New Delhi | India’s digital expansion has reached another significant milestone. According to the December 2025 quarterly report released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the total number of internet users in the country has climbed to 102.86 crore (1.0286 Crore), up from 101.78 crore at the end of September 2025. The steady quarterly rise reflects how digital services are rapidly penetrating not only metropolitan centers but also smaller towns and rural regions.
The report highlights that mobile internet continues to drive this growth. Of the total internet subscriber base, around 98.32 crore users access the web through mobile devices, while 4.53 crore users are connected via wired broadband services. Notably, broadband users—defined as those accessing high-speed data services—have crossed the 100 crore mark, underlining the sustained surge in data consumption across the country.
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The telecom sector also witnessed a sharp increase in overall telephone connections. The total number of telephone subscribers rose from 122.89 crore in September 2025 to 130.61 crore by the end of December 2025, marking a growth of approximately 6.28 percent within a single quarter. The figures indicate strong momentum in subscriber additions and expanding connectivity.
Tele-density, which measures the number of telephone connections per 100 individuals, improved significantly to 91.74 percent, compared to 86.65 percent in the previous quarter. The rise signals deeper telecom penetration across demographics. Wireless subscribers—including mobile and fixed wireless users—accounted for 125.87 crore of the total connections, reaffirming the dominance of mobile-based communication in India’s digital ecosystem.
On the financial front, telecom operators reported improved performance. The sector’s total revenue stood at ₹1,02,475 crore during the December 2025 quarter. Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), a key performance indicator for telecom companies, increased from ₹190.99 to ₹194.57 per month. Industry observers attribute the growth to improved network quality, expansion of 4G and 5G services, and higher demand for data-centric plans.
The rapid increase in internet adoption, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, has accelerated the uptake of digital services such as online education, digital payments, e-governance platforms, and telemedicine. Greater mobile internet access has opened new avenues for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals, while rising activity on digital platforms continues to push data consumption upward.
The broadcasting sector has also recorded notable expansion. As per data from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, 920 private satellite television channels have been permitted in the country. Of these, 335 operate as pay-TV channels, while the rest are free-to-air. The growing number of channels reflects increased demand for diverse content and expanded media consumption patterns.
Experts note that intensifying competition and sustained demand for high-speed data services are prompting telecom operators to invest aggressively in network infrastructure and technological upgrades. The continued rollout and deeper penetration of 5G services in upcoming quarters are expected to further boost both internet usage and sectoral revenues.
The December 2025 quarterly data clearly signals that India’s digital landscape is entering a more mature phase. Crossing the 102 crore mark in internet users is not merely a statistical achievement; it represents a structural transformation in how citizens communicate, transact, learn, and access services. The steady growth trajectory underscores the strengthening foundation of India’s digital economy and its expanding role in everyday life.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
