Wireless Tele-density on the rise in India
(17:31, 27 Oct 2026)
As of the end of September 2026, the total number of broadband subscribers in India reached 1107.68 million, up from 1101.21 million at the end of August 2026, marking a monthly growth rate of 0.59%. This growth includes an increase in wireline subscribers from 48.45 million to 48.74 million, reflecting a net gain of 0.29 million subscribers and a growth rate of 0.60%. Correspondingly, the overall wireline tele-density rose slightly from 3.39% to 3.40%, with urban and rural tele-densities at 8.38% and 0.58%, respectively.

In the wireless sector, which encompasses mobile and Fixed Wireless Access subscribers, the total increased from 1312.25 million to 1319.19 million, equating to a growth rate of 0.53%. Urban wireless subscriptions grew from 759.11 million to 764.35 million, while rural subscriptions saw a smaller increase from 553.14 million to 554.84 million, with growth rates of 0.69% and 0.31%, respectively. Wireless tele-density in India improved from 91.69% to 92.12%, with urban wireless tele-density rising from 146.66% to 147.47% and rural areas from 60.55% to 60.72%. The demographics of wireless subscribers showed urban subscribers comprising 57.94% and rural subscribers 42.06% of the total.

Focusing specifically on mobile subscribers, numbers increased from 1293.43 million to 1300.00 million, reflecting a growth rate of 0.51%. Mobile tele-density also saw an increase from 90.37% to 90.78%, with urban mobile tele-density rising from 144.67% to 145.45% and rural tele-density from 59.61% to 59.77%. Overall, the telecommunications landscape in India demonstrated consistent growth across both broadband and wireless sectors during September 2026.