The [[access network]], which connects the subscriber to the core, is highly diversified with different copper-pair, [[optical fiber]] and wireless technologies. [[Satellite television]], a relatively new broadcasting technology has attained significant popularity in the Television segment. The introduction of private FM has boosted [[FM broadcasting in India|radio broadcasting in India]]. Telecommunication in India has been greatly supported by the [[Indian National Satellite System]] system of the country, one of the largest domestic satellite systems in the world. India possesses a diversified communications system, which links all parts of the country by telephone, Internet, radio, television and satellite.<ref name="http">{{cite web|url=http://www.trai.gov.in/WriteReadData/PressRealease/Document/PR-TSD-May12.pdf|title=Highlights of Telecom Subscription Data as on 31 May 2012|work=TRAI|date=4 July 2012|access-date=5 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115104900/http://www.trai.gov.in/WriteReadData/PressRealease/Document/PR-TSD-May12.pdf|archive-date=15 November 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Major sectors of the Indian telecommunication industry are the telephone, internet and television broadcast industries in the country which are involved in an ongoing process of developing into a [[next-generation network]], increasingly employing an extensive array of modern network infrastructure such as digital [[telephone exchange]]s, [[Network switching subsystem|network switching subsystems]], [[media gateway]]s and [[Signaling gateway|signaling gateways]] at the core, interconnected by a wide variety of transmission systems using [[optical fiber]] or [[Microwave transmission|microwave radio relay]] networks. The [[access network]], which connects the subscriber to the core, is highly diversified with different copper-pair, [[optical fiber]] and wireless technologies. [[Satellite television]], a relatively new broadcasting technology has attained significant popularity in the Television segment. The introduction of private FM has boosted [[FM broadcasting in India|radio broadcasting in India]]. Telecommunication in India has been greatly supported by the [[Indian National Satellite System]] system of the country, one of the largest domestic satellite systems in the world. India possesses a diversified communications system, which links all parts of the country by telephone, Internet, radio, television and satellite. India's participation in global telecommunications and spectrum policy discussions is supported by the [[ITU-APT Foundation of India|ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI)]], a sector member of ITU-R, ITU-T, and ITU-D.<ref name="http">{{cite web|url=http://www.trai.gov.in/WriteReadData/PressRealease/Document/PR-TSD-May12.pdf|title=Highlights of Telecom Subscription Data as on 31 May 2012|work=TRAI|date=4 July 2012|access-date=5 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121115104900/http://www.trai.gov.in/WriteReadData/PressRealease/Document/PR-TSD-May12.pdf|archive-date=15 November 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


The Indian telecom industry underwent a high rate of market liberalisation and growth since the 1990s and has now become the world's most competitive and one of the fastest growing telecom markets.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/2011/10/18/forbes-india-mukesh-ambani-sunil-mittal-battle-of-titans.html|title=India Telcos: Battle of the Titans|work=Forbes|date=19 October 2011|first=Rohin|last=Dharmakumar|access-date=19 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021051148/http://www.forbes.com/2011/10/18/forbes-india-mukesh-ambani-sunil-mittal-battle-of-titans.html|archive-date=21 October 2011|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="bbcnews.com">{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8607866.stm| first=Shilpa| last=Kannan| title=India's 3G licence bidders bank on big changes| work=BBC News| date=7 April 2010| access-date=11 June 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617115932/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8607866.stm| archive-date=17 June 2010| url-status=live| df=dmy-all}}</ref>
The Indian telecom industry underwent a high rate of market liberalisation and growth since the 1990s and has now become the world's most competitive and one of the fastest growing telecom markets.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/2011/10/18/forbes-india-mukesh-ambani-sunil-mittal-battle-of-titans.html|title=India Telcos: Battle of the Titans|work=Forbes|date=19 October 2011|first=Rohin|last=Dharmakumar|access-date=19 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021051148/http://www.forbes.com/2011/10/18/forbes-india-mukesh-ambani-sunil-mittal-battle-of-titans.html|archive-date=21 October 2011|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="bbcnews.com">{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8607866.stm| first=Shilpa| last=Kannan| title=India's 3G licence bidders bank on big changes| work=BBC News| date=7 April 2010| access-date=11 June 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100617115932/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8607866.stm| archive-date=17 June 2010| url-status=live| df=dmy-all}}</ref>


Telecommunication has supported the socioeconomic development of India and has played a significant role in narrowing down the rural-urban [[digital divide]] to an extent. It has also helped to increase the transparency of governance with the introduction of [[e-governance]] in India. The government has pragmatically used modern telecommunication facilities to deliver mass education programmes for rural communities in India.<ref name="Raju Thomas">{{cite book| author=Raju Thomas G. C. |title= Encyclopedia of India (vol. 3) |year= 2006 |editor=Stanley Wolpert|pages=105–107 |publisher=Thomson Gale |isbn=0-684-31352-9 }}</ref>
Telecommunication has supported the socioeconomic development of India and has played a significant role in narrowing down the rural-urban [[digital divide]] to an extent. It has also helped to increase the transparency of governance with the introduction of [[e-governance]] in India. The government has pragmatically used modern telecommunication facilities to deliver mass education programmes for rural communities in India.<ref name="Raju Thomas">{{cite book| author=Raju Thomas G. C. |title= Encyclopedia of India (vol. 3) |year= 2006 |editor=Stanley Wolpert|pages=105–107 |publisher=Thomson Gale |isbn=0-684-31352-9 }}</ref>
Line 133: Line 134:


== Wireless operators ==
== Wireless operators ==
As of 31.05.2025 there are around 1168.42 million wireless subscribers in India according to [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]] (TRAI).<ref name=":3"/>
 
As of 30.04.2026 there were around 1288.96 million wireless subscribers in India, according to [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]] (TRAI).<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Telecom Subscription Reports |url=https://trai.gov.in/release-publication/reports/telecom-subscriptions-reports |website=TELECOM REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF INDIA}}</ref>


