India Telecom Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The telecom industry in India is experiencing significant growth, with its market size expanding due to increased demand for internet services and advancements in technologies such as IoT, cloud, data centers, and 5G. The sector's expansion is supported by a rising subscriber base and the government's efforts to streamline regulations through initiatives like the Telecom Bill 2022. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the need for robust telecom infrastructure, as remote operations became essential for various sectors. This ongoing demand for improved connectivity and internet access is driving the market's growth trajectory.

Market Size of India Telecom Industry

India Telecom Market  Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Market Size (2024) USD 48.61 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 76.16 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 9.40 %
Market Concentration High

Major Players

India Telecom Market  Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

India Telecom Market Analysis

The India Telecom Market size is estimated at USD 48.61 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 76.16 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 9.40% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

  • According to the IBEF, India has the world's second-largest telecom market. The total subscriber base, wireless subscriptions, and wired internet subscriptions have increased steadily. As of April 2022, teledensity stood at 84.88%, total broadband subscriptions increased to 788.77 million, and the overall subscriber base stood at 1.16 billion.
  • In the first quarter of FY22, total wireless data usage in India increased by 16.54% quarterly to 32,397 PB. In the third quarter of FY21, 3G and 4G data usage contributed 1.78% and 97.74%, respectively, to total wireless data usage. In the same quarter, the share of 2G data use was 0.48%.
  • The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India released the draught Telecom Bill 2022, which intends to alter the relationship between the government and the telecom industry. The main idea is to combine three acts (the Indian Telegraph Act 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act 1933, and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Protection) Act 1950) into one.
  • The first draught was recently used for public/stakeholder feedback. The law focuses primarily on the ease of doing business, providing sufficient infrastructure, making better use of the "valuable" spectrum, and establishing norms and procedures for litigation. Some key amendments are OTT players coming under a telecom infrastructure push, licensing regime, limiting, and (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) TRAI.
  • The telecom sector in India is expanding due to increasing end-user applications and growth in markets like IoT, cloud, data centers, and 5G. The country is also witnessing an increase in internet consumption. Market players are developing new internet plans to fulfill the growing demand for internet services and grab a more significant portion of the market.
  • According to the announcement given by the telecom minister of India at TV9's Global Summit, 5G will be available in 20-25 towns and cities by the end of 2022, most likely by August or September.
  • Every industry was affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The telecom industry was significantly impacted, as it is essential for medical, government, and private-sector commercial activities to operate seamlessly. For instance, reliable, high-speed internet access is critical in ensuring that hospitals and medical institutions access worldwide information networks and resources needed to combat the virus. Broadband access is also vital for educational institutions and enterprises to continue providing essential services.
  • The coronavirus's unexpected disruption of typical business operations prompted enterprises to operate remotely. This transition increased the demand for stronger network connectivity and internet availability, particularly in isolated or rural locations. Thus, the telecom (wireless and wireline) industry is attempting to provide better internet infrastructure to its clients. Even after the pandemic, the market is gaining traction across the country.

India Telecom Industry Segmentation

The telecom industry comprises the sales of telecom goods and services by companies (organizations, single proprietorships, and partnerships) that supply communication hardware equipment for the transmission of voice, data, text, and video. The telecoms market also includes the sales of items by manufacturers like GPS equipment, cellular phones, and switching equipment.

The study provides an in-depth analysis of the telecommunication industry in India. The Indian telecom market is segmented by services, which is further classified into voice services (wired, wireless), data and messaging services, and OTT and pay-TV.

Segmentation by Services (Coverage to include Average Revenue Per User for the overall Services segment, Market size and Estimates for each segment for the period of 2020-2027 and in-depth Trend Analysis)
Voice Services
Wired
Wireless
Data and Messaging Services (Coverage to include Internet & Handset Data packages, Package Discounts)
OTT and Pay-tv Services
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India Telecom Market Size Summary

The Indian telecom industry is experiencing significant growth, positioning itself as the second-largest telecom market globally. This expansion is driven by a steady increase in the subscriber base, both in wireless and wired internet subscriptions, and a rising teledensity. The sector is witnessing a surge in data consumption, propelled by the widespread adoption of smartphones and the transition from traditional phones to more advanced devices. The government's initiatives, such as the introduction of the Telecom Bill 2022 and the allocation of substantial funds for telecom infrastructure, aim to enhance the ease of doing business and improve digital connectivity. These efforts are complemented by the rollout of 5G services, which are expected to further boost the industry's growth and contribute significantly to the Indian economy.

The market is characterized by the presence of major players like Reliance Jio Infocomm, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea Limited, who are actively expanding their network capacities and deploying advanced technologies to maintain a competitive edge. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the demand for robust internet connectivity, leading to increased investments in telecom infrastructure to support remote work and digital services. The sector's growth is also supported by favorable regulatory conditions, affordable data plans, and the expansion of 3G and 4G networks. As the industry continues to evolve, the focus remains on enhancing broadband services and preparing for the future with innovations like 6G technology.

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India Telecom Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET INSIGHTS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Industry Ecosystem Analysis

    3. 1.3 Industry Attractiveness-Porter's Five Force Analysis

      1. 1.3.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      2. 1.3.2 Bargaining Power of Consumers

      3. 1.3.3 Threat of New Entrants

      4. 1.3.4 Threat of Substitute Products

      5. 1.3.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

    4. 1.4 Impact of COVID-19 on the Industry Ecosystem

    5. 1.5 Regulatory Landscape in India

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 Segmentation by Services (Coverage to include Average Revenue Per User for the overall Services segment, Market size and Estimates for each segment for the period of 2020-2027 and in-depth Trend Analysis)

      1. 2.1.1 Voice Services

        1. 2.1.1.1 Wired

        2. 2.1.1.2 Wireless

      2. 2.1.2 Data and Messaging Services (Coverage to include Internet & Handset Data packages, Package Discounts)

      3. 2.1.3 OTT and Pay-tv Services

India Telecom Market Size FAQs

The India Telecom Market size is expected to reach USD 48.61 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 9.40% to reach USD 76.16 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the India Telecom Market size is expected to reach USD 48.61 billion.

Telecom Industry in India Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)