Jio sees mass exodus, losing 7.9 million subscribers in a month

Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom provider under the leadership of billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has faced a severe decline in its subscriber base, losing 7.9 million users in just a month. This sharp drop coincided with a large number of users switching to the state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), following a recent hike in mobile tariffs by private telecom operators.

According to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), private telecom companies collectively lost almost 10 million subscribers in September 2024. Of this, Jio accounted for the largest portion, shedding 7.9 million users. Other private operators, such as Bharti Airtel, led by Sunil Mittal, and Vi (Vodafone-Idea), also experienced significant losses, with 1.4 million and 1.5 million subscribers leaving, respectively.

BSNL gains strength amid telecom shifts

In contrast to the losses seen by private providers, BSNL has experienced a remarkable recovery. From July to October 2024, the government-owned telecom provider added over 5.5 million subscribers, further solidifying its standing as a strong alternative to private players.

Data from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) reveals a substantial shift in consumer preferences, with millions of users switching from Jio, Airtel, and Vi to BSNL. In July 2024, 1.5 million users made the switch, a number that increased to 2.1 million in August. The trend continued, with 1.1 million subscribers leaving private operators in September and 0.7 million in October, opting for BSNL.

Shifts driven by tariff hikes and price changes

The data also highlights a noticeable shift in user behaviour around the time private telecom providers raised their tariffs in June 2024. Before the price hikes, BSNL was losing customers to private networks at a faster rate. However, after the price increases, migration to private providers slowed considerably. In July, BSNL lost only 310,000 users, followed by smaller losses of 260,000 in August, 280,000 in September, and 510,000 in October 2024, indicating the effect of competitive pricing.

BSNL’s ability to offer more affordable plans has positioned it as a serious contender against industry leaders like Jio and Airtel. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has praised the revival of BSNL, saying, “There is a huge opportunity in BSNL’s growth."

Meanwhile, BSNL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Robert Ravi, assured that the company has no plans to increase tariffs, ensuring it remains an attractive option for cost-conscious consumers looking for value in the telecom market.