{{Pie chart
{{Pie chart
| caption = Market share of Wireless Mobile operators in India as of 31.05.2025, according to the [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]] (TRAI)<ref name="Traidata">{{cite web |title=Telecom Subscription Data as on 31 December 2024 |url=https://www.trai.gov.in/notifications/press-release/trai-releases-telecom-subscription-data-30th-november-2024}}</ref>
| caption = Market share of wireless mobile operators in India as of 30.04.2026, according to the [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]] (TRAI)<ref name="Traidata">{{cite web |title=Telecom Subscription Data as on 30 April 2026 |url=https://www.trai.gov.in/notifications/press-release/trai-releases-telecom-subscription-data-30th-november-2024}}</ref>
| value1 = 40.92
| value1 = 39.25
| label1 = Jio
| label1 = Jio
| value2 = 33.61
| color1 = #0a2885
| value2 = 37.81
| label2 = Airtel
| label2 = Airtel
| value4 = 7.82
| color2 = #e90000
| label4 = BSNL
| value3 = 15.61
| value3 = 17.61
| label3 = Vodafone Idea
| label3 = Vodafone Idea
| other =
| color1 = #0a2885|
| color2 = #e90000
| color3 = #ffd300
| color3 = #ffd300
| value4 = 7.32
| label4 = BSNL
| color4 = #FF6600
| color4 = #FF6600
| color5 = #2b5e1b
| value5 = 0.08
| label5 = MTNL
}}
}}


===Mobile operators===
=== Mobile operators ===
Over the past decade, the Indian cellular services market has seen rapid consolidation. The launch of [[Jio Platforms]] in 2016 changed the market dynamics substantially as the company offered free data and voice services during its first year of operations, prompting a fierce price war in the market. [[Jio]] managed to garner over 8 crore (80 million). In 2018, [[airtel India]] lost its market leadership position for the first time in 15 years as a result of the completion of a merger between then telecom giants [[Vodafone India]] and [[Idea Cellular]].
 
Over the past decade,{{when|date=April 2026}} the Indian cellular services market has seen rapid consolidation. The launch of [[Jio Platforms]] in 2016 changed the market dynamics substantially as the company offered free data and voice services during its first year of operations, prompting a fierce price war in the market. [[Jio]] managed to garner over 8 crore (80 million) subscribers. In 2018, [[Airtel India]] lost its market leadership position for the first time in 15 years as a result of the completion of a merger between then telecom giants [[Vodafone India]] and [[Idea Cellular]].


==== Active operators ====
==== Active operators ====
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+List of active mobile operators in the country (as on 30.04.2025)
|+List of active mobile operators in the country (as on 30.04.2026)
!Operator
!Operator
(Estd.)
(estd.)
!Brands
!Brands
!Total Subscribers ([[million]])
!Total subscribers ([[million]])
!Active Subscribers (million)  
!Active subscribers (million)  
!Technologies
!Technologies
!Ownership
!Ownership
!Notes
!Notes
|-
|-
|'''[[Airtel India|Airtel]]''' (1995)
|[[Jio]] (2016)
|Jio
|499.28
|492.46
|5G (VoNR), 4G (VoLTE, VoWiFi)
|[[Jio Platforms]] (100%)
|Not to be confused with [[Reliance Communications]].
|-
|[[Airtel India|Airtel]] (1995)
|Airtel  
|Airtel  
|390.25
|480.88
|386.84
|479.51
|5G, 4G(VoLTE, VoWiFi), 2G
|5G, 4G (VoLTE, VoWiFi), 2G
|[[Bharti Enterprises]] (66.57)
|[[Bharti Enterprises]] (66.57)
[[Singtel]] (32.15)
[[Singtel]] (32.15)
Line 181: Line 189:
Subscriber count and active users include Bharti Hexacom.
Subscriber count and active users include Bharti Hexacom.
|-
|-
|'''[[BSNL Mobile]]''' (2000)
|[[Vodafone Idea|Vi]] (2018)
|Vi
|198.54
|169.27
|5G (limited cities), 4G (VoLTE, VoWiFi), 2G<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaur |first=Gagandeep |title=India's Vodafone Idea to shut down 3G network On year 2022 |url=https://www.lightreading.com/services/indias-vodafone-idea-to-shut-down-3g-network/d/d-id/767407 |website=Light Reading}}</ref>
|[[Government of India]] (49%)<br />[[Vodafone Group]] (16%)<br />[[Aditya Birla Group]] (9.5%)<br />[[Private equity|Public Shareholding]] (25.5%)
|In February 2023, the [[Government of India]] converted ₹16,133 crore (~US$1.9 billion) debt owed to it by the operator into equity, after the company opted for the option given to it under a 'telecom reforms package'.<ref>{{Cite web  |first1=Aneesh |last1=Phadnis |first2=Abhijit |last2=Lele |first3=Surajeet |last3=Das Gupta |date=2023-02-03 |title=Govt gets 33% stake in Vodafone Idea, promoters to invest as well |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/govt-clears-vi-s-interest-conversion-to-become-largest-single-shareholder-123020301731_1.html |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=www.business-standard.com |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|[[BSNL]] (2000)
|BSNL
|BSNL
|90.77
|93.02
|57.85
|52.03
|5g, 4g, 3G, 2G
|4G (VoLTE), 3G,2G
|[[Government of India]] (100%)
|BSNL does not directly operate in [[Delhi]] and [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=BSNL customers can activate Vi roaming network in Delhi and NCR, here is how |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/bsnl-customers-can-activate-vi-roaming-network-in-delhi-and-ncr-here-is-how-1743661-2020-11-24 |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=India Today |date=24 November 2020 |language=en}}</ref> BSNL (VNO's) operates only in [[Tamil Nadu]].
|-
|'''[[Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited|MTNL]]''' (1986)
|MTNL
|0.46
|0.45
|3G, 2G<ref>{{Cite web |title=MTNL Delhi |url=https://mtnldelhi.in/mobile/3g-service.htm |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=mtnldelhi.in |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309184438/https://mtnldelhi.in/mobile/3g-service.htm |archive-date=9 March 2023 }}</ref>
|[[Government of India]] (100%)
|[[Government of India]] (100%)
|MTNL only operates in [[Delhi]] and [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=MTNL: Reports, Company History, Directors Report, Chairman's Speech, Auditors Report of MTNL - NDTV |url=https://www.ndtv.com/business |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=www.ndtv.com |language=en}}</ref> MTNL is in the process of being merged with BSNL. The merger is expected to be completed by 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Govt starts process to delist MTNL for merger with BSNL |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/govt-starts-process-to-delist-mtnl-for-merger-with-bsnl/ar-AA18l9i3 |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=MSN |language=en-IN}}</ref> Since January 2021, the operations of MTNL's networks have been outsourced to BSNL.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thakur |first=Tanay Singh |title=BSNL to Operate Mobile Network of MTNL in Delhi and Mumbai Circle |url=https://telecomtalk.info/bsnl-mtnl-delhi-mumbai-dot-mobile-network/322628/ |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=telecomtalk.info/ |language=en-US}}</ref>
|BSNL (VNOs) operates only in [[Tamil Nadu]]. BSNL is testing VoWifi services.
|-
|'''[[Jio]]'''  (2016)
|Jio
|475.11
|462.04
|5G(VoNR), 4G(VoLTE,VoWiFi)
|[[Jio Platforms]] (100%)
|Not to be confused with [[Reliance Communications]].
|-
|'''[[Vodafone Idea]]''' (2018)
|Vi
|204.44
|172.87
|5G(in 17 priority circles only), 4G(VoLTE, limited VoWiFi), 3G, 2G<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kaur |first=Gagandeep |title=India's Vodafone Idea to shut down 3G network On year 2022 |url=https://www.lightreading.com/services/indias-vodafone-idea-to-shut-down-3g-network/d/d-id/767407 |website=Light Reading}}</ref>
|[[Government of India]] (48.99%)<br />[[Vodafone Group]] (16.07%)<br />[[Aditya Birla Group]] (09.50%)<br />[[Private equity|Public Shareholding]] (25.44%)
|In February 2023, the [[Government of India]] converted ₹16,133 crore (~US$1.9 billion) debt owed to it by the operator into equity, after the company opted for the option given to it under a 'telecom reforms package'.<ref>{{Cite web  |first1=Aneesh |last1=Phadnis |first2=Abhijit |last2=Lele |first3=Surajeet |last3=Das Gupta |date=2023-02-03 |title=Govt gets 33% stake in Vodafone Idea, promoters to invest as well |url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/govt-clears-vi-s-interest-conversion-to-become-largest-single-shareholder-123020301731_1.html |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=www.business-standard.com |language=en}}</ref>
|}
|}


