India’s Internet Subscriber Base Rises to 1.017 Billion in Q2 FY26: TRAI

India’s digital infrastructure continues to grow, with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) reporting a 1.49% quarterly increase in total internet subscribers during the July–September 2025 quarter (Q2 FY26). According to TRAI data released on 3 December 2025, the number of internet users rose from 1,002.85 million in Q1 to 1,017.81 million in Q2, marking another milestone in the country’s internet penetration journey.

Key Data Highlights from Q2 FY26

Total Internet Subscribers

• Q1 FY26 (April–June): 1,002.85 million
• Q2 FY26 (July–September): 1,017.81 million
• Growth rate: 1.49% quarterly increase

Subscriber Segments

• Wireless Internet users: 973.39 million
• Wired Internet users: 44.42 million

This underscores India’s continuing dependence on mobile-based internet access, accounting for 95.6% of total internet subscribers.

Broadband vs Narrowband Trends

Broadband Internet

• Q1 FY26: 979.71 million
• Q2 FY26: 995.63 million
• Growth rate: 1.63% increase

Narrowband Internet

• Q1 FY26: 23.14 million
• Q2 FY26: 22.18 million
• Decline rate: 4.14% decrease

Broadband continues to gain preference due to better speed and coverage, while narrowband usage continues its decline amid expanding 4G and 5G coverage.

Wireline Subscriber Trends

• Q1 FY26: 47.49 million
• Q2 FY26: 46.61 million
• Quarterly decline: 1.84%

However, year-on-year (YoY) wireline subscriptions increased by 26.21%, indicating that while short-term demand dips, long-term interest—possibly driven by FTTH (Fiber to the Home) services—is growing.

Wireline Tele-density also decreased,

• Q1 FY26: 3.36%
• Q2 FY26: 3.29%
• Quarterly drop: 2.06%

Revenue and Usage Patterns

Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) – Wireless

• Q1 FY26: ₹186.62
• Q2 FY26: ₹190.99
• Quarterly growth: 2.34%
• YoY increase: 10.67%

Segment-wise

• Prepaid ARPU: ₹189.69
• Postpaid ARPU: ₹204.55

This rise in ARPU reflects a more engaged user base, possibly due to data-heavy usage from video streaming, online education, and e-commerce.

Minutes of Usage (MOU)

• Q1 FY26: 1,006 minutes/month
• Q2 FY26: 1,005 minutes/month
• Slight decline: 0.10%

While the decline is minimal, it suggests a stabilisation in voice call usage, possibly due to shifting communication habits towards OTT platforms and messaging apps.