Startup Originals Team
Bharti Airtel emerged as the biggest gainer in India’s telecom market in December 2025, adding 54.28 lakh subscribers, while Reliance Jio added 29.6 lakh users, according to the latest data released by the telecom regulator. The figures highlight continued consolidation in the sector, with Airtel and Jio driving growth as other operators continued to lose subscribers.
Airtel Leads Subscriber Additions
As per data from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Bharti Airtel recorded the highest net subscriber additions in December 2025. The company added 54.28 lakh users, strengthening its position as the fastest-growing telecom operator during the month.
Industry analysts attribute Airtel’s strong performance to improved network quality, aggressive customer retention strategies, and rising adoption of its 4G and 5G services. The company has also benefited from premiumisation, with more users opting for higher-value plans.
Jio Continues Growth, but at a Slower Pace
Reliance Jio added 29.6 lakh subscribers in December, maintaining its growth momentum but trailing Airtel in net additions for the month. Jio remains the largest telecom operator in India by total subscriber base, supported by its nationwide 4G network and expanding 5G rollout.
Market observers said Jio’s additions remain healthy, but the pace has moderated compared to earlier periods, as competition in urban markets intensifies and overall industry growth stabilises.
Other Operators Continue to Lose Users
In contrast, other telecom operators reported net subscriber losses during the month. Analysts noted that smaller players continue to face challenges due to limited spectrum, weaker networks, and competitive pressure from the two dominant operators.
The trend underscores the ongoing consolidation in India’s telecom sector, which has effectively become a duopoly dominated by Airtel and Jio.
Industry Growth Driven by Data Consumption
TRAI data indicates that subscriber growth continues to be driven by rising data consumption, increasing smartphone penetration, and the gradual transition of users to 4G and 5G services. Telecom companies are increasingly focusing on data-led revenue growth rather than pure subscriber numbers.
Both Airtel and Jio have been investing heavily in network upgrades, spectrum, and digital services to retain users and improve average revenue per user (ARPU).
Competitive Dynamics Shifting
The December numbers reflect shifting competitive dynamics, with Airtel narrowing the gap in monthly additions and gaining momentum in both urban and semi-urban markets. Analysts say sustained performance like this could intensify competition between the two operators in the coming quarters.
At the same time, the absence of strong competition from smaller players may lead to greater pricing discipline across the industry.
Outlook
With 5G adoption expected to accelerate in 2026, telecom operators are likely to focus on monetisation, premium plans, and bundled digital services. Subscriber additions may remain steady, but revenue growth is expected to depend more on usage and value-added offerings.
For December 2025, the TRAI data clearly shows Airtel and Jio leading the market, with Airtel emerging as the top gainer and further consolidating its position in India’s evolving telecom landscape.
