New Delhi, Oct 6: India’s digital economy continued to expand rapidly in FY26, with the country’s internet subscriber base crossing the 1.09 billion mark, reflecting the growing importance of connectivity in everyday life and economic activity, according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
TRAI’s latest annual performance report shows that the number of internet subscribers reached 1.09 billion as of March 31, 2026, compared with 969.1 million a year earlier, marking a 12.76 per cent annual increase. Broadband users accounted for the vast majority of the internet base, reaching around 1.07 billion.
The growth was accompanied by a sharp rise in mobile data consumption. Wireless data subscribers crossed the one-billion mark, reaching around 1.027 billion by the end of FY26.
India’s total wireless data usage increased 24.74 per cent year-on-year to 2,85,376 petabytes during FY26. Average monthly data consumption per wireless subscriber also climbed to 25.51 GB, up from 21.53 GB in the previous financial year.
The surge in data usage reflects how deeply digital connectivity has become embedded in daily life. Mobile internet is increasingly being used for digital payments, online shopping, education, entertainment, banking, government services and work-related activities.
Telecom sector sees broader growth
The country’s overall telephone subscriber base also expanded during the year. According to TRAI data, total telephone subscriptions increased 10.81 per cent to 1.33 billion by the end of March 2026.
Overall tele-density improved to 93.26 per cent, compared with 85.04 per cent a year earlier, indicating continued expansion in access to telecom services.
Wireless services remained the dominant part of the telecom market, with total wireless subscribers increasing by around 118.58 million during the year to reach 1.28 billion.
The sector also recorded an improvement in average revenue per user. Wireless services ARPU rose to Rs 180.73 per month in FY26, from Rs 174.46 in the previous financial year.
Rural connectivity continues to improve
The growth was not limited to major cities. Rural India also recorded an increase in telecom subscriptions, with rural telephone subscribers reaching 551.79 million by the end of FY26. Rural tele-density improved to 60.46 per cent.
Urban markets remained a major growth driver, with urban telephone subscriptions rising to 778.79 million. Urban tele-density stood at 151.47 per cent.
The continued expansion of connectivity across rural and urban markets is strengthening India’s digital infrastructure and helping bring more consumers into the formal digital economy.
Data demand to remain a key growth driver
The strong increase in internet users and data consumption highlights the changing nature of India’s telecom market. As smartphones, digital services and high-speed networks become more widely accessible, demand for reliable and affordable data is expected to remain strong.
Wireless data service revenue also increased during FY26, rising 11.53 per cent to around Rs 2.39 lakh crore, according to the TRAI data.
The latest numbers underline the scale of India’s digital transformation. With more than a billion internet users and rapidly increasing data consumption, the telecom sector is emerging as a critical foundation for digital payments, e-commerce, online services, businesses and wider economic growth.
The FY26 performance also highlights the importance of continued investment in telecom networks and digital infrastructure as India moves towards a more connected and digitally driven economy.