TRAI Reports 10.59% Drop in Average Revenue per GB to Rs 8.02 for FY26

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has reported a notable decline in the average revenue per gigabyte (GB) of wireless data, which dropped by 10.59% to Rs 8.02 for the financial year 2025-26. This decrease comes despite a surge in wireless data consumption, highlighting a complex dynamic in the telecom market. The data indicates that while users are consuming more data, the revenue generated per unit of data has decreased significantly.

In the context of subscriber growth, the number of wireless data subscribers rose by 9.29% to reach approximately 1,026.75 million as of March 2026, up from 939.51 million the previous year. Additionally, the average monthly data usage per subscriber increased by 18.49%, reaching 25.51 GB compared to 21.53 GB in the prior year. This growth in data consumption reflects the increasing reliance on digital services across the country.

Overall internet subscriptions also saw a significant increase, climbing by 12.76% to 1,092.79 million by the end of March 2026. Within this, broadband subscriptions rose by 12.90% to 1,065.88 million, while narrowband subscriptions increased by 7.72% to 26.91 million. The average revenue per user (ARPU) for wireless services increased by 3.59% to Rs 180.73 per month, with prepaid users averaging Rs 190.66 and postpaid users at Rs 119.76.

The implications of these trends are profound for the telecom industry in India. The growth in subscribers and data usage suggests a robust demand for digital services, yet the decline in revenue per GB raises questions about pricing strategies and market competition. The overall telecom sector revenue grew by 8.59% to Rs 4,04,067 crore, indicating a healthy market despite the challenges in revenue generation per data unit.

Looking ahead, the telecom sector is expected to continue evolving, with ongoing investments in infrastructure and technology. As digital consumption patterns shift, stakeholders will need to adapt to maintain profitability while meeting the growing demands of consumers. The next financial year will be crucial in determining how these trends will shape the future of telecommunications in India.