India's telecom subscriber base reaches 1.2 billion in 2025, adds nearly 400 million 5G users

Economic Times
Economic Times
4h ago
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India's telecom base grew to 1.2 billion with 394 million 5G users in 2025, driven by network expansion, regulatory reforms, and rising exports.
India's telecom subscriber base reaches 1.2 billion in 2025, adds nearly 400 million 5G users
A What happened
In 2025, India's telecom subscriber base reached 1.2 billion with 394 million 5G users, highlighting a digital shift fueled by network growth and regulatory reforms. Wireless broadband dominates, with nearly 955 million wireless subscribers exceeding wired connections. The industry also tackled cybersecurity challenges using AI-based fraud detection and cloud security. Telecom exports increased by 72% over five years, reflecting domestic manufacturing growth and import substitution. The sector targets contributing 20% to India's GDP in the next decade, with emphasis on policy alignment and consumer protection from digital fraud.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Rapid 5G adoption reshapes connectivity landscape: The sizable jump to 394 million 5G subscriptions signals a structural acceleration in mobile broadband usage and infrastructure investment across urban and rural India.

  • 2

    Cybersecurity focus reflects rising digital risks: Telecom operators' deployment of AI-driven fraud detection and analytics indicates growing complexity in securing digital communication and consumer trust in a rapidly digitizing market.

  • 3

    Policy reforms aim to balance growth and investment certainty: Alignment with the Telecommunications Act, 2023, and new service authorization framework reflects government efforts to modernize regulation while industry seeks contractual certainty to support scaling investments.

Takeaways

India's telecom sector is accelerating 5G adoption and export growth while navigating regulatory reforms and cybersecurity challenges, setting a foundation for significant economic contribution in the coming decade.

Topics

Technology & Innovation Artificial Intelligence World & Politics Policy & Regulation