==== Defunct operators ====
==== Defunct operators ====
As of 1 July 2025, 16 mobile operators have ceased operations in India. The longest operating defunct operator is Aircel , while the oldest is [[Bhupendra Kumar Modi|Modi-Telstra]]<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2020-07-31 |title=25 years of Mobility in India: The first mobile phone call was made on this day |url=https://tech.hindustantimes.com/tech/news/25-years-of-mobility-in-india-the-first-mobile-phone-call-was-made-on-this-day-71596188645410.html |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=HT Tech |language=en}}</ref> - which was also the first mobile operator in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-31 |title=25 Years Ago, the First Mobile Phone Call Was Made in India, Costing Over Rs 8/Minute |url=https://www.news18.com/news/tech/25-years-ago-the-first-mobile-phone-call-was-made-in-india-costing-over-rs-8minute-2746665.html |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=News18 |language=en}}</ref> Most recently, [[Reliance Communications]] ceased operations citing bankruptcy.<ref name=":7" />
 
As of 30 April 2026, 17 mobile operators have ceased operations in India. The longest operating defunct operator is MTNL which was also the first mobile operator in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Govt starts process to delist MTNL for merger with BSNL |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/govt-starts-process-to-delist-mtnl-for-merger-with-bsnl/ar-AA18l9i3 |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=MSN |language=en-IN}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+List of notable mobile operators that provided services in the country (as on 20 March 2025)
|+List of notable mobile operators that provided services in the country (as on 30 April 2026)
!Operator
!Operator
!Started operations
!Started operations
Line 224: Line 217:
!Fate
!Fate
|-
|-
|'''Modi Telstra'''
|Modi Telstra
|1990'''<ref name=":6" />'''
|1995<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2020-07-31 |title=25 years of Mobility in India: The first mobile phone call was made on this day |url=https://tech.hindustantimes.com/tech/news/25-years-of-mobility-in-india-the-first-mobile-phone-call-was-made-on-this-day-71596188645410.html |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=HT Tech |language=en}}</ref>
|
|2000
|Merged into Axiata<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/modi-to-merge-with-telstra-and-spice--243254|title=Modi To Merge With Telstra And Spice|website=TelecomPaper|language=en|date=2000-06-22|access-date=2019-05-19}}</ref>
|Merged into Axiata<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telecompaper.com/news/modi-to-merge-with-telstra-and-spice--243254|title=Modi To Merge With Telstra And Spice|website=TelecomPaper|language=en|date=2000-06-22|access-date=2019-05-19}}</ref>
|-
|-
|'''Escotel'''
|Escotel
|1996
|1996
|
|2004
|Merged into Idea Cellular<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/home/idea-acquires-escotel-largest-deal-in-indian-telecom-sector_141768.html|title=Idea acquires Escotel, largest deal in Indian telecom sector|website=Zee News|language=en|date=2004-01-15|access-date=2021-08-05}}</ref>
|Merged into Idea Cellular<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://zeenews.india.com/home/idea-acquires-escotel-largest-deal-in-indian-telecom-sector_141768.html|title=Idea acquires Escotel, largest deal in Indian telecom sector|website=Zee News|language=en|date=2004-01-15|access-date=2021-08-05}}</ref>
|-
|-
|'''[[Axiata]]'''
|[[S Tel]]
|1992
|2008
|
|Merged into Idea Cellular<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/idea-spice-merger-may-ring-in-gains-for-malaysian-ally/articleshow/5187473.cms|title=Idea-Spice merger may ring in gains for Malaysian ally|last=Parbat|first=Kalyan|date=2009-11-02|work=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=2019-05-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909225950/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/telecom/idea-spice-merger-may-ring-in-gains-for-malaysian-ally/articleshow/5187473.cms|archive-date=2020-09-09|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|'''[[S Tel]]'''
|2012
|2012
|
|Licence cancelled by the [[Supreme Court of India]]
|Licence cancelled by the [[Supreme Court of India]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Etisalat by e&|Etisalat]]'''
|[[Etisalat]]
|2010<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/etisalat-enters-india-sets-up-back-office-at-ambattur-in-north-chennai/articleshow/4698146.cms |title=Etisalat enters India, sets up back office at Ambattur in North Chennai |work=[[The Economic Times]] |last1=Ramesh |first1=Niranjana |last2=Venkataraman |first2=Hemamalini |date=2009-06-24 |access-date=2020-09-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909214814/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/etisalat-enters-india-sets-up-back-office-at-ambattur-in-north-chennai/articleshow/4698146.cms |archive-date=2020-09-09 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|2010<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/etisalat-enters-india-sets-up-back-office-at-ambattur-in-north-chennai/articleshow/4698146.cms |title=Etisalat enters India, sets up back office at Ambattur in North Chennai |work=[[The Economic Times]] |last1=Ramesh |first1=Niranjana |last2=Venkataraman |first2=Hemamalini |date=2009-06-24 |access-date=2020-09-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909214814/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/etisalat-enters-india-sets-up-back-office-at-ambattur-in-north-chennai/articleshow/4698146.cms |archive-date=2020-09-09 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|2012
|2012
|Licence cancelled by the Supreme Court of India<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Etisalat-to-shut-India-operations/articleshow/11998887.cms |title=Etisalat to shut India operations |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=2012-02-23 |access-date=2019-05-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404205236/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Etisalat-to-shut-India-operations/articleshow/11998887.cms |archive-date=2013-04-04 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|Licence cancelled by the Supreme Court of India<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Etisalat-to-shut-India-operations/articleshow/11998887.cms |title=Etisalat to shut India operations |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=2012-02-23 |access-date=2019-05-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130404205236/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/Etisalat-to-shut-India-operations/articleshow/11998887.cms |archive-date=2013-04-04 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
|'''[[Loop Mobile]]'''
|[[Loop Mobile]]
|1995
|1995
|2014
|2014
|Ceased operations after expiration of licence<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://telecomtalk.info/loop-mobile-mumbai-shutting-down/123365/|title=TRAI Directs Loop Mobile To Inform Subscribers of Its Closure|website=TelecomTalk|language=en-US|date=2020-10-02|access-date=2019-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518094532/https://telecomtalk.info/loop-mobile-mumbai-shutting-down/123365/|archive-date=2019-05-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Ceased operations after expiration of licence<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://telecomtalk.info/loop-mobile-mumbai-shutting-down/123365/|title=TRAI Directs Loop Mobile To Inform Subscribers of Its Closure|website=TelecomTalk|language=en-US|date=2020-10-02|access-date=2019-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518094532/https://telecomtalk.info/loop-mobile-mumbai-shutting-down/123365/|archive-date=2019-05-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
| '''[[Virgin Mobile India|Virgin Mobile]] / [[T24 Mobile]]'''
|Virgin Mobile / T24 Mobile
|2009<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://telecomtalk.info/virgin-mobile-set-to-launch-gsm-service-in-india/2694/|title=VIRGIN MOBILE READY TO LAUNCH GSM SERVICE IN INDIA|website=TelecomTalk|language=en-US|date=2009-04-15|access-date=2020-09-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510153206/http://telecomtalk.info/virgin-mobile-set-to-launch-gsm-service-in-india/2694/|archive-date=2013-05-10|url-status=live}}</ref>
|2009<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://telecomtalk.info/virgin-mobile-set-to-launch-gsm-service-in-india/2694/|title=VIRGIN MOBILE READY TO LAUNCH GSM SERVICE IN INDIA|website=TelecomTalk|language=en-US|date=2009-04-15|access-date=2020-09-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510153206/http://telecomtalk.info/virgin-mobile-set-to-launch-gsm-service-in-india/2694/|archive-date=2013-05-10|url-status=live}}</ref>
|2015
|2015
|Merged into Tata DoCoMo <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://telecomtalk.info/virgin-mobile-now-tata-docomo/132939/|title=Exclusive: Virgin Mobile will be merged into the parent operator Tata Docomo with effect from March 27|website=TelecomTalk|language=en-US|date=2015-03-26|access-date=2019-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518094529/https://telecomtalk.info/virgin-mobile-now-tata-docomo/132939/|archive-date=2019-05-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Merged into Tata DoCoMo<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://telecomtalk.info/virgin-mobile-now-tata-docomo/132939/|title=Exclusive: Virgin Mobile will be merged into the parent operator Tata Docomo with effect from March 27|website=TelecomTalk|language=en-US|date=2015-03-26|access-date=2019-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518094529/https://telecomtalk.info/virgin-mobile-now-tata-docomo/132939/|archive-date=2019-05-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
|'''[[Singtel]]'''
|[[Axiata]]
|2009
|1995
|2017
|2016
|Acquired by Reliance Communications
|Merged into Idea Cellular<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/idea-spice-merger-may-ring-in-gains-for-malaysian-ally/articleshow/5187473.cms|title=Idea-Spice merger may ring in gains for Malaysian ally|last=Parbat|first=Kalyan|date=2009-11-02|work=[[The Economic Times]]|access-date=2019-05-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909225950/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/telecom/idea-spice-merger-may-ring-in-gains-for-malaysian-ally/articleshow/5187473.cms|archive-date=2020-09-09|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
|'''[[Videocon Telecom]]'''
|[[Videocon Telecom]]
|2010<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://telecomtalk.info/videocon-to-launch-gsm-mobile-services-in-100-cities-in-100-days/21112/|title=Videocon To Launch GSM Mobile Services in 100 Cities in 100 Days|website=TelecomTalk|language=en-US|last=Bafna|first=Sanjay|date=2010-03-07|access-date=2020-09-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503043926/http://telecomtalk.info/videocon-to-launch-gsm-mobile-services-in-100-cities-in-100-days/21112/|archive-date=2015-05-03|url-status=live}}</ref>
