Reliance Jio, India’s largest wireline services provider, recorded the highest increase in wireline users in February 2024, as per data published by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in its monthly performance indicator report for the telecom sector. The report indicates that the number of wireline subscribers in India rose from 32.54 million at the end of January 2024 to 33.10 million by the end of February 2024, reflecting a net increase of 0.56 million wireline users, representing a growth rate of 1.73%.
Wireline Subscriber Base in India in February 2024?
The majority of wireline users, approximately 91.50%, reside in urban areas, with the remaining 8.50% in rural regions, suggesting potential for significant expansion in wireline services nationwide. Reliance Jio consistently leads in subscriber additions in both wireline and wireless segments.
In February 2024, Reliance Jio added 0.34 million wireline users, while Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) added 0.15 million and 0.04 million users, respectively. Conversely, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) experienced a loss of 0.015 million users during the same period.
Reliance Jio secured a 35.14% market share in the wireline segment, followed by Airtel with 25.89%. BSNL held a market share of 19.61%, while Vodafone Idea’s share was marginal at 2.24%. Vi has significant potential to capitalize on its fiber assets to expand fiber broadband services through You Broadband, targeting more households, offices, and enterprises to increase its market share.
Airtel’s strategy of offering bundled services through Airtel Black, coupled with partnerships with local cable operators (LCOs), has facilitated its steady growth in wireline subscribers. By collaborating with LCOs, Airtel aims to rapidly expand its fiber broadband services across India, particularly in areas where demand for high-speed internet is increasing due to remote work and entertainment needs.
