India's telecom subscriber base rises to 1.35 billion in June, broadband users cross 1.08 billion: TRAI
New Delhi, July 28
India's telecom sector continued to expand in June 2026, with the total telephone subscriber base increasing to 1.348 billion from 1.343 billion in May, registering a monthly growth rate of 0.37 per cent, according to the latest telecom subscription data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Tuesday.
The overall tele-density improved to 94.31 per cent at the end of June from 94.02 per cent a month earlier.
Urban telephone subscriptions rose to 792.06 million from 787.71 million, while rural subscriptions edged up to 556.01 million from 555.39 million.
Broadband connectivity also witnessed sustained growth during the month. TRAI said the total number of broadband subscribers increased to 1.087 billion at the end of June from 1.080 billion in May, reflecting a monthly growth rate of 0.68 per cent.
Wireless services remained the primary driver of subscriber growth. The wireless subscriber base, including mobile and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), increased to 1.300 billion from 1.294 billion in May, registering a monthly growth rate of 0.45 per cent.
Urban wireless subscriptions rose to 749.39 million, while rural wireless subscriptions increased to 550.86 million. Wireless tele-density also improved to 90.96 per cent during the month.
The wireless mobile subscriber base alone climbed to 1.282 billion at the end of June from 1.277 billion in May, translating into a monthly growth rate of 0.42 per cent.
Private telecom operators continued to dominate the segment, accounting for 92.73 per cent of wireless mobile subscribers, while state-owned operators BSNL and MTNL together held a 7.27 per cent market share.
TRAI said the number of active wireless subscribers, measured on the basis of peak Visitor Location Register (VLR), stood at 1.201 billion during June, indicating the size of the active mobile user base.
The regulator also reported continued expansion in Fixed Wireless Access services. The number of 5G FWA subscribers increased to 12.94 million at the end of June from 12.73 million in May, with rural users marginally outnumbering urban subscribers.
Total subscribers using Unlicensed Band Radio (UBR)-based FWA technology stood at 4.93 million, as per the data.
Mobile Number Portability (MNP) activity also remained robust during the month, with 14.78 million subscribers submitting requests to switch operators while retaining their mobile numbers.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Impressive growth numbers, but I wonder how many of these subscribers are actually active users. The VLR data shows about 1.2 billion active users out of 1.35 billion - that's still a lot of inactive connections. 📊
Finally some good news! As a small business owner in rural Maharashtra, affordable broadband has been a game changer for me. The 5G FWA expansion to rural areas is promising. More power to TRAI! 💪
The private sector dominance at 92.73% is concerning for competition. BSNL and MTNL need serious revival efforts, otherwise we'll have an oligopoly in telecom. Remember when PSUs led the way? 🙄
MNP requests at 14.78 million! People are voting with their feet. If service quality doesn't improve, even the big players will lose customers. Competition is good for us consumers. 📱
Broadband crossing 1 billion is a milestone! But let's not forget the digital divide - my cousins in remote Bihar still struggle with 2G speeds. Infrastructure must reach every village, not just cities. 🌍
Good numbers overall. The 0.37% monthly growth might
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