Telecom Services

India targets 1 bn 5G users by 2030, aims to lead world in 6G: Scindia

India aims to double its 5G user base from 550 million to one billion by 2030, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Thursday, adding that the country, which was behind the world in 4G, has resolved to lead the world in 6G. Speaking at the inauguration of the 10th edition of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, Scindia said 5G in India has become the fastest-adopted 5G technology in the world. "Today we have 550 million users on 5G...But we will not rest here. By 2030 our target is to take that number from 550 million to a billion customers on 5G," he said. On 6G, Scindia said the Bharat 6G Alliance, which has 90 institutions involved with it, has established 7,700 patents, of which 4,400 are international. "We were behind the world in 4G. We marched with the world on 5G. But it is our resolve that we will lead the world on 6G," he said.

Subscriber gains positive but Vodafone Idea yet to bridge funding gap

Improving subscriber trends and ARPU offer some comfort, but Vodafone Idea still needs substantial funding to finance its ₹45,000 crore capex plan and meet obligations

Replus Engitech, Indus Towers sign MoU to develop telecom energy storage

Under the MoU, Replus intends to make available dedicated BESS production capacity of 1.5 GWh over two years to support the evolving energy requirements of telecom infrastructure

Vi bundles free global roaming with select plans for up to three trips

The telecom operator said eligible customers can retain their Vi number while travelling abroad and access free roaming benefits through select plans and the Vi App

Trai mandates more voice and SMS-only recharge options for consumers

The 13th amendment to Trai's consumer protection rules requires telcos to offer more voice and SMS-only STVs across different validity periods, giving consumers more recharge choices

India's spam crisis is a design flaw, not an enforcement issue

India's anti-spam framework has improved traceability, but consent remains flawed. Giving telecom operators a stronger role in real-time verification could restore trust

India joins US-led 6G initiative: How does it fit with Bharat 6G Mission?

India has joined a US-led 6G initiative even as it pursues its own Bharat 6G Mission. What does the new framework cover, and how does it fit with India's existing 6G plans?

Vodafone Idea soars 4% on heavy volumes in weak market; hits 25 month high

In the past four trading days, the stock price of Vi soared 11% after it unveiled a new dynamic identity signalling optimistic future and roping in Shah Rukh Khan to tease what's next for the brand.

Vodafone Idea surges 5% in weak market on huge volume; here's why

According to reports, Vodafone Idea is in the final stages of closing debt funding from a State Bank of India (SBI)-led consortium of public sector banks.

Increasing telecom tariffs

Operators must not leave those looking for basic services

RIL, Airtel or Vi: Tariff hike ahead for telcos; which is a better play?

Pravesh Gour of Swastika Investmart believes the industry's growth model is shifting from cheap data and aggressive subscriber addition towards premiumisation, higher ARPU & better cash generation.

BSNL expands indigenous 4G network in J&K, Ladakh; unveils I-Day offers

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited has announced a series of customer-centric initiatives and special offerings, including expansion of its indigenous 4G network and additional validity for prepaid subscribers, on the occasion of the 80th Independence Day. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has ordered over 602 additional 4G Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, in addition to 2,247 sites already planned for deployment -- 1,843 in J&K and 404 in Ladakh. Addressing a press conference here, Chief General Manager Telecom, J&K Circle, Kush Kumar said, "BSNL remained committed to providing reliable, secure and affordable telecom services, particularly in geographically challenging areas, while advancing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and digital India". "BSNL has ordered over 602 additional 4G Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, in addition to 2,247 sites planned earlier. Of these, 1,757 4G BTS in J&K and 343 in Ladakh have

Voda Idea soars 4% on huge volume in weak market; up for 6th straight day

In the past six trading days, Vodafone Idea's share price rallied 12 per cent after the telecom company reported June 2026 quarter (Q1FY27) earnings.

Bharti Airtel's tariff plan changes may benefit Vodafone Idea more

Airtel's withdrawal of select prepaid plans could lift its ARPU, but analysts say Vodafone Idea may gain more if it follows with a similar tariff rejig

Airtel removes long-validity prepaid plans, keeps headline tariffs steady

The telecom operator has removed several 56- and 60-day prepaid plans as it seeks to move high-data users towards costlier packs and encourage migration to postpaid services

BSNL proposes ₹77K cr capex over next 5 years to break even by FY29

BSNL plans ₹77,000 crore of capex over five years to add 200,000 4G sites and expand 5G, targeting operational break-even by FY29

Trai directs utilities, courier and logistics providers to use 1601 series

The 1601 series will be issued to utilities, courier and logistics providers for transactional and service calls, helping consumers identify legitimate callers

Trai puts quality of service for 5G network slicing under scrutiny

Draft norms mandate 21-day prior notice for new network slices, each with separate service quality standards

India's first Telecom Manufacturing Zone to be set up in Gwalior

India signed an MoU with Madhya Pradesh to establish the country's first Telecom Manufacturing Zone in Gwalior with ₹493 crore central support

Scindia announces India's first Telecom Manufacturing Zone in Gwalior

Centre and Madhya Pradesh to sign an MoU for the Phase-I project as India looks to strengthen telecom manufacturing and accelerate 6G ambitions