Subscriber Tug-of-War: Jio Surges Ahead While Vi Slips Further in July

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India’s telecom landscape saw a fresh reshuffling in July 2025, with Reliance Jio once again asserting its dominance in the mobile subscriber race. According to the latest data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Jio added 4.82 lakh new users during the month, outpacing rivals and reinforcing its leadership position. Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea (Vi) continued its downward spiral, losing 3.59 lakh subscribers, further deepening concerns about its long-term viability.

Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the latest developments in India’s telecom sector:

Key takeaways from TRAI’s July report

- Reliance Jio led the subscriber gains with 4.82 lakh new additions
- Bharti Airtel followed closely, adding 4.64 lakh users
- Vodafone Idea lost 3.59 lakh subscribers, while BSNL shed 1.01 lakh
- India’s total wireless subscriber base rose marginally to 1,163.51 million from 1,163.03 million in June
- Urban subscriptions grew by 0.45 percent, while rural subscriptions declined by the same margin
- Mobile tele-density dipped slightly to 82.16 percent from 82.18 percent

Jio’s continued momentum

Reliance Jio’s consistent growth trajectory remains a standout in the sector. With a total subscriber base now exceeding 498 million, Jio continues to benefit from its aggressive pricing, expansive 5G rollout, and bundled service offerings. The company also added 5.71 lakh wireline subscribers in July, further cementing its position as the most diversified telecom player in India.

Jio’s gains were not limited to mobile services. Its broadband and enterprise segments also saw traction, driven by increased demand for high-speed connectivity and digital transformation across industries.

Vi’s persistent decline

Vodafone Idea’s subscriber losses in July mark yet another chapter in its prolonged struggle to stay afloat. The telco’s total user base now stands at approximately 127.58 million, a steep fall from its peak. Operational challenges, mounting AGR dues, and delayed 5G rollout have eroded investor confidence and customer loyalty.

Vi’s inability to match the pace of Jio and Airtel in terms of network expansion and service innovation has left it vulnerable. Analysts suggest that without a substantial capital infusion and strategic overhaul, Vi’s market share could shrink further in the coming quarters.

Airtel’s steady climb

Bharti Airtel maintained its upward momentum, adding 4.64 lakh mobile subscribers in July. With a total base of 307.07 million users, Airtel continues to be Jio’s closest competitor. The telco’s focus on premium services, enterprise solutions, and rural connectivity has helped it retain and grow its customer base.

Airtel’s wired subscriber base remained stable at 1.02 lakh, and its market share in mobile services stood at over 21.73 percent. The company’s emphasis on quality of service and digital inclusivity has positioned it well for long-term growth.

Urban vs rural dynamics

The July data reveals a widening gap between urban and rural telecom growth:

- Urban mobile subscriptions rose from 633.14 million to 636.02 million
- Rural subscriptions fell from 529.88 million to 527.49 million
- Urban tele-density improved to 124.75 percent, while rural tele-density dropped to 58.20 percent

This divergence underscores the need for targeted rural connectivity initiatives and infrastructure investment to bridge the digital divide.

Market share snapshot

Private operators—Jio, Airtel, and Vi—collectively held 92.21 percent of the market at the end of July. Public sector units BSNL and MTNL accounted for just 7.79 percent, highlighting the dominance of private players in India’s telecom ecosystem.

Looking ahead

With Jio preparing for its IPO and Airtel expanding its enterprise footprint, the telecom sector is poised for further consolidation and innovation. Vi’s future, however, remains uncertain, hinging on its ability to raise funds and revamp operations.

Sources: TRAI, CNBC-TV18, DNA India, NDTV Profit.