India’s telecommunications and broadcasting sectors witnessed broad-based growth in 2024–25, driven by rapid technological advancements, regulatory reforms and deeper digital penetration across the country. The year marked a significant phase of consolidation and expansion, reinforcing India’s position as one of the world’s largest and fastest-evolving telecom markets.

According to an ANI report citing the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) Annual Report for 2024–25, India remained 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 touched 969.10 million, while broadband users increased to 944.12 million, reflecting sustained demand for high-speed connectivity across both urban and rural regions. Overall tele-density stood at 85.04 per cent, underlining the near-universal reach of telecom services nationwide.

One of the most notable developments during the year was the accelerated rollout of 5G services. India recorded one of the fastest 5G deployments globally, with services available in almost all districts by February 2025. The rollout was supported by over 4.69 lakh Base Transceiver Stations and catered to nearly 25 crore users. Since its launch on October 1, 2022, 5G coverage has expanded to 99.6 per cent of districts, enabling advanced applications across healthcare, education, manufacturing and logistics, while also laying the foundation for future technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and Industry 4.0.

TRAI noted that the evolution of 5G mobile technology is shaping a promising future for the sector by enabling high-speed connectivity and industrial automation. From a regulatory standpoint, the Telecommunications Act, 2023 played a key role in guiding sectoral growth during 2024–25. The regulator issued recommendations on service authorisation frameworks, spectrum sharing and leasing, terahertz spectrum usage and network authorisations, aimed at simplifying licensing processes, improving spectrum efficiency and encouraging innovation.

Consumer protection also remained a focus area, with measures introduced to curb spam calls and fraudulent messaging, helping to strengthen trust in digital communications. TRAI’s annual report highlighted a shift towards technology-neutral and light-touch regulation, designed to foster investment while maintaining fair competition. Initiatives around infrastructure sharing, right-of-way reforms and fibre expansion contributed to improved network quality and wider coverage, particularly in underserved areas.

The broadcasting and cable television sector also registered steady progress during the year. India’s media and entertainment industry reached an estimated size of Rs 2.5 trillion in 2024, contributing about 0.73 per cent to GDP. Television broadcasting continued to be a key growth driver, supported by around 918 private satellite TV channels, 845 multi-system operators and 56.92 million active pay DTH subscribers.

TRAI played a central role in steering the broadcasting sector through consultations 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 grassroots communication and local content dissemination.

The TRAI Annual Report for 2024–25, which was laid in the Lok Sabha on December 17, 2025 and in the Rajya Sabha on December 18, 2025, outlines the policies, programmes and overall environment shaping the telecom and broadcasting sectors. With rising data consumption, widespread 5G adoption and forward-looking regulatory initiatives, the sector is expected to play a critical role in driving inclusive growth, innovation and global competitiveness in the years ahead.