40% of BSNL’s Mobile Users Exist Only on Paper; TRAI Data Delivers a Major Blow to Government Revival Plans

21
197

Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) Subscription Report for October 2025 has revealed one of the most alarming truths of India’s telecom sector: nearly 40% of BSNL’s declared mobile subscribers are not active on the network at all. According to the Visitor Location Register (VLR) — the metric that counts only active users — BSNL’s active subscriber base stands at just 59.45%. In simple terms, four out of every ten BSNL mobile connections are dead SIMs.

This is not merely a commercial setback; it is a direct indictment of the massive revival packages that the Central government has pumped into BSNL and MTNL over the past six years. Despite approximately ₹2.7 lakh crore in government support since 2019 — including 4G/5G spectrum allotment, VRS schemes, debt restructuring, and capex funding — BSNL’s active user base continues to shrink, and its presence in the telecom market is weakening steadily.

In contrast, private telcos continue to deliver nearly perfect active-user numbers. Airtel’s VLR stands at 99.55%, while Jio and Vodafone Idea are above 90%. The gap highlights not just BSNL’s technological lag, but also its service quality challenges, slow network upgrades, and chronic managerial inertia. BSNL’s 4G rollout is still not complete across India, while private players have already surged ahead with 5G and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) solutions. The result is a steady shift of both urban and rural customers toward private operators.

TRAI’s data also underscores a deeper, long-term revenue crisis. Inactive SIMs contribute nothing to actual revenue. They inflate subscriber counts on paper, but add no value to the company’s financial health. For a PSU that plays a crucial role in national security, border connectivity, and government communications, a collapsing active user base poses serious questions about its long-term viability.

The TRAI report holds a mirror not only to BSNL but to India’s digital connectivity landscape as a whole. India’s total telephone subscriber base has reached 1231.38 million, and headline tele-density stands at 86.76%. Yet beneath these impressive numbers lies a harsh imbalance: urban tele-density is 134.66%, while rural tele-density is only 59.72%. One India has more than one mobile connection per person, while the other India still struggles to reach even 60% connectivity. Even after a decade of Digital India, the divide persists — a failure not of technology, but of policy priorities.

Of India’s 1184 million wireless subscribers, growth is now almost entirely rural-driven. Urban markets are saturated, and the next wave lies in Tier-2, Tier-3 towns and villages. Wireline connections are growing, slowly but consistently, but the government’s ambition of widespread household fibre remains unfulfilled in most states. Meanwhile, 5G and rooftop CPE-based Fixed Wireless Access are growing rapidly. For many operators, it is faster, cheaper, and easier to install an FWA device than to lay fibre. Rural India especially is gravitating toward this model. National policy, however, has not caught up with this shift.

Market concentration is another stark feature of the report. Jio and Airtel together control 82% of India’s broadband market. Vodafone Idea is still struggling to stabilise financially, and BSNL–MTNL remain dependent on government aid. Real competition in India increasingly exists only on paper; actual market dynamics revolve around the Jio–Airtel duopoly. This trend can have long-term implications for pricing, QoS, spectrum distribution, and consumer rights. Both TRAI and the Competition Commission of India face a major policy test.

Mobile Number Portability data reflects an extremely quality-sensitive consumer base. October 2025 alone saw 1.5 crore MNP requests — with UP East, UP West, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar emerging as churn hotspots. This churn is not merely about tariff offers; it signals dissatisfaction with uneven network investments, especially in semi-urban and rural areas.

The rise of India’s M2M/IoT ecosystem is one of the most promising but under-discussed aspects. The country is rapidly moving towards 100 million IoT connections — driven by smart metering, logistics, POS devices, and the EV ecosystem. Yet India still lacks a comprehensive policy framework for IoT security, data protection, and telecom-dependent public services. Cybersecurity threats in this sector are growing faster than regulations.

The TRAI report is therefore more than a dataset — it is a sharp commentary on the structural challenges of digital India. The country is connected, but not equitably. The market is large, but competition is narrow. Consumer numbers are rising, but public sector telecom is shrinking. Broadband is expanding, but not reaching every household. Rural India is ready to leap ahead, but governance systems lack the speed to support it.

