- BSNL sees a rise in subscribers while private telecom players face significant declines.
- Affordable BSNL plans attract users amidst tariff hikes by private operators.
- BSNL emerges as a cost-effective secondary SIM choice for many users.
India’s Telecom landscape has seen a notable shift in the first half of the financial year, with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) emerging as a key player. The state-owned telecom company has expanded its subscriber base while its private counterparts, including Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea (VIL), have witnessed a decline.
This trend highlights BSNL’s strategic advantage in offering affordable tariffs, especially at a time when private operators have raised their subscription charges. Consumers from smaller towns and cities increasingly prefer BSNL as an economical option, reflecting a shift in user behavior in the telecom sector.
BSNL Subscriber Growth
According to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) data, BSNL’s subscriber base increased from 86.8 million in April to 91.8 million by September 2024. This marks a sharp contrast to private players, whose numbers steadily declined over the same period:
- Airtel: Dropped from 386.5 million in April to 384.9 million in September.
- Jio: Declined from 472.4 million in April to 463.7 million in September.
- VIL: Fell from 219 million in April to 212.4 million in September.
Factors Behind BSNL’s Subscriber Surge
- Affordable Tariff Plans:
While private operators raised subscription charges starting in July, BSNL retained its competitive pricing, drawing users looking for budget-friendly options. - 4G Rollout in Smaller Cities:
BSNL’s focus on tier-II and tier-III cities has paid off, as users in these areas increasingly opt for its services due to cost constraints and reliable network coverage. - Shift from Multi-SIM to Single SIM:
The tariff hikes by private operators have led users to consolidate their SIM usage, making BSNL a preferred secondary option or even the primary choice in many cases.
Subscriber Trends from June to August 2024
Private telecom players experienced a consistent decline in user numbers from June onwards:
| Month | Airtel (Million) | Jio (Million) | VIL (Million) | BSNL (Million) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June | 389.0 | 476.5 | 217.2 | 86.8 |
| July | 387.3 | 475.7 | 215.8 | 88.5 |
| August | 384.9 | 471.7 | 214.0 | 90.3 |
Tariff Hikes and Consumer Behavior
Private operators’ higher prices have pushed users to reevaluate their spending on telecom services. Many are moving away from premium 5G plans, which, according to experts, have yet to provide significant added value compared to 4G.
Analyst Faisal Kawoosa noted, “BSNL’s cost-effective 4G services and its position as a secondary SIM make it a logical choice for consumers trying to manage telecom expenses effectively.”
BSNL’s strategic approach to pricing and its steady rollout of 4G services have helped it gain ground in an increasingly competitive market. As private operators grapple with the impact of tariff hikes, BSNL is successfully positioning itself as a dependable, affordable alternative, particularly for budget-conscious users in smaller cities.
FAQ
What led to BSNL’s rise in subscriber numbers?
BSNL’s rise is due to its affordable plans and the absence of tariff hikes, making it a preferred choice for cost-conscious users.
How are private telecom operators responding to BSNL’s growth?
Private operators continue to focus on 5G and premium services, but their tariff hikes have led to subscriber losses.
Is BSNL a good option for a secondary SIM?
Yes, BSNL is an excellent choice for users seeking a cost-effective secondary SIM for data or backup use.
Why are users shifting from 5G to BSNL’s 4G?
Users find that 5G services offer limited added value, making BSNL’s affordable 4G plans more appealing.
