New Delhi [India], January 6 (ANI): The year 2024-25 marked a significant phase for India’s telecommunications and broadcasting sectors, driven by technological progress, regulatory reforms, and expanding digital inclusion, according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Annual Report for 2024-25.
India consolidated its position as the world’s second-largest telecom market, with the overall subscriber base rising to 1,200.80 million by March 2025. Internet subscribers reached 969.10 million, while broadband users climbed to 944.12 million, reflecting strong demand for high-speed connectivity across urban and rural areas. Tele-density stood at 85.04 per cent, demonstrating near-universal access to telecom services nationwide.
A landmark development during the year was the accelerated rollout of 5G networks. By February 2025, 5G services were available in nearly all districts, supported by over 4.69 lakh Base Transceiver Stations and serving around 25 crore users. Since its launch in India on October 1, 2022, 5G is now available in 99.6 per cent of districts, enabling advanced applications in healthcare, education, manufacturing, logistics, and infrastructure, while laying the groundwork for future technologies such as AI, IoT, and Industry 4.0.
“One of the most remarkable developments in 2024-25 was the rapid rollout of 5G services. This infrastructure milestone enabled high-speed connectivity and industrial automation across sectors like healthcare, education, logistics, and manufacturing,” the TRAI report stated.
From a regulatory standpoint, the Telecommunications Act, 2023, guided sector evolution in 2024-25. TRAI issued recommendations on service authorisation frameworks, spectrum sharing and leasing, terahertz spectrum usage, and network authorisations to simplify licensing, optimise spectrum utilisation, and encourage innovation. Measures to curb spam calls, prevent fraudulent messaging, and strengthen consumer protections further enhanced trust in digital communications.
The report also highlights a shift toward technology-neutral, light-touch regulation, fostering investment while maintaining fair competition. Initiatives such as infrastructure sharing, right-of-way reforms, and fibre expansion improved network quality and coverage, particularly in underserved regions.
In the broadcasting and cable TV sector, India’s Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry reached Rs 2.5 trillion in 2024, contributing 0.73 per cent to GDP. Television broadcasting remained a major driver, supported by approximately 918 private satellite channels, 845 Multi System Operators, and 56.92 million active pay DTH subscribers. The radio segment demonstrated resilience with 388 private FM stations operational, advertising revenues recovering to near pre-pandemic levels, and community radio expanding to strengthen local content dissemination.
Overall, with rising data consumption, widespread 5G adoption, and forward-looking regulatory initiatives, TRAI projects that the sector will continue to support inclusive growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. The TRAI Annual Report 2024-25 was tabled in the Lok Sabha on December 17, 2025, and in the Rajya Sabha on December 18, 2025.
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