Mobile user base up to 953.80 million in October 2017

As per the data, India’s private telecom service providers have a total of 953.80 mn subscribers. The data also includes the figures of Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd (MTNL) by the end of August 2017 (Source: TRAI). 

Amongst the individual companies, Bharti Airtel Ltd continues to hold the top position, with 29.90% market share, adding another 3.15 mn subscribers during October, to take its total subscriber base to 285.20 mn subscribers. Airtel is closely followed by Vodafone India Ltd, which ended October with 208.32 mn subscribers, while Idea Cellular Ltd stood at 190.87 mn subscribers at the end of the tenth month of the year. 

The report, which also provides mobile subscriber numbers for individual circles, showed that UP (East) circle remained at the top with total 83.62 mn subscribers, while Maharashtra remained at second position with a total of 79.48 mn mobile subscribers. Rajan S Mathews, Director General, COAI, said, “Our vision and aim is to bring mobile connectivity to every corner of the country, so it is encouraging to see more cities mounting a sizeable mobile customer base. This will help accelerate our journey towards a fully connected and empowered Digital India.” 

He added, “The telecom industry is contributing significantly to the Indian economy, and is driving its growth holistically. The industry has also ensured progress towards the realisation of government’s policy and plans, such as its vision for Digital India, in a manner that connectivity reaches the farthest corners of the country and benefits everyone. We envision an enabled and empowered society where every individual gets a chance to partake in the economic growth of the country.” 

Mobile connectivity and data services have played a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide and moving India towards a truly equitable and democratic nation. The telecom industry, therefore, deserves an urgent and immediate intervention to encourage policy and regulatory stability, and facilitate growth, innovation and investment in the sector in view of the mounting financial debt and debilitating financial health of the industry. The industry is committed towards working for a fully connected and digitally empowered India and furthering the vision of Digital India.