The latest GlobalData report has revealed the total size of the telecom and pay-TV services revenue in India in 2024.
The total telecom and pay-TV services revenue in India is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.5 percent from $44.9 billion in 2024 to $50.7 billion in 2029, primarily driven by the mobile data and fixed broadband segments.
Mobile voice service revenue is expected to decline in India due to falling ARPU and user migration to OTT communication platforms.
Mobile data service revenues in India will grow at a 5.5 percent CAGR, fueled by smartphone adoption, mobile internet subscriptions, and increasing data consumption with the expansion of 4G and adoption of 5G services.
In India, 4G, which accounted for 68.9 percent of total mobile subscriptions in 2024, will see its share drop to 32.1 percent by 2029 due to the shift to 5G services.
5G subscriptions, making up 15 percent in 2024, are expected to rise to 61.8 percent by 2029, driven by network expansions by Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio across the country.
Airtel’s 5G network in India reached 140,000 villages by September 2024, while Reliance Jio achieved 100 percent nationwide 5G coverage in August 2024.
In fixed communications, fixed voice service revenues will decline, but fixed broadband service revenues in India are projected to grow at a 6.2 percent CAGR, supported by rising FTTH/B subscriptions.
Government efforts to expand fiber infrastructure, such as the Phase III BharatNet initiative worth INR 650 billion, will further drive fiber broadband adoption. The launch of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services by Jio and Airtel in late 2023 is expected to complement existing broadband infrastructure.
Pay-TV service revenues in India will decline due to falling cable TV, DTH, and IPTV subscriptions as users shift to OTT video platforms.
Reliance Jio leads the mobile services segment in subscriptions, supported by its extensive 4G coverage and 5G rollout. Jio also dominates the fixed broadband market with its JioFiber network and strong position in fiber broadband services.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
