India's Internet User Base Crosses 1.09 Billion in FY26, Telecom Sector Records Strong Growth

India's telecom sector recorded strong growth during FY26, with the country's internet subscriber base crossing 1.09 billion and wireless data consumption rising nearly 25 per cent, according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) annual performance report.

The total number of internet subscribers stood at 1.09 billion as of March 31, 2026, compared with 969.1 million a year earlier, marking annual growth of 12.76 per cent.

Broadband users accounted for the overwhelming majority of the subscriber base. Broadband subscriptions rose 12.9 per cent during the year to 1.066 billion, while narrowband subscribers increased to 26.91 million.

The sector also recorded an increase in consumer spending, with average revenue per user (ARPU) for wireless services rising to Rs 180.73 per month in FY26 from Rs 174.46 in the previous financial year.

Mobile data consumption continued to expand rapidly, with wireless data subscribers crossing the one-billion mark to reach 1.027 billion by the end of FY26.

Total wireless data usage increased 24.74 per cent year-on-year to 2,85,376 petabytes. Average monthly wireless data consumption per subscriber also climbed to 25.51 GB from 21.53 GB a year earlier, representing an 18.49 per cent increase.

Revenue from wireless data services rose 11.53 per cent during the year to Rs 2.39 lakh crore, the TRAI data showed.

India's overall telephone subscriber base also expanded, increasing 10.81 per cent to 1.33 billion by the end of March 2026. Overall tele-density improved to 93.26 per cent from 85.04 per cent a year earlier.

Urban markets remained a major driver of growth, with telephone subscriptions in cities increasing nearly 17 per cent to 778.79 million. Urban tele-density rose sharply to 151.47 per cent.

Rural connectivity also improved during the year, with rural telephone subscriptions reaching 551.79 million and rural tele-density rising to 60.46 per cent.

Wireless services continued to account for the largest share of India's telecom market. The combined number of wireless subscribers, including mobile and fixed wireless access (FWA) users, increased by 118.58 million during FY26 to reach 1.28 billion.