India’s Internet Subscriber Base Hits 969.1 Million in FY25; ARPU Sees Uptrend

India saw its internet subscribers increase as the base of internet users grew from 954.40 million in March 2024 to 969.10 million as of the end of March 2025, with an annual growth rate of 1.54%, as per data announced by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Tuesday.

Among the overall 969.10 million internet users reported at the end of March 2025, broadband connection users stood at 944.12 million and narrowband users comprised the remaining 24.98 million, according to the Ministry of Communications.

Broadband usage experienced a significant boost, registering a growth from 924.07 million subscribers at the end of March 2024 to 944.12 million at March 2025, marking a 2.17% year-on-year growth.

Narrowband connections, however, witnessed a dramatic fall, from 30.34 million to 24.98 million during the same timeframe — an annual drop of 17.66%.

Average revenue per user (ARPU) for wireless services witnessed an impressive rise, moving from ₹149.25 in 2023–24 to ₹174.46 in 2024–25, up 16.89% in the past year.

"Monthly ARPU for prepaid service went up from ₹146.37 in 2023-24 to ₹173.84 in 2024-25. Meanwhile, monthly ARPU for postpaid service went down from ₹184.63 to ₹180.86 in the same duration," the TRAI data revealed.

Customers even spent more minutes on calls, with average monthly minutes of usage (MOUs) per customer going up from 963 in 2023–24 to 1,000 in 2024–25 — a growth of 3.91% annually.

The total telephony subscriber base in India increased marginally, increasing from 1,199.28 million in FY24 to 1,200.80 million in FY25, reflecting a marginal increase of 0.13%.

Urban subscription increased marginally from 665.38 million to 666.11 million, while rural subscription increased from 533.90 million to 534.69 million during the period.

Spectrum Usage Charges (SUC) revenues also improved, rising 13.02% year-on-year from ₹3,369 crore in 2023–24 to ₹3,807 crore in 2024–25. Likewise, license fee collections increased by 12.02%, up from ₹21,642 crore to ₹24,242 crore.