India’s telecommunications and broadcasting sectors witnessed strong, broad-based growth in the financial year 2024–25, driven by rapid 5G deployment, rising data consumption and progressive regulatory reforms, according to the latest annual report of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
The report highlighted that India consolidated its position as the world’s second-largest telecom market, with total subscribers increasing to 1,200.80 million by the end of March 2025. Internet subscriptions rose to 969.10 million, while broadband users reached 944.12 million, reflecting sustained demand for high-speed connectivity across urban and rural regions. Tele-density stood at 85.04 per cent, signalling near-universal access to telecom services nationwide.
A major highlight of FY25 was the accelerated rollout of 5G networks. India emerged as one of the fastest countries globally to deploy 5G, with services available in 99.6 per cent of districts by February 2025. The rollout was supported by more than 4.69 lakh base transceiver stations and catered to nearly 25 crore users. Since its launch on October 1, 2022, 5G has rapidly expanded to enable advanced use cases in healthcare, education, manufacturing, logistics and infrastructure.
TRAI noted that 5G infrastructure is laying the foundation for future technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0. The authority described the rapid deployment as one of the most significant developments of the year, enabling high-speed connectivity and industrial automation.
On the policy front, the Telecommunications Act, 2023 played a pivotal role in shaping reforms. TRAI issued recommendations on service authorisation, spectrum sharing and leasing, terahertz spectrum usage and network authorisations, aimed at simplifying licensing, improving spectrum efficiency and encouraging innovation. Steps to curb spam calls, fraudulent messages and strengthen consumer protection further enhanced trust in digital communications.
The broadcasting and cable television sector also showed steady progress. India’s media and entertainment industry was valued at USD 2.5 trillion in 2024, contributing 0.73 per cent to GDP. Television broadcasting remained robust, supported by 918 private satellite TV channels and 56.92 million active pay DTH subscribers, while radio and community broadcasting continued to expand.
Overall, TRAI said rising data usage, widespread 5G adoption and forward-looking regulation are expected to drive inclusive growth and global competitiveness in the coming years.
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