TRAI Report 2024-25: India Becomes a Global 5G Powerhouse

India’s telecom sector witnessed significant expansion in 2024–25, driven by rapid 5G rollout, rising broadband adoption and progressive regulatory reforms, according to TRAI’s annual report. With over 1.2 billion subscribers and near-universal connectivity, the country continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s largest digital markets.

India Records Rapid 5G Expansion, Telecom Sector Sees All-Round Growth in 2024–25: TRAI

The financial year 2024–25 marked one of the most transformative periods for India’s telecommunications and broadcasting sectors. According to the annual report released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), rapid technological deployment, regulatory reforms and deeper digital penetration played a decisive role in reshaping the industry.

India further strengthened its position as the world’s second-largest telecom market, as the total subscriber base climbed to 1,200.80 million by March 2025. Internet subscriptions reached 969.10 million, while broadband users rose to 944.12 million, underlining the country’s continued shift toward high-speed connectivity across both urban and rural regions.

Tele-density stood at 85.04 percent, highlighting near-universal availability of telecom services nationwide.

Rapid 5G Rollout Becomes a Key Growth Driver

A major highlight of the year was India’s accelerated 5G rollout. By February 2025, 5G services were available in nearly all districts, supported by more than 4.69 lakh base transceiver stations, catering to approximately 25 crore users.

5G, first launched in India on October 1, 2022, is now available across 99.6 percent of districts, making India one of the fastest adopters globally.

“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.

Enabling Future-Ready Digital Ecosystems

The TRAI report emphasised that widespread 5G coverage is helping unlock advanced digital applications across:

• Healthcare and tele-medicine

• Smart education and remote learning

• Manufacturing and automation

• Logistics and supply chain optimisation

• Infrastructure and smart city systems

The rapid network upgrades are also paving the way for emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, cloud-driven ecosystems and Industry 4.0-based innovations.

Regulatory Reforms Strengthen the Telecom Framework

Implementation of the Telecommunications Act, 2023

On the policy front, the Telecommunications Act, 2023 emerged as a cornerstone reform. TRAI issued recommendations on:

• Service authorisation frameworks

• Spectrum sharing and leasing

• Terahertz spectrum applications

• Network authorisation rules

The objective was to simplify licensing, maximise spectrum efficiency and foster innovation.

Stronger Consumer Protection Measures

Measures introduced to curb spam calls, fraudulent messaging and digital scams helped reinforce public trust in digital communications.

TRAI also highlighted a move toward technology-neutral, light-touch regulation, promoting investment while ensuring fair competition.

Broadcasting and Media Sector Shows Positive Growth

The broadcasting and cable TV ecosystem also experienced stable expansion during 2024–25.

India’s media and entertainment industry was valued at USD 2.5 trillion in 2024, contributing 0.73 percent to GDP, as per industry estimates cited in the report.

Television remained a dominant medium, supported by:

• 918 private satellite TV channels

• 845 multi-system operators

• 56.92 million active pay DTH subscribers

Revival in Radio and Community Broadcasting

TRAI guided the broadcasting sector through consultations on:

• National Broadcasting Policy 2024

• Digital radio broadcasting

• Ground-based broadcasters

• FM spectrum pricing

With 388 private FM stations operational and advertising revenue nearing pre-pandemic levels, the radio segment continued to display resilience. Community radio also expanded, boosting local information outreach.

Outlook — Strong Digital Growth Ahead

According to TRAI, surging data usage, nationwide 5G adoption and forward-looking regulatory initiatives are poised to support:

• Inclusive digital growth

• Technological innovation

• Global competitiveness

• Improved user experience

India’s telecom and broadcasting ecosystem is expected to remain one of the fastest-growing worldwide as connectivity deepens further across sectors and regions.