|2010<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://telecomtalk.info/videocon-to-launch-gsm-mobile-services-in-100-cities-in-100-days/21112/|title=Videocon To Launch GSM Mobile Services in 100 Cities in 100 Days|website=TelecomTalk|language=en-US|last=Bafna|first=Sanjay|date=2010-03-07|access-date=2020-09-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150503043926/http://telecomtalk.info/videocon-to-launch-gsm-mobile-services-in-100-cities-in-100-days/21112/|archive-date=2015-05-03|url-status=live}}</ref>
|2016
|2016
|Shut down following sale of spectrum to [[Airtel India|Airtel]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.datareign.com/videocon-telecom-shutdown-mobile-services.html|title=Videocon Telecom to shut down Mobile Services on 11th May 2016|last=Varma|date=2016-05-04|website=DataReign|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518094529/https://www.datareign.com/videocon-telecom-shutdown-mobile-services.html|archive-date=2019-05-18|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://telecomtalk.info/videocon-to-shut-down-gsm-operations-in-11-circles-including-mumbai-asks-customers-to-port-out-before-18-january/103701/|title=Videocon To Shut Down GSM Operations in 11 Circles Including Mumbai, Asks Customers To Port Out Before 18 January|website=TelecomTalk|language=en-US|last=Bafna|first=Sanjay|date=2013-01-03|access-date=2020-09-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607231337/https://telecomtalk.info/videocon-to-shut-down-gsm-operations-in-11-circles-including-mumbai-asks-customers-to-port-out-before-18-january/103701/|archive-date=2019-06-07|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Shut down following sale of spectrum to [[Airtel India|Airtel]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.datareign.com/videocon-telecom-shutdown-mobile-services.html|title=Videocon Telecom to shut down Mobile Services on 11th May 2016|last=Varma|date=2016-05-04|website=DataReign|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518094529/https://www.datareign.com/videocon-telecom-shutdown-mobile-services.html|archive-date=2019-05-18|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://telecomtalk.info/videocon-to-shut-down-gsm-operations-in-11-circles-including-mumbai-asks-customers-to-port-out-before-18-january/103701/|title=Videocon To Shut Down GSM Operations in 11 Circles Including Mumbai, Asks Customers To Port Out Before 18 January|website=TelecomTalk|language=en-US|last=Bafna|first=Sanjay|date=2013-01-03|access-date=2020-09-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607231337/https://telecomtalk.info/videocon-to-shut-down-gsm-operations-in-11-circles-including-mumbai-asks-customers-to-port-out-before-18-january/103701/|archive-date=2019-06-07|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
|'''[[MTS India|MTS]]'''
|[[Singtel]]
|2009
|2017
|Acquired by Reliance Communications
|-
|[[MTS India|MTS]]
|2009
|2009
|2017
|2017
|Acquired by Reliance Communications<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/reliance-communication-gets-bombay-hc-approval-for-sistema-acquisition/articleshow/54739451.cms|title=Reliance Communication gets Bombay HC approval for Sistema acquisition|website=[[The Economic Times]]|language=en-US|date=2016-10-08|access-date=2020-09-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820013841/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/reliance-communication-gets-bombay-hc-approval-for-sistema-acquisition/articleshow/54739451.cms|archive-date=2020-08-20|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Acquired by Reliance Communications<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/reliance-communication-gets-bombay-hc-approval-for-sistema-acquisition/articleshow/54739451.cms|title=Reliance Communication gets Bombay HC approval for Sistema acquisition|website=[[The Economic Times]]|language=en-US|date=2016-10-08|access-date=2020-09-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200820013841/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/reliance-communication-gets-bombay-hc-approval-for-sistema-acquisition/articleshow/54739451.cms|archive-date=2020-08-20|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
|'''[[Aircel]]'''
|[[Aircel]]
|1999
|1999
|2018
|2018
|Bankrupt<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/aircel-files-for-bankruptcy/article22879716.ece|title=Aircel files for bankruptcy|last=Pandey|first=Piyush|date=2018-02-28|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2019-05-18}}</ref>
|Bankrupt<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/aircel-files-for-bankruptcy/article22879716.ece|title=Aircel files for bankruptcy|last=Pandey|first=Piyush|date=2018-02-28|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=2019-05-18}}</ref>
|-
|-
|'''[[Telenor India|Telenor]]'''
|[[Telenor India|Telenor]]
|2006
|2006
|2018
|2018
|Acquired by Airtel<ref name="tata-telenor">{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Money/QcujIIhjTJ8KMqYRMUKSMO/Tata-Tele-deal-How-Airtel-is-getting-a-billiondollar-busin.html|title=Tata Tele deal: How Airtel is getting a billion-dollar business for free|last=Philipose|first=Mobis|date=2017-10-13|website=LiveMint|language=en|access-date=2019-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518094526/https://www.livemint.com/Money/QcujIIhjTJ8KMqYRMUKSMO/Tata-Tele-deal-How-Airtel-is-getting-a-billiondollar-busin.html|archive-date=2019-05-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Acquired by Airtel<ref name="tata-telenor">{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/Money/QcujIIhjTJ8KMqYRMUKSMO/Tata-Tele-deal-How-Airtel-is-getting-a-billiondollar-busin.html|title=Tata Tele deal: How Airtel is getting a billion-dollar business for free|last=Philipose|first=Mobis|date=2017-10-13|website=LiveMint|language=en|access-date=2019-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518094526/https://www.livemint.com/Money/QcujIIhjTJ8KMqYRMUKSMO/Tata-Tele-deal-How-Airtel-is-getting-a-billiondollar-busin.html|archive-date=2019-05-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
|'''[[Idea Cellular]]'''
|[[Idea Cellular]]
|2002
|2002
|2018
|2018
|Merged with Vodafone India to form [[Vodafone Idea]]<ref name="nclt-go-ahead-et" /><ref name="nclt-approval-lm" />
|Merged with Vodafone India to form [[Vodafone Idea]]<ref name="nclt-go-ahead-et" /><ref name="nclt-approval-lm" />
|-
|-
|'''[[Vodafone India]]'''
|[[Vodafone India]]
|2011
|2011
|2018
|2018
|Merged with Idea Cellular to form Vodafone Idea<ref name="nclt-go-ahead-et">{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/nclt-gives-go-ahead-to-idea-vodafone-merger/articleshow/65616161.cms |title=NCLT gives go-ahead to Idea-Vodafone merger |last1=Parbat |first1=Kalyan |date=2018-08-31 |work=[[The Economic Times]] |access-date=2018-09-01 |last2=Sengupta |first2=Devina|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424080436/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/nclt-gives-go-ahead-to-idea-vodafone-merger/articleshow/65616161.cms|archive-date=2019-04-24|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nclt-approval-lm">{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Industry/2E0PXuw33i4eyhDtaQbMEN/NCLT-approves-IdeaVodafone-merger.html|title=NCLT approves Idea-Vodafone merger|last=Pandey|first=Navadha|date=2018-01-12|website=LiveMint|access-date=2018-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621070110/https://www.livemint.com/Industry/2E0PXuw33i4eyhDtaQbMEN/NCLT-approves-IdeaVodafone-merger.html|archive-date=2018-06-21|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Merged with Idea Cellular to form Vodafone Idea<ref name="nclt-go-ahead-et">{{Cite news |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/nclt-gives-go-ahead-to-idea-vodafone-merger/articleshow/65616161.cms |title=NCLT gives go-ahead to Idea-Vodafone merger |last1=Parbat |first1=Kalyan |date=2018-08-31 |work=[[The Economic Times]] |access-date=2018-09-01 |last2=Sengupta |first2=Devina|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190424080436/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/nclt-gives-go-ahead-to-idea-vodafone-merger/articleshow/65616161.cms|archive-date=2019-04-24|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="nclt-approval-lm">{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Industry/2E0PXuw33i4eyhDtaQbMEN/NCLT-approves-IdeaVodafone-merger.html|title=NCLT approves Idea-Vodafone merger|last=Pandey|first=Navadha|date=2018-01-12|website=LiveMint|access-date=2018-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621070110/https://www.livemint.com/Industry/2E0PXuw33i4eyhDtaQbMEN/NCLT-approves-IdeaVodafone-merger.html|archive-date=2018-06-21|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
|'''[[Tata DoCoMo]]'''
|[[Tata Docomo|Tata DoCoMo]]
|2009
|2009
|2019
|2019
|Acquired by Airtel<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/jio-tata-tele-merger-completed/article28251509.ece |title= Airtel completes Tata merger |publisher= [[Business Line]]|date=2019-06-05 |access-date=2019-06-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909233138/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/airtel-tata-tele-merger-completed/article28251509.ece|archive-date=2020-09-09|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Acquired by Airtel<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/jio-tata-tele-merger-completed/article28251509.ece |title= Airtel completes Tata merger |publisher= [[Business Line]]|date=2019-06-05 |access-date=2019-06-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909233138/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/airtel-tata-tele-merger-completed/article28251509.ece|archive-date=2020-09-09|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
|'''[[Reliance Communications]]'''
|[[Reliance Communications]]
|2004
|2004
|2019
|2019
|Declared bankruptcy, subsequently acquired by [[Jio]]<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/business/tribunal-admits-anil-ambanis-reliance-communications-for-bankruptcy-2035627|title=Tribunal Admits Anil Ambani's Reliance Communications For Bankruptcy|date=2019-05-10|website=NDTV.com|access-date=2019-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518094540/https://www.ndtv.com/business/tribunal-admits-anil-ambanis-reliance-communications-for-bankruptcy-2035627|archive-date=2019-05-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
|Declared bankruptcy, subsequently acquired by [[Jio]]<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ndtv.com/business/tribunal-admits-anil-ambanis-reliance-communications-for-bankruptcy-2035627|title=Tribunal Admits Anil Ambani's Reliance Communications For Bankruptcy|date=2019-05-10|website=NDTV.com|access-date=2019-05-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518094540/https://www.ndtv.com/business/tribunal-admits-anil-ambanis-reliance-communications-for-bankruptcy-2035627|archive-date=2019-05-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|[[Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited|MTNL]]
|1986
|2025
|Merged into [[BSNL]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Govt starts process to delist MTNL for merger with BSNL |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/govt-starts-process-to-delist-mtnl-for-merger-with-bsnl/ar-AA18l9i3 |access-date=2023-03-09 |website=MSN |language=en-IN}}</ref>
|}
|}


