BSNL vs Jio-Airtel / BSNL has given Jio, Airtel, and Vi sleepless nights, adding over 1.3 million new users

BSNL 4G: In August 2025, state-owned telecom company BSNL surprised everyone by adding 13.85 lakh new mobile customers. BSNL, which recently launched its 4G service, has given strong indications of its comeback in the telecom sector with this achievement. On the other hand, MTNL continued to incur losses and failed to show any significant progress.

Vodafone Idea's Decline

August 2025 was not a good month for Vodafone Idea (Vi). The company lost 3.09 lakh mobile customers during this period. This decline could pose further challenges for Vi, which is already struggling with debt and AGR (Adjusted Gross Revenue) dues. The company will need to take immediate strategic steps to improve its position.

Jio and Airtel's Performance

Reliance Jio maintained its dominance by adding 19.49 lakh new mobile customers in August. With over 41% market share, Jio remains the undisputed leader in the telecom industry. However, the company lost 15.51 lakh users in the wireline segment. On the other hand, Bharti Airtel added 4.96 lakh mobile subscribers and strengthened its position in the wireline segment with 1.08 lakh new users.

India's Telecom User Base and Teledensity

According to TRAI data, India's total mobile subscriber base reached 116.7 crore by August 2025. Of these, urban subscribers accounted for 686.79 million (56%) and rural subscribers for 537.75 million (44%). Teledensity in urban areas has reached 134%, indicating high connectivity. Meanwhile, rural teledensity is 59.31%, indicating that there is still significant potential for telecom expansion in rural India.