Archive · 7 Jan 2026
India's Telecom and Broadcasting Growth in 2024-25
India's telecom and broadcasting sectors grew a lot in 2024-25.
The country has over 1.2 billion telecom subscribers and nearly 1 billion internet users.
5G networks spread quickly, reaching almost all districts with over 4.69 lakh base stations and 25 crore users.
This fast rollout helps many industries like healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
The government also made new rules to improve services and protect consumers.
The broadcasting sector also grew, with many TV channels and radio stations.
The media and entertainment industry is now worth USD 2.5 trillion.
However, the TV industry is facing some challenges.
Advertising revenue is dropping, and fewer people are subscribing to pay TV.
This means the TV industry is making less money and needs to adapt to stay strong.
The regulators are now focusing on fixing these issues rather than just expanding.
India's telecom subscriber base reached 1,200.80 million by March 2025, making it the world's second-largest telecom market.
Internet subscribers grew to 969.10 million, with broadband users at 944.12 million, reflecting high demand for connectivity.
5G services were available in nearly all districts by February 2025, supported by over 4.69 lakh base stations and serving around 25 crore users.
The broadcasting and cable TV sector saw steady progress, with the media and entertainment industry reaching USD 2.5 trillion in 2024.
Television revenue declined to Rs 67,900 crore in 2024, with ad income dropping to Rs 29,400 crore, indicating a 4.23% drop from 2022 levels.
- Who
- Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
- What
- Annual report on India's telecom and broadcasting sectors for 2024-25
- When
- Report laid in Lok Sabha on December 17, 2025 and in Rajya Sabha on December 18, 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To detail policies, programs, and review the general environment in the telecom and broadcasting sectors
- Overall Subscriber Base
- 1,200.80 million
- Internet Subscribers
- 969.10 million
- Broadband Users
- 944.12 million
- Tele-density
- 85.04%
- 5G Base Transceiver Stations
- 4.69 lakh
- 5G Users
- 25 crore
- Media and Entertainment Industry Size
- USD 2.5 trillion
- Private Satellite TV Channels
- 918
- Multi System Operators
- 845
- Active Pay DTH Subscribers
- 56.92 million
- Private FM Stations
- 388
- Television Revenue
- Rs 67,900 crore (2024)
- Advertising Revenue
- Rs 29,400 crore (2024)
- Subscription Revenue
- Shouldering a larger share of industry income
- Pending Cases
- 513 (as of March 31, 2025)
Sources
India Records Rapid 5G Expansion, Telecom Sector Sees All-Round Growth in 2024-25: TRAI
Telecom, broadcasting sectors marked a defining phase in 2024-25: TRAI
Why Indian TV is losing pricing power? 20 years of TRAI data show ad slump, 12 million subscriber loss