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===Fixed-line operators===
===Fixed-line operators===
As of 31.05.2025, there are 44.09 million wireline subscribers in India according to [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]] (TRAI).<ref name=":3" />
As of 31.03.2026, there are 48.25 million wireline subscribers in India according to [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]] (TRAI).<ref name=":3" />
{{Pie chart
{{Pie chart
| caption=Market share of fixed-line telecom operators in India as of 31.05.2025,  according to the [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]]<ref name=":3"/>
| caption = Market share of fixed-line telecom operators in India as of 31.03.2026,  according to the [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]]<ref name=":3"/>
| label1 = [[Jio]]
| label1 = [[Jio]]
| value1 = 37.44| color1 = Blue
| value1 = 31.58
| label2 = [[Airtel India|Airtel]]
| color1 = Blue
| value2 = 26.65 | color2 = Red
| label2 = [[Airtel India|Airtel]]
| label3 = [[Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited|BSNL]]
| value2 = 23.67
| value3 = 19.59 | color3 = Violet
| color2 = Red
| label4 = [[Tata Teleservices]]
| label3 = [[Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited|BSNL]]
| value4 = 6.32| color4 = Cyan
| value3 = 15.46
| label5 = [[Vodafone Idea|Vi]]
| color3 = Orange
| value5 = 2.12| color6 = Green
| label4 = [[Tata Teleservices]]
| value6 = 7.88 | color7=Grey
| value4 = 23.16
| label6 = Others}}
| color4 = Violet
| label5 = [[Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited|MTNL]]
| value5 = 2.72
| color6 = Gray
| value6 = 2 75
| color7 = Green
| label6 = Others
}}


