Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom operator, continued its lead in the wireline category by adding the most subscribers in May 2024, according to the latest TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) performance indicator report. Jio’s dominant position in the wireline market is further solidified with this growth, making it increasingly challenging for competitors to catch up. Alongside Jio, Bharti Airtel, Tata Teleservices, and Vodafone Idea (Vi) also saw new user additions in the wireline segment. Let’s examine the data shared by TRAI.
Wireline Customer Addition by Jio, Airtel, and Vi
In May 2024, Reliance Jio added 0.37 million wireline users, significantly boosting its JioFiber brand. Bharti Airtel followed with an addition of 0.11 million wireline users, reflecting a steady growth for its Airtel Xstream Fiber brand. Tata Teleservices and Vodafone Idea (Vi) added 0.018 million and 0.012 million wireline users, respectively.
Conversely, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) lost 0.032 million customers, while Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) lost 0.01 million users. BSNL’s decline in both the wireless and wireline segments can be attributed to poor branding and inadequate after-sales service.
Challenges and Market Shifts
Private telecom operators are not only expanding their reach to new areas but also enhancing customer relations. BSNL, on the other hand, has struggled to modernize its technology infrastructure, resulting in a loss of its number one position in the wireline segment to Jio. Airtel has also surpassed BSNL, becoming the second-largest wireline provider. BSNL faces a significant challenge in regaining its lost market share in the future.
