The financial year 2024–25 marked a major phase of expansion for India’s telecommunications and broadcasting sectors, driven by rapid technological deployment, regulatory reforms and widening digital access, according to the annual report of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
The report said India strengthened its position as the world’s second-largest telecom market, with the total subscriber base rising to 1,200.80 million by the end of March 2025. Internet subscribers reached 969.10 million, while broadband users increased to 944.12 million, reflecting sustained demand for high-speed connectivity across both urban and rural areas.
Tele-density stood at 85.04 per cent, indicating near-universal access to telecom services nationwide.
A key highlight of the year was the accelerated rollout of 5G networks, with India among the fastest globally to deploy the technology. By February 2025, 5G services were available in nearly all districts, supported by more than 4.69 lakh base transceiver stations and serving around 25 crore users. 5G services, launched in India on October 1, 2022, are currently available in 99.6 per cent of the country’s districts.
The report noted that rapid 5G deployment is enabling advanced applications across sectors such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, logistics and infrastructure, while laying the foundation for future technologies including artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things 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,” the report said.
On the regulatory front, the Telecommunications Act, 2023 played a central role in shaping sectoral reforms during the year. TRAI issued key recommendations on service authorisation frameworks, spectrum sharing and leasing, terahertz spectrum usage and network authorisations, aimed at simplifying licensing processes, optimising spectrum utilisation and encouraging innovation.
Measures to curb spam calls and fraudulent messaging, along with enhanced consumer protection norms, further strengthened trust in digital communications, the report said.
TRAI also highlighted a shift towards technology-neutral, light-touch regulation to promote investment while maintaining fair competition. Initiatives such as infrastructure sharing, right-of-way reforms and fibre network expansion significantly improved service quality and coverage, particularly in underserved regions.
The broadcasting and cable television sector also recorded steady progress in 2024–25. India’s media and entertainment industry reached USD 2.5 trillion in 2024, contributing 0.73 per cent to GDP, with growth expected to continue, the report said, citing industry estimates.
Television broadcasting remained a key driver, supported by around 918 private satellite TV channels, 845 multi-system operators and 56.92 million active pay DTH subscribers.
TRAI played a role in guiding the broadcasting sector through consultations and recommendations on the National Broadcasting Policy 2024, digital radio broadcasting, ground-based broadcasters and FM radio spectrum pricing. The radio segment showed resilience, with 388 private FM stations operational and advertising revenues recovering close to pre-pandemic levels. Community radio also expanded, strengthening local content dissemination.
Overall, TRAI said rising data consumption, widespread 5G adoption and forward-looking regulatory initiatives are expected to support inclusive growth, innovation and global competitiveness in the coming years.
-ANI
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