BSNL’s 40% inactive-user reality underscores a decisive truth: India’s telecom future depends not just on funding or technology, but on governance, strategy, and institutional accountability. Revival packages alone cannot rescue a PSU in decline. Without structural reform, operational speed, and technological alignment, BSNL’s relevance in India’s telecom map could shrink significantly in the coming years.

21 COMMENTS

  1. Chăm Sóc Khách Hàng Chuyên Nghiệp: Dịch vụ hỗ trợ khách hàng của New88 được cung cấp qua nhiều kênh (Live Chat, Hotline, Zalo) và thường hoạt động 24/7. Đội ngũ nhân viên được nhận xét là phản hồi nhanh, lịch sự và có khả năng giải quyết vấn đề hiệu quả.

  2. Chương Trình Khuyến Mãi Hấp Dẫn: Nhà cái này nổi tiếng với việc cung cấp nhiều chương trình khuyến mãi và ưu đãi lớn cho cả người chơi mới và thành viên hiện tại, bao gồm thưởng nạp lần đầu, hoàn trả hàng ngày/tuần, và các sự kiện theo mùa. Điều này giúp tăng thêm vốn và động lực cho người chơi.

  3. NEW88 là nền tảng cá cược trực tuyến thành lập năm 2012, hoạt động tại Châu Á với các game như thể thao, casino, slot, bắn cá… Nhà cung cấp có giấy phép từ Cagayan và Freeport, hỗ trợ bảo mật và minh bạch. NEW88 cũng có các chương trình khuyến mãi như thưởng nạp và hoàn trả hàng ngày.

  4. F8BET là nhà cái trực tuyến uy tín hàng đầu, quy tụ kho game đỉnh cao như Casino, Thể thao, Nổ hũ slot, Đá gà, Xổ số 3 miền và nhiều trò chơi hấp dẫn …

  5. QQ88 – Sân chơi giải trí trực tuyến uy tín hàng đầu, bảo mật cao, nạp rút nhanh, khuyến mãi lớn mỗi ngày. Trải nghiệm casino, thể thao, nổ hũ cực đã.

  6. Mit über 100 elektronischen Spielen, darunter Spielautomaten, Videopoker und elektronisches Roulette, sowie klassischen Tischspielen wie American Roulette, Blackjack und
    Texas Hold’em Poker gibt es für jeden Spielertyp etwas.
    Insgesamt sind die mobilen Möglichkeiten von Spielbank
    Bad Kissingen sehr begrenzt, wodurch es eine Option für diejenigen ist,
    die es bevorzugen, einen physischen Standort zu besuchen, anstatt online zu
    spielen. Die 1999 eröffnete Spielbank liegt mitten im Kurpark und bietet neben modernsten Automaten und klassischen Tischspielen auch das ebenso gesellige wie rasante Würfelspiel Dice52
    an.
    Unsere vertrauenswürdigen Plattformen stellen sicher,
    dass Ihre Transaktionen schnell und effizient verarbeitet werden,
    sodass Sie beim Bezahlen in unserem Casino beruhigt sein können. Ihre finanziellen Transaktionen werden bei Spielbank Bad Kissingen mit Leichtigkeit und Sicherheit abgewickelt.
    Melden Sie sich jetzt an und beginnen Sie, das hohe Leben mit uns zu genießen!

    References:
    https://online-spielhallen.de/sol-casino-cashback-ihr-weg-zu-hoheren-gewinnen-und-spielspas/

  7. Mit einem besonderen Fokus auf krypto-freundliche Zahlungsmöglichkeiten und Fiat-Alternativen bietet die Plattform unvergleichliche Flexibilität.
    MyStake Casino bietet eine beeindruckende Spielbibliothek mit über 6.500 Titeln von 90 führenden Softwareanbietern, darunter NetEnt, Pragmatic Play
    und Evolution Gaming. Außerdem kannst du mit unseren großzügigen Willkommensboni deine Reise zum High-Roller im Handumdrehen starten!
    Im Echtgeld-Test konnten wir feststellen,
    dass die Einzahlung via Visa-Kreditkarte wirklich einfach verlief.
    Wie unser MyStake Casino Test ergeben hat, sichert man euch hier erfreuliche 24/7-Unterstützung zu und lässt euch eure Anliegen auch auf Deutsch vortragen.
    MyStake ist noch ein sehr frisches Unternehmen, das sich bereits die Lizenz der Karibikinsel
    Curaçao sichern konