ITV

Category: Broadband

  • Broadband subs growth still sluggish in May 2019

    Broadband subs growth still sluggish in May 2019

    BENGALURU: India’s broadband subscribers growth has slowed down over the past few months according to data released by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). For the first time in 17 months, two consecutive months saw subscribers grow less than 1 crore (10 million, 100 lakh) per month. India’s broadband internet subscribers grew by 0.956 crore (9.56 million, 95.6 lakh) or 1.7 percent month-on-month (m-o-m) in the month ended 31 May 2019 (May-19, month under review) and grew by 0.864 crore (8.64 million, 86.4 lakh) or 1.5 percent m-o-m in the month ended 30 April 2019 (Apr-19). In March 2019, broadband internet subscribers grew by 1.307 crore (13.07 million, 130.7 lakh) or 2.5 percent m-o-m as compared to Feb-19. Broadband internet subscribers across all platforms grew in May-19 to 58.151 crore (581.51 million, 5,815.1 lakh) from 57.195 crore (571.95 million, 5,719.5 lakh) in Apr-19. The total broadband subscriber base in Mar-19 stood at 56.331 crore (563.31 million, 5,633.1 lakh).

    As has been the norm, broadband internet subscriber growth was led by Mobile devices users (Phones and dongles) in May-19. Mobile device broadband subscribers grew by 1.027 crore (10.27 million, 102.7 lakh) or 1.8 percent m-o-m to 56.252 crore (562.52 million, 5,625.2 lakh) in May-19 from 55.225 crore (552.25 million, 5,522.5 lakh) in Apr-19. Mukesh Dhirbhai Ambani’s biggest startup in the world – Reliance Jio Infocomm (Jio) led growth with the addition of 0.818 crore (8.18 million, 81.8 lakh) in May-19 at 32.299 crore (322.99 million or 3,229.9 lakh) from 31.481 crore (318.41 million, 3,184.1 lakh) in Apr-19. Bharti Airtel (Airtel) witnessed wireless subscriber growth of 0.262 crore (2.62 million or 26.2 lakh) in May-19 at 11.595 crore (115.95 million or 1,159.5 lakh) from 11.333 crore (113.33 million or 1,133.3 lakh) in Apr-19. The third largest broadband internet services player in the country – the Vodafone-Idea combine saw wireless internet subscribers decline by 0.065 crore (0.65 million or 6.5 lakh) in May-19 to 10.899 crore (108.99 million or 1,089.9 lakh) from 10.964 crore (109.64 million, 1,096.4 lakh) in Apr-19. The public sector BSNL saw subscribers grow 0.018 crore (0.18 million, 1.8 lakh) to 1.257 crore (12.57 million or 125.7 lakh) from 1.239 crore (12.39 million or 123.9 lakh) in Apr-19.

    Wired subscribers grew 0.2 percent or by 40,000 to 1.845 crore (18.45 million, 184.5 lakh) in May-19 from 1.841 crore (18.41 million or 184.1 lakh) in Apr-19. Three of the five top wired internet players saw subscriber growth, one witnessed decline and one saw no growth at all. The largest wired broadband internet player- BSNL saw subscribers decline by 60,000 to 0.909 crore (9.09 million or 90.9 crore) in May-19 from 0.915 crore (9.15 million or 91.5 lakh) in Apr-19. The largest private wired broadband internets services player in the country – Airtel witnessed subscriber growth of 10,000 to 0.239 crore (2.39 million or 23.9 lakh) in May-19 from 0.238 crore (2.38 million or 23.8 lakh) in Apr-19. Atria Convergence Technologies or  ACT also witnessed subscriber growth of 10,000 in May-19 to 0.144 crore (1.44 million or 14.4) lakh from 0.143 crore (1.43 million or 14.3 lakh). The fourth largest wired internet services player in terms of subscribers – Hathway also saw its subscriber base grow by 10,000 to 0.083 crore (0.83 million or 8.3 lakh) from 0.082 crore (0.82 million or 8.2 lakh). The fifth largest wired broadband internet services player – MTNL saw no growth in subscribers in May-19 as compared to Apr-19. BASNL had a subscriber growth of 0.075 crore (0.75 million or 7.5 lakh) at the end of May-19.

    The top five broadband internet service providers across all platforms constituted 98.69 percent market share of the total broadband subscribers at the end of May-19. These service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd  (Jio)  at 32.299 crore (322.99 million, 3,229.9 lakh), Bharti Airtel 11.834 crore (118.34 million, 1,183.4 lakh), Vodafone Idea 10.901 crore (109.01 million, 1,090.1 lakh), BSNL 2.167 crore (21.67 million or 216.7 lakh) and Tata Teleservices 0.187 crore (1.87 million, 18.7 lakh).

  • Jio launches a digital literacy program “Digital Udaan” for first time internet users

    Jio launches a digital literacy program “Digital Udaan” for first time internet users

    MUMBAI: Jio today announced a digital literacy initiative in India. This new initiative named ‘Digital Udaan’, will empower first-time internet users with digital literacy and understanding of the Internet. Thanks to Jio, over 300 million users are riding the digital wave, many of whom are first time internet users.

    As a part of the Digital Udaan initiative, Jio will engage with its users every Saturday to help them learn about the JioPhone features, use of various apps and internet safety including use of Facebook on JioPhone to connect with friends and family in a simple, safe and secure way. This will be achieved via audio-visual training in 10 regional languages. Jio has worked with Facebook, to ensure that modules developed for Digital Udaan, are relevant for people in these cities and localities, and will provide train-the-trainer sessions and training videos and information brochures.

    To begin with, this program is being launched in nearly 200 different locations across 13 states. The initiative is soon expected to reach over 7,000 locations empowering millions of JioPhone users and other first-time internet users.

    “Jio is always looking to work with key global partners to enhance the digital life experience of the Indian consumer. The Digital Udaan initiative is one such example, which will help eradicate barriers of information asymmetry and provide accessibility in real time. It is a program for inclusive information, education and entertainment, where no Indian will be left out of this digital drive. Jio envisions to take this to every town and village of India, achieving 100% digital literacy in the country,” said Mr. Akash Ambani, Director, Reliance Jio.

    Speaking about the initiative Mr. Ajit Mohan, VP and MD Facebook India, said “Jio is playing a vital role in driving India’s digital revolution by empowering millions of Indians and expanding access to the Internet. Facebook is an ally in this mission, and we are delighted to partner with Jio in attracting new Internet users and creating mechanisms for them to unleash the power of that access.”

    This unique initiative will connect the participants digitally to the nation and the world. They will have world of knowledge, government benefits and programs, access to essential services and entertainment on their phones through Facebook and the gamut of Jio apps.

  • BSNL Bharat Fiber revises rates to take on Jio GigaFiber’s broadband plans

    BSNL Bharat Fiber revises rates to take on Jio GigaFiber’s broadband plans

    MUMBAI: BSNL has decided to revise its broadband plans anticipating the wave that Reliance Jio’s GigaFiber is expected to bring. Two of Bharat Fiber service plans have seen an increase in price where benefits have been increased.

    The first plan of Rs 777 has been providing 500 GB per month but in the revised plan will give 600 GB a month while the price has been increased to Rs 849 a month. The speed has been retained at 50 Mbps but after using up the data limit, it goes down to 2 Mbps.

    In the second plan, subscribers will get 55 GB as opposed to 50 GB with a speed of 100 Mbps which goes down to 4Mbps after using up the limit. The price of this plan has gone up from Rs 3999 to Rs 4499.

    BSNL’s aim is to get more people to subscribe to its service. Reliance Jio, it has been rumoured, will offer plans for Rs 600 and provide 100 GB data a month at a speed of 50 Mbps. In addition, they will also get free calling on the landline service and a Jio Home TV subscription with 600 TV channels.

  • WiFi-enabled device sales expected to grow 8% in 2019: Report

    WiFi-enabled device sales expected to grow 8% in 2019: Report

    MUMBAI: Over 204 million Wifi-enabled consumer devices were sold last year by India and in 2019, an 8 per cent growth is expected to touch 221 million units, according to a report by techArc.

    According to the report, with 65 per cent contribution in the total sales, mobile phones have become the most-used Wifi-enabled devices. 23 per cent is expected to be contributed by feature phones, followed by 4 per cent and less to PCs and others. 

    During the year 2018, all WiFi-enabled devices sold were based on WiFi 4 or WiFi 5 standards. 31.39 per cent of WiFi 5 was sold by the country whereas 68.61 per cent of WiFi 4 standard was sold in the previous year.

    In the future, the country will see WiFi of 6th standard which will be supported by the flagship smartphones. It is expected that with more flagships being launched supporting this standard, the actual enablement would happen only in the first quarter of 2020.

    techARC founder and chief analyst Faisal Kawoosa said, “The future lies in wireless high-speed connectivity and WiFi offers one of the most reliable and affordable alternatives to it. We have seen so far WiFi enablement through legacy IT and communications devices like laptops, routers and smartphones. This is now shifting to other consumer electronics like TVs, lighting, ACs, and refrigerators.”

    The report also added that the Indian market will move towards WiFi 5 in 2019 and it’s expected that the contribution of WiFi 5 devices will more than double by the year end owing to expected growth in Smart TVs including streaming devices as well as other homes automation or smart devices leveraging WiFi connectivity.

  • Broadband internet subscriber additions small in April 2019

    Broadband internet subscriber additions small in April 2019

    BENGALURU: Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) data for the month ended 30 April 2019 (Apr-19, month under review) reveals that India’s broadband subscriber base grew by 86.4 lakh (8.64 million, 0.864 crore). This is only the fourth time over the past 15 months that less than 1 crore subscribers were added, the earlier occasions being for the month ended 31 August 2018 (34.1 lakh, 3.14 million 0.314 crore), 31 December 2018 (66.5 lakh, 6.65 million, 0.665 crore) and 30 April 2018 (71.9 lakh, 7.91 million, 0.791 crore).  It must be noted that TRAI indicates subscriber data in terms of millions  up to two decimal points, hence the granularity of subscriber data in this report is limited to 10,000.

    Growth in the country’s broadband internet subscriber base was led by mobile (phones and dongles), followed by growth in subscribers of Fixed wireless- WiFi, Wi Max, Point to Point, Radio, Vsat internet services. Wired broadband internet subscriber base saw a decline in Apr-19.

    As mentioned above, broadband internet subscribers grew by 86.4 lakh (8.64 million, 0.864 crore), or by 1.53 percent to 5,719.5 lakh (571.95 million, 57.195 crore) in Apr-19 as compared to 5,633.1 lakh (563.31 million, 56.331 crore) at the end of Mar-19. Mobile broadband internet subscribers increased by 78.8 lakh (7.88 million or 0.788 crore) in Apr-19 or 1.45 percent to 5,522.5 Lakh (552.25 million, 55.225 crore) from 5,443.7 lakh (544.37 million, 54.437 crore) in Mar-19. Wired broadband internet subscriber based declined by 0.04 percent or declined by about 10,000 to 184.1 lakh (18.41 million, 1.841 crore) in Apr-19 from 184.2 lakh (18.41 million or 1.841 crore) in Mar-19.  Subscribers of Fixed wireless- WiFi, Wi Max, Point to Point, Radio, Vsat internet services more than doubled (increased by 147.22 percent, 7.6 lakh or 0.76 million or 0.076 crore) during the period under review to 12.8 lakh (1.28 million, 0.128 crore) from 5.2 lakh (0.52 million or 0.052 crore) in the previous month Mar-19.

    The top five broadband internet service providers constituted 98.68 percent market share of the total broadband subscribers at the end of Apr-19. These service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd or Jio  which had 3,148.1 lakh (314.81 million, 31.481 crore);  Bharti Airtel  or Airtel with 1,157.1 lakh (115.71 million, 11.571 crore); Vodafone Idea 1,096.6 lakh (109.66 million, 10.966.crore), BSNL 222.9 lakh  (22.29 million, 2.229 crore) and Tata Tele. Group 19.4 lakh (1.94 million, 0.194 crore).

    Wireless broadband internet subscribers

    As on 30 April, 2019, the top five Wireless Broadband Service providers were Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd  with 3,148.1 lakh (314.81 million, 31.481 crore), Bharti Airtel 1,133.3 lakh (113.33 million, 11.333 crore), Vodafone Idea 1,096.4 lakh (109.64 million, 10.964 crore), BSNL 123.9 lakh (12.39 million, 1.239 crore) and Tata Teleservices 15.4 lakh (1.54 million, 0.154 crore).

    As has been the case right from the time it was launched, growth in wireless broadband internet subscribers was led by Jio which added 80.9 lakh (8.90 million, 0.809 crore) subscribers in Apr-19.  Airtel added 10.7 lakh (1.07 million, 0.107 crore) during the period, while Vodafone-Idea lost 5.6 lakh (0.56 million, 0.56 crore). Also, BSNL lost 5.4 lakh (0.54 million, 0.054 crore) subscribers during the period under review.

    Wired broadband internet subscribers

    As on 30 April, 2019, the top five Wired Broadband Service providers were BSNL with 91.5 lakh (9.15 million, 0.915 crore), Bharti Airtel 23.8 lakh (2.38 million 0.238 crore), Atria Convergence Technologies  or ACT with 14.3 lakh (1.43 million, 0.143 crore), Hathway Cable & Datacom or Hathway with 8.2 lakh (0.82 million, 0.082 crore) and MTNL 7.5 lakh (0.75 million, 0.075 crore).

    Both the public sector service providers BSNL and MTNL lost subscribers in Apr-19, while the three private players – Airtel, ACT and Hathway gained subscribers in Apr-19. BSNL lost 20,000 subscribers, while MTNL lost 40,000 subscribers in Apr-19. Hathway and Airtel added 50,000 subscribers each, while ACT added 20,000 subscribers during the month under review. Overall, the top 5 subscribers added a net of 60,000 subscribers in Apr-19, while the number of wired broadband subscribers in India shrank by 10,000, hence, the other players which include MSOs’ and LCOs’ saw their wired broadband subscriber base decline by 70,000.

  • Jio GigaFiber to cost Rs 600 a month for 50 Mbps: Reports

    Jio GigaFiber to cost Rs 600 a month for 50 Mbps: Reports

    MUMBAI: The upcoming Jio GigaFiber broadband service has been the star of the Indian tech scene ever since it was launched under the public beta mode. As per reports, the base plan will offer speeds of 50Mbps and will be available for Rs 600 per month. The 100Mbps plan that has been available to Preview subscribers is expected to cost Rs 1000 per month. This will enable GigaFiber to gain a huge advantage over rival operators and draw more subscribers. A few months ago, the Triple Play Plan was also revealed costing Rs 600 per month and offering 100 GB data per month at 100Mbps speed. Jio is also likely to provide additional access to Jio’s HomeTV service which is expected to be its foray into the DTH sector. It will also offer access to a landline connection which will enable free voice service. Initially, Jio had only one plan that offered a 100Mbps connection under the preview offer in which the users would have to pay Rs 4500 as security deposit and they could access data for free. However, a few months ago, many subscribers reported that they were getting the GigaFiber connection with a security deposit of Rs 2500. With this plan, subscribers are only able to get speeds of 50Mbps and are restricted to a single-band router. Jio hasn’t declared the official prices yet, but according to reports many are expecting GigaFiber to be extremely affordable, undercutting all existing broadband operators with a strong pricing strategy. Reliance is expected to officially announce its plans within a few weeks.

  • ACT Fibernet forays into consumer product category, launches ACT Stream TV 4K device in India

    ACT Fibernet forays into consumer product category, launches ACT Stream TV 4K device in India

    MUMBAI: ACT Fibernet (Atria Convergence Technologies Ltd.) India’s largest fiber-focused broadband provider, today launched its first consumer product ‘ACT Stream TV 4K’ device powered by Android in India.  As part of the new brand strategy towards offering innovative customer centric solutions to enhance user experience, the streaming device will provide a 360 spin to all entertainment needs of a consumer.

    Key Features and Offerings

    ACT Stream TV 4K is a one stop entertainment solution for customers where they can enjoy their favourite movies, TV shows, sports, music videos from existing on-demand streaming providers and TV channels. Powered with ACT Fibernet’s high speed fibernet connectivity ACT Stream TV 4K has the capacity to transform a living space into a full-fledged entertainment zone.

    Some key features of the box include,

    4K device with Dolby Passthrough – Future ready to enable users experience their favourite content in its fullest.
    ACT Stream TV 4K will allow streaming content from popular apps such as Netflix, Hotstar, Sony Liv, Hooq, Zee5, YouTube, Sun NxT and from 3000+ apps available on Google Play Store.  Customers can also watch over 100 of their favourite Free to air TV channels.
    Single click subscription: Customers can subscribe to premium content from existing OTT streaming partners and channels that have tied up with ACT Fibernet and pay for their subscription directly as part of their monthly bill.
    Catch up TV: Customers can catch up on their favourite TV shows, matches and highlights for upto 24 hours.
    Powered by Android 9 Pie: Brings the power of the latest Android Pie operating system with access to over 3000 TV apps in the Google Play Store.
    Voice search powered by the Google Assistant: Easy to search desired content and control device with voice commands powered by the Google Assistant.
    External devices: Allows to connect hard disk, USB, joysticks, camera to view family pictures, video chat with friends or play games and more.
    Compact and Sleek Design

    Combined with latest technology and design, the box has been customized to make it intuitive and user friendly.  The device is supported with a remote-control unit which can be used to operate the box. The remote has an ergonomic design with minimalistic keys making it extremely easy to use and helps users launch their favourite apps from any screen they are in.

    Price, Availability and Offers

    The ACT Stream TV 4K box is priced at INR 4499. It will be available with select plans and for purchase post commercial launch in May 2019. Customers can visit www.actcorp.in/streamtv4k for purchase.

    As an introductory offer, ACT Fibernet will provide the ACT StreamTV 4K complimentary to select 5000 customers. Additionally, customers will get a bundle of other exclusive offers including, discounted rates on the VOD apps, extended trial periods on content apps, free access to pay-per-view content, download apps from Google Play store and more.

  • Jio Gigafiber tops Netflix report on best internet speeds

    Jio Gigafiber tops Netflix report on best internet speeds

    MUMBAI: Reliance Jio Gigafiber has topped the list of internet service providers (ISPs) with the highest speed, according to a report by Netflix. In the month of February, it had a speed of 3.61 mbps beating rivals Airtel, Spectranet and 7 Star Digital.

    Since its launch in September 2018, Jio has consistently maintained its pole position in the chart giving speeds above 3.41 mbps. The report is released by Netflix to show which provider can give the best viewing experience for its videos.

    After Jio, 7 Star Digital gave a speed of 3.43 mbps, Spectranet with 3.34 mbps and Airtel with 3.29 mbps. Some of the other bigger players such as Hathway, ACT Fibernet, MTNL and BSNL were ranked lower in the list.

    The company is leaving no stone unturned to ensure it dominates the internet space. Last week, it was reported that Reliance Jio is testing a Triple Play Plan for its fibre to the home (FTTH) service, Jio GigaFiber. The plan will enable users to access Jio GigaFiber, Jio Home TV and Jio Apps in a single pack. The plan will offer 100GB of high-speed data, unlimited voice calling, Jio Home TV subscription along with access to Jio’s portfolio of app. It will be valid for 28 days.

    Mukesh Ambani-led Jio announced its high speed fixed line broadband services for retail customers last year. During the formal announcement, it was announced that Jio Giga Fibre would come with a Jio Giga TV set top box offering more than 600 TV channels as well as over 1000 movies with enabled voice command feature for TV.

    Along with that, an interesting feature of video calling through TV was also highlighted. Users can call every other TV connected through Jio Gigafibre.  For smooth rollout of the service, the company also acquired majority stakes in multi system operators such as Hathway and DEN Networks.

  • ACT Fibernet partners with Netflix

    ACT Fibernet partners with Netflix

    MUMBAI: Broadband service provider ACT Fibernet has entered into a partnership with streaming giant Netflix. Under the partnership, "Entertainment" plan users of ACT Fibernet would be able to pay for their monthly Netflix subscription through their ACT Fibernet bill with an assured cashback of up to Rs 350 per month. The offer will be available for ACT Fibernet customers Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad in the beginning.

    "In line with our brand philosophy  ‘Feel the Advantage’, we are excited to partner with Netflix, one of the most preferred choice of entertainment for our customers, and provide exceptional benefits and convenience to our users who will now be able to stream and enjoy the best of 4K and HD content seamlessly. Further, under our advantage entertainment promise, we are delighted to launch a unique assured cashback program for all our customers who choose to subscribe for Netflix via  ACT,” Atria Convergence Technologies Ltd marketing head Ravi Karthik commented.

    In Bengaluru, the ACT Entertainment variants are available on ACT Storm, ACT Lightning, ACT Incredible and ACT GIGA broadband plans. Likewise, in Hyderabad, ACT Entertainment variants are available on A Max-1050, A Max-1299, ACT Incredible and ACT GIGA. In Chennai, the ACT Entertainment variants are available on ACT Blast Promo, ACT Storm, ACT Lightning, ACT Thunder, ACT Incredible and ACT GIGA. Similarly, in Delhi, the ACT Entertainment variants are available on ACT Platinum Promo, and ACT Diamond broadband plans.

    The offer would be effective from 7 March and later will be expanded to other markets. Earlier, ACT Fibernet also entered partnership with another OTT platform SonyLIV to strengthen entertainment content offering.

    “Rising video consumption is at the heart of the growing broadband internet ecosystem in India. We are delighted to partner with ACT Fibernet to enable their customers to pay seamlessly for their Netflix subscription as part of their ACT bill and enjoy our incredible catalogue of content on any internet-connected screen,” Netflix India business development director Abhishek Nag commented.

  • Broadband internet subscriber growth rate slowed down in December 2018

    Broadband internet subscriber growth rate slowed down in December 2018

    BENGALURU: Month-on-month (MOM) broadband internet subscriber growth in December 2018 (Dec-18) was the second lowest in 2018 at just 66.5 lakh (6.65 million, 0.665 crore) subscriber additions or 1.3 percent as compared to the immediate trailing month – Nov-18. The lowest growth was in the month of Aug-18 at just 34.1 lakh (3.41 million or 0.341 crore)  or 0.7 percent as compared to the previous month based on Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) monthly telecom data reports.Bharti Airtel has lost wireless broadband internet subscribers in the month of Dec-18.

    Broadband subscribers across wired, mobile device (phones and dongles) and fixed wireless grew 42.9 percent from 3,628.7 lakh (362.87 million or 36.287 crore) as of 31 December 2017 by 1,556.8 lakh (155.68 million or 15.568 crore) to 5,185.5 lakh (518.85 million or 51.885 crore) as of 31 December 2018. Please refer to the figures below for MOM subscriber growth trends.

