Telecom Sector's Revenue Surge: A Detailed Analysis

Telecom operators have marked a significant 12.44% year-on-year increase in adjusted gross revenue (AGR), amounting to Rs 79,226 crore for the quarter ending March 2025, as per sector regulator Trai's latest report. This growth reflects the sector's resilience and expansion despite economic challenges.

Reliance Jio emerged as the leader, reporting an AGR of Rs 29,464 crore, followed closely by Bharti Group with Rs 26,324 crore, which recorded the highest growth rate of 25.64% in the segment year-on-year. Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea saw modest growth of 3.84%, while BSNL and Tata Teleservices registered 12.45% and 2.31% increases respectively. MTNL, however, experienced a 6.04% decline.

The positive trend in telecom service providers' revenue, up 11.74% to Rs 98,250 crore, is chiefly attributed to the increased mobile service rates initiated in July 2024. This strategic pricing adjustment resulted in a 19.16% rise in average revenue per user (ARPU), now Rs 182.95 for telcos. Concurrently, the government's revenue from licence fees increased by 12.46% to Rs 6,340 crore, while spectrum usage charges saw a 15.08% hike to Rs 1,000 crore.

(With inputs from agencies.)