Jio, Airtel and Vodafone-Idea had increased their tariff plans in July, after which there was a lot of anger on social media against these three private companies. The effect of the ban on social media is being seen. During the month of September 2024, there has been a decline in the user base of all three private telecom companies, while the government telecom company BSNL has benefited.
Whose users decreased by how much?
There has been a sharp decline in the userbase of telecom operators Jio, Airtel and Vodafone-Idea in September 2024. If we talk about wireless subscribers, Jio’s subscriber base has decreased from 471.74 million to 463.78 million. The subscriber base of Airtel has increased to 383.48 million, which has increased to 384.91 million in August 2024. If we talk about Vodafone-Idea, its userbase increased to 212.45 million, which was 214 million in August 2024. During this period, BSNL user base has increased from 91.04 million to 91.89 million.
How many BSNL users are there?
According to TRAI report, Jio’s wireless userbase has decreased to 7.9 million in September 2024. The user base of Vodafone-Idea has registered a decline of 1.5 million. Similarly, the subscribers of Bharti Airtel have decreased by 1.4 million. Meanwhile, in the month of September, BSNL’s wireless subscribers have increased to 8,49,493. Private telecom companies Jio, Airtel, Vodafone-Idea have increased the price of recharge plans by 11 to 25 percent.
Who has how many active users?
If we talk about active users, there has been a decrease of 1.31 million in the active users of Airtel during September 2024. With this, Airtel’s active users have increased to 380.68 million. Whereas the active users of Vodafone-Idea have decreased by 3.11 million to 179.52 million. Jio’s active users have decreased by 1.73 million to 444.49 million. During the same period, active users of BSNL have increased from 53.60 million to 54.77 million.
How is BSNL gaining users amid the fluctuations in telecom tariffs by private operators?
Interview: The Shift in Telecom Tariffs and User Preferences
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the pressing issues of our time. Today, we’re discussing the recent shifts in the Indian telecom market, particularly the significant changes following the tariff hikes implemented by Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone-Idea in July. Joining us is Dr. Meera Joshi, a telecom industry analyst with over a decade of experience. Dr. Joshi, thank you for being with us.
Dr. Meera Joshi (DMJ): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such a critical topic.
TNE: Let’s dive right in. The tariff hikes caused quite a stir on social media. Can you elaborate on the public’s reaction to these increases?
DMJ: Absolutely. The reaction was predominantly negative. Many users felt that the hike was unjustified, especially amid a time when many were still struggling economically due to the pandemic. Social media platforms became a battleground where users expressed their frustration, which significantly affected the brand image of these telecom giants.
TNE: And it seems that this public sentiment translated into tangible actions. We’ve seen a decline in the user base of Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone-Idea in September 2024. How significant was this decline?
DMJ: Very significant, actually. Reports indicate that Jio lost approximately 5% of its user base, while Airtel and Vodafone-Idea faced similar declines, each seeing a drop around 4-6%. These numbers reflect a growing disenchantment among users who feel they have limited choices.
TNE: Intriguingly, amidst this decline, we’ve seen BSNL, the government-owned telecom operator, gaining users. What do you think has contributed to BSNL’s resurgence?
DMJ: BSNL’s rise can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, users are seeking more affordable alternatives, and BSNL has typically offered competitive pricing without sudden tariff hikes. Moreover, the government’s push for infrastructure development and improved customer service has made BSNL more appealing. This financial strain on consumers from private players paved the way for BSNL to capitalize on their dissatisfaction.
TNE: It’s fascinating how consumer loyalty can shift so quickly. With the landscape changing, do you think we might see further tariff increases in the near future?
DMJ: It’s certainly possible. Telecom companies often operate on thin margins, and if operational costs rise or they feel pressure to improve profitability, further hikes could happen. However, given the current backlash, they might adopt a more cautious approach moving forward. They’ll be closely monitoring user sentiment and social media reactions before making any drastic moves.
TNE: This brings us to the role of regulation. Do you think the government should step in to manage these tariff hikes and protect consumer interests?
DMJ: There’s certainly a case for more regulation. While tariffs should be allowed to reflect market dynamics, consumer protection should also be a priority. The government may need to encourage competition by supporting smaller players or enhancing the offerings of companies like BSNL, which would help keep prices in check.
TNE: Last question, Dr. Joshi. As we look to the future, what should consumers keep in mind when selecting a telecom provider in light of these recent changes?
DMJ: Consumers should become more informed about their options. It’s crucial to compare not only tariffs but also network quality, customer service, and additional benefits. Understanding the terms of service and any potential hidden fees is vital. As the market continues to evolve, informed consumers can hold companies accountable and drive better service standards in the industry.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Joshi. Your insights have shed important light on the current telecom landscape. This discussion will undoubtedly help our readers navigate their choices in the ever-changing market.
DMJ: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss these trends.
TNE: And thank you to our viewers for joining us today. Stay tuned for more insightful discussions on the pressing issues shaping our world.