New Delhi: India’s total internet subscriber base crossed 1.09 billion at the end of March 2026, registering a 12.76% annual growth, according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) annual performance report for 2025-26 released on Monday.
The number of internet subscribers rose from 969.10 million in March 2025 to 1,092.79 million in March 2026. Broadband subscribers increased 12.90% to 1,065.88 million, while narrowband subscribers rose 7.72% to 26.91 million.
Wireless data consumption also recorded strong growth. The number of wireless data subscribers increased 9.29% to 1,026.75 million, while total wireless data usage rose 24.74% to 2,85,376 petabytes during 2025-26. Average monthly data usage per subscriber increased 18.49% to 25.51 GB.
India’s total telephone subscriber base grew 10.81% to 1.33 billion, taking overall tele-density to 93.26%. Wireless subscribers rose 10.19% to 1.28 billion, while wireline connections increased 30.25% to 48.25 million.
The telecom sector’s Gross Revenue increased 8.59% to ₹4.04 lakh crore, while Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) rose 10.44% to ₹3.35 lakh crore. Average revenue per wireless user increased 3.59% to ₹180.73 per month.
The report also noted a decline in pay-DTH subscribers, from 56.92 million in March 2025 to 49.05 million in March 2026. Private FM radio channels increased to 390 across 120 cities, while operational community radio stations rose to 564.
TRAI said the report provides an overview of telecom, cable TV, DTH and radio broadcasting services based primarily on information submitted by service providers.