    Mobile devices comprising of phones and dongles is the largest constituent of India’s broadband internet subscriber base at 96.4 percent. Growth in broadband internet subscribers in calendar year 2018 (CY 2018) was led by growth in mobile devices users at 99.8 percent or 1,553.80 lakh (155.38 million or 15.538 crore) of new subscribers added in the year. Broadband internet subscribers through mobile devices grew 45.1percent from 3,445.7 lakh (344.57 million or 34.457 crore) at the end of Dec-17 to 4,999.50 lakh (499.95 million or 49.995 crore) at the end of Dec18.

    Wired broadband internet subscribers grew 1.7 percent or by 3.1 lakh (0.31 million or 0.031 crore) in CY 2018 from 178.6 lakh (17.86 million or 1,786 crore) at the end of Dec17 to 181.7 lakh (18.17 million or 1.817 crore) at the end of Dec-18.

    Fixed wireless- WiFi, Wi Max, Point to Point, Radio, Vsat broadband internet subscribers   declined by about 10,000 (fell by about 2.7 percent) from 4.4 lakh (0.44 million or 0.044 crore) at the end of Dec-17 to 4.3 lakh (0.43 million or 0.043 crore) at the end of Dec-18.

    Please refer to the figure below for details of broadband internet subscribers at the end of each month starting from Dec-17 until Dec-18.

    Airtel loses broadband internet subscribers.

    The top five broadband internet service providers across all segments constituted 
    98.57 percent marketshare of the total broadbandsubscribers at the end of Dec18. These service providers wereReliance JioInfocomm Ltd 28,01.2 lakh (280.12 million or 28.012 crore), Vodafone Idea 1,079.2 lakh (107.92 million or 10.792 crore), Bharti Airtel 1,002.6 lakh (100.26 million or 10.026 crore), BSNL 205.5 lakh (20.55million or 2.055 crore) and Tata Tele. Group 22,6 lakh (2.26 million or 0.226 crore).

    Wireless broadband internet subscribers (mobiles and dongles)

    Bharti Airtel Limited lost 45 lakh (4.5 million or 0.45 crore) wireless broadband internet subscribers in the month of Dec-18. The company’s wireless broadband internet subscriber base fell to 979.9 lakh (97.99 million or 9.799 crore) at the end of Dec-18 from 1,024.9 lakh (102.49 million or 10.259 crore) at the end of Nov-18.

    As on 31 December, 2018, the top five wireless broadband service providers were Reliance JioInfocomm Ltd 2801.2 lakh (280.12 million or 28.012 crore), Vodafone Idea 1079 lakh (107.90 million or 10.79 crore), Bharti Airtel 979.9 lakh (97.99 million or 9.799 crore), BSNL 113.8 (11.38 million or 1.138 crore) and Tata Teleservices 17.9 lakh (1.79 million or 0.179n crore).

    Wired broadband internet subscribers

    The combined total number of broadband subscribers of the top 5 wired broadband internet service providers fell by about 60,000 in 2018, hence their market share among the wired broadband internet services providers has declined. The biggest losers were the public sector BSNL and MTNL, which lost 23 lakh (2.3 million or 0.23 crore) and 13 lakh (1.3 million or 0.13 crore) subscribers respectively in CY 2018.  Their subscriber bases at the end of 2018 were 91.7 lakh and 7.8 lakh respectively. Airtel added 1.2 lakh (0.12 million or 0.012 crore) subscribers in the year, while Atria Convergence Technologies (ACT) added 1.1 lakh (0.11 million or 0.011 crore) subscribers. The fifth wired broadband internet services among the top 5 –Hathway Cable & Datacom (Hathway) added 50,000 subscribers in CY 2018.

    As on 31 December, 2018, the top five Wired Broadband Service providers were BSNL 91.7 lakh (9.17 million or 0.917 crore), Bharti Airtel 22.7 lakh (2.27 million or 0.227 crore), ACT 13.9 lakh (1.39 million or 0.139 crore), MTNL 7.8 lakh (0.78 million or 0.078 crore) and Hathway7.8 lakh (0.78 million or 0.078 crore).