Number of suscribers of all the 10 companies are tabulated as follows:  
The number of subscribers of all 10 companies are tabulated as follows:  
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- style="background:#ccc; text-align:left;"
! Operator !! Subscribers<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/india-ranks-67th-in-fixed-line-109th-in-mobile-broadband-speed-ookla/articleshow/63471893.cms|title=India ranks 67th in fixed-line, 109th in mobile broadband speed: Ookla|date=2018-03-26|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-03-28|archive-date=15 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915070354/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/india-ranks-67th-in-fixed-line-109th-in-mobile-broadband-speed-ookla/articleshow/63471893.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> ([[lakh]]) !! Ownership
! Operator !! Subscribers<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/india-ranks-67th-in-fixed-line-109th-in-mobile-broadband-speed-ookla/articleshow/63471893.cms|title=India ranks 67th in fixed-line, 109th in mobile broadband speed: Ookla|date=2018-03-26|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-03-28|archive-date=15 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915070354/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/internet/india-ranks-67th-in-fixed-line-109th-in-mobile-broadband-speed-ookla/articleshow/63471893.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> ([[lakh]]) !! Ownership
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
| '''[[Jio]]'''|| 144.76||[[Jio Platforms]]
| [[Jio]]|| 147.52||[[Jio Platforms]]
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
| [[Airtel India|'''Airtel''']]|| 103.04 ||[[Bharti Airtel]]
| [[Tata Teleservices]]|| 111.73 ||[[Tata Group]]
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align:left;"
| [[Airtel India|Airtel]]|| 114.20 ||[[Bharti Airtel]]
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
| '''[[BSNL Broadband|BSNL]]'''||  75.73||[[Government of India]]
| [[BSNL Broadband|BSNL]]||  74.61||[[Government of India]]
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align:left;"
| '''[[Tata Teleservices]]'''|| 24.43 ||[[Tata Group]]
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
| '''[[MTNL Broadband|MTNL]]'''||  19.35||[[Government of India]]
| [[MTNL Broadband|MTNL]]||  13.11||[[Government of India]]
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align:left;"
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align:left;"
| [[Vodafone Idea|'''Vi''']]|| 8.21|| [[Vodafone Group]]
| [[Vodafone Idea|Vi]]|| 8.53|| [[Vodafone Group]]
[[Aditya Birla Group]]
[[Aditya Birla Group]]
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
| [[APSFL|'''APSFL''']]|| 6.12|| [[Andhra Pradesh Government]]
| [[APSFL]]|| 3.19|| [[Andhra Pradesh Government]]
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
| '''Quadrant'''|| 3.44 ||[[Videocon Telecom]]
| Quadrant|| 3.31 ||[[Videocon Telecom]]
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
| '''[[Reliance Communications]]'''|| 0.98|| [[Reliance Group]]
| [[Reliance Communications]]|| 0.82|| [[Reliance Group]]
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
| '''[[STPL]]'''|| 0.54|| [[Sudhana Telecommunications Private Limited]]
| [[STPL]]|| 0.58|| [[Sudhana Telecommunications Private Limited]]
|}
|}


== Internet service providers (ISPs) ==
== Internet service providers (ISPs) ==
[[Internet service provider]]s (ISPs) offering broadband (wired + wireless) services. The total number of broadband subscribers stood at 974.87 million as of 31.05.2025.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Service Provider List |url=https://www.trai.gov.in/consumer-info/telecom/service-provider-list |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=Telecom Regulatory Authority of India |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Telecom Subscription Data as on 31st December, 2023 |url=https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PR_No.07of2024_0.pdf}}</ref> Total Wireless broadband subscribers stood at 901.68 million and wireline broadband subscribers stood at 41.41 million.<ref name="Traidata"/>  
[[Internet service provider]]s (ISPs) offering broadband (wired + wireless) services. The total number of broadband subscribers stood at 1065.88 million as of 31.03.2026.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Service Provider List |url=https://www.trai.gov.in/consumer-info/telecom/service-provider-list |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=Telecom Regulatory Authority of India |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Telecom Subscription Data as on 31st December, 2023 |url=https://www.trai.gov.in/sites/default/files/PR_No.07of2024_0.pdf}}</ref> Total Wireless broadband subscribers stood at 958.54 million and wireline broadband subscribers stood at 45.11 million.<ref name="Traidata"/>  


{{Pie chart
{{Pie chart
| caption=Market share of broadband (wired + wireless) services in India as of 31.05.2025, according to the [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]] (TRAI)<ref name="Traidata"/>
| caption = Market share of broadband (wired + wireless) services in India as of 31.03.2026, according to the [[Telecom Regulatory Authority of India]] (TRAI)<ref name="Traidata"/>
| label1 = [[Jio]]
| label1 = [[Jio]]
| value1 = 50.72  | color1 = Blue
| value1 = 49.11
| label2 = [[Airtel India|Airtel]]
| color1 = Blue
| value2 = 30.99 | color2 = Red
| label2 = [[Airtel India|Airtel]]
| label3 = [[Vodafone Idea|Vi]]
| value2 = 34.60
| value3 = 12.99 | color3 = Green
| color2 = Red
| label4 = [[BSNL Broadband|BSNL]]
| label3 = [[Vodafone Idea|Vi]]
| value4 = 3.52 | color4 = Turquoise
| value3 = 12.09
| label5 = [[Atria Convergence Technologies|ACT]]
| color3 = Yellow
| value5 = 0.24 | color5 = Orange
| label4 = [[BSNL Broadband|BSNL]]
| label6 = Others  
| value4 = 2.57
| value6 = 1.54 | color6 = Yellow
| color4 = Orange
}}
| label5 = [[Atria Convergence Technologies|ACT]]
| value5 = 0.23
| color5 = Violet
| label6 = Others
| value6 = 1.40
| color6 = Cyan
}}
 
As of 31.03.2026, the top five wireless broadband service providers which have market share of 99.99% is as follows:


As of 31.05.2025, top five Wireless Broadband Service providers which have market share of 99.98% is as follows:
{| class="wikitable sortable"  
{| class="wikitable sortable"  
|- style="background:#ccc; text-align:left;"
! Operator !! Subscribers<ref name=":0" /> ([[million]]) !! Ownership
! Operator !! Subscribers<ref name=":0" /> ([[million]]) !! Ownership
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
| '''[[JioFiber]]'''|| 480.96 ||[[Jio Platforms]]
| [[Jio]]|| 509.21 ||[[Jio Platforms]]
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
| [[Airtel India|'''Airtel''']] || 292.89 ||[[Bharti Airtel]]
| [[Airtel India|Airtel]] || 358.13 ||[[Bharti Airtel]]
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
| [[Vodafone Idea|'''Vi''']] || 126.67 ||[[Vodafone Group]]
| [[Vodafone Idea|Vi]] || 128.91 ||[[Vodafone Group]]
[[Aditya Birla Group]]
[[Aditya Birla Group]]
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
| [[BSNL Broadband|'''BSNL''']] || 29.99 || [[Government of India]]
| [[BSNL Broadband|BSNL]] || 22.86 || [[Government of India]]
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
|- style="vertical-align: middle; text-align: left;"
| '''IBus Virtual Network Services Private Limited'''|| 0.09 ||
| IBus Virtual Network Services Private Limited|| 0.11 ||
|}
|}


The following table shows the top 5 wired broadband service providers in India by total subscriber base as of 31.05.2025 which hold market share of 69.74%
The following table shows the top five wired broadband service providers in India by total subscriber base as of 31.03.2026 which hold market share of 71.68%.
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Provider
!Provider
Line 393: Line 404:
!Ownership
!Ownership
|-
|-
|'''[[JioFiber]]'''
|[[JioFiber]]
|13.51
|14.23
|[[Jio Platforms]]
|[[Jio Platforms]]
|-
|-
|[[Airtel India|'''Airtel''']]
|[[Airtel India|Airtel Xtream Fiber]]
|9.26
|10.71
|[[Bharti Airtel]]
|[[Bharti Airtel]]
|-
|-
|[[BSNL Broadband|'''BSNL''']]
|[[BSNL Broadband|BSNL]]
|4.32
|4.51
|[[Government of India]]
|[[Government of India]]
|-
|-
|[[Atria Convergence Technologies|'''ACT''']]
|[[Atria Convergence Technologies|ACT]]
|2.32
|2.40
|India Value Fund Advisors
|India Value Fund Advisors
[[TA Associates]]
[[TA Associates]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Kerala Vision Broadband Ltd|KVBL]]'''
|[[Kerala Vision Broadband Ltd|KVBL]]
|1.34
|1.48
|
|
|}
|}
Line 419: Line 430:
!Ownership
!Ownership
|-
|-
|[[Andhra Pradesh State FiberNet Limited|'''APSFL''']]
|[[Andhra Pradesh State FiberNet Limited|APSFL]]
|[[Government of Andhra Pradesh]]
|[[Government of Andhra Pradesh]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Asianet Broadband]]'''
|[[Asianet Broadband]]
|Rajan Raheja Group
|Rajan Raheja Group
|-
|-
|'''[[DEN Networks]]'''
|[[DEN Networks]]
|[[Reliance Industries]]
|[[Reliance Industries]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Hathway]]'''
|[[Hathway]]
|[[Reliance Industries]]
|[[Reliance Industries]]
|-
|-
|'''[[RailTel]]'''
|[[RailTel]]
|[[Government of India]]
|[[Government of India]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Sify]]'''
|[[Sify]]
|Sify Group
|Sify Group
|-
|-
|'''[[Tata Play]]'''
|[[Tata Play]]
|[[Tata Group]] (70%) <br />[[The Walt Disney Company India]] (30%)  
|[[Tata Group]] (70%) <br />[[The Walt Disney Company India]] (30%)  
|-
|-
|'''[[Excitel Broadband|Excitel]]'''
|[[Excitel Broadband|Excitel]]
|
|
|}
|}
Line 450: Line 461:
!Ownership
!Ownership
|-
|-
|'''CtrlS Datacenters'''
|CtrlS Datacenters
|CtrlS Labs
|CtrlS Labs
|-
|-
|'''[[ERNET]]'''
|[[ERNET]]
|[[Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]]
|[[Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology]]
|-
|-
|'''[[GAILTEL]]'''
|[[GAILTEL]]
|[[Government of India]]
|[[Government of India]]
|-
|-
|'''[[National Knowledge Network]]<br />{{small|(for educational institutions only)}}'''
|[[National Knowledge Network]]<br />{{small|(for educational institutions only)}}
|[[Government of India]]
|[[Government of India]]
|-
|-
|'''[[PowerGrid Corporation of India|PowerTel]]'''
|[[PowerGrid Corporation of India|PowerTel]]
|[[Government of India]]
|[[Government of India]]
|-
|-
|'''[[Tulip Telecom]]'''
|[[Tulip Telecom]]
|Tulip Enterprises
|Tulip Enterprises
|}
|}
Line 474: Line 485:
{{see also||List of Indian television stations}}
{{see also||List of Indian television stations}}
[[File:STS008-44-611.jpg|thumb|right|INSAT-1B satellite: Broadcasting sector in India is highly dependent on [[Indian National Satellite System|INSAT]] system.]]
[[File:STS008-44-611.jpg|thumb|right|INSAT-1B satellite: Broadcasting sector in India is highly dependent on [[Indian National Satellite System|INSAT]] system.]]
Television broadcasting began in India in 1959 by ''[[Doordarshan]]'', a state-run medium of communication, and had slow expansion for more than two decades.<ref name="Kaminsky2011">{{cite book|last1=Kaminsky|first1=Arnold P.|last2=Long|first2=Roger D.|title=India Today: An Encyclopedia of Life in the Republic: An Encyclopedia of Life in the Republic|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wWDnTWrz4O8C|access-date=12 September 2012|date=30 September 2011|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-37462-3|pages=684–692|archive-date=29 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329131407/https://books.google.com/books?id=wWDnTWrz4O8C|url-status=live}}</ref> The policy reforms of the government in the 1990s attracted private initiatives in this sector, and since then, satellite television has increasingly shaped popular culture and Indian society. However, still, only the government-owned ''Doordarshan'' has the licence for terrestrial television broadcast. Private companies reach the public using satellite channels; both cable television as well as DTH has obtained a wide subscriber base in India. <ref>{{cite web|title=India overview|url=http://www.tamindia.com/tamindia/Images/Overview_TV_Universe_Update-2012.pdf|publisher=TAM Media Research|access-date=11 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814162810/http://www.tamindia.com/tamindia/Images/Overview_TV_Universe_Update-2012.pdf|archive-date=14 August 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
Television broadcasting began in India in 1959 by ''[[Doordarshan]]'', a state-run medium of communication, and had slow expansion for more than two decades.<ref name="Kaminsky2011">{{cite book|last1=Kaminsky|first1=Arnold P.|last2=Long|first2=Roger D.|title=India Today: An Encyclopedia of Life in the Republic: An Encyclopedia of Life in the Republic|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wWDnTWrz4O8C|access-date=12 September 2012|date=30 September 2011|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=978-0-313-37462-3|pages=684–692|archive-date=29 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329131407/https://books.google.com/books?id=wWDnTWrz4O8C|url-status=live}}</ref> The policy reforms of the government in the 1990s attracted private initiatives in this sector, and since then, satellite television has increasingly shaped popular culture and Indian society. However, still, only the government-owned ''Doordarshan'' has the licence for terrestrial television broadcast. Private companies reach the public using satellite channels; both cable television as well as DTH has obtained a wide subscriber base in India.<ref>{{cite web|title=India overview|url=http://www.tamindia.com/tamindia/Images/Overview_TV_Universe_Update-2012.pdf|publisher=TAM Media Research|access-date=11 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814162810/http://www.tamindia.com/tamindia/Images/Overview_TV_Universe_Update-2012.pdf|archive-date=14 August 2012|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>


A total of approximately 918 private satellite TV channels have been permitted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) for uplinking only/downlinking only/both uplinking & downlinking.  
A total of approximately 918 private satellite TV channels have been permitted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) for uplinking only/downlinking only/both uplinking & downlinking.
   
   
As per the reporting done by broadcasters in pursuance of the Tariff Order dated 3rd March 2017, as amended, out of 908 permitted satellite TV channels which are available for downlinking in India, there are 333 satellite pay TV channels as on 31st March, 2025. Out of 333 pay channels, 232 are SD satellite pay TV channels and 101 are HD satellite pay TV channels.
As per the reporting done by broadcasters in pursuance of the Tariff Order dated 3rd March 2017, as amended, out of 908 permitted satellite TV channels which are available for downlinking in India, there are 333 satellite pay TV channels as on 31st March, 2025. Out of 333 pay channels, 232 are SD satellite pay TV channels and 101 are HD satellite pay TV channels.
Line 626: Line 637:
}}
}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Communications in India}}
[[Category:Telecommunications in India| ]]
[[Category:Telecommunications in India| ]]
[[Category:Science and technology in India]]
[[Category:Science and technology in India]]
Line 632: Line 642:
[[Category:Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (India)]]
[[Category:Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (India)]]
[[Category:Mobile phone industry in India]]
[[Category:Mobile phone industry in India]]
[[Category:Industries in India]]
[[Category:Industries of India]]
[[Category:Internet in India]]
[[Category:Internet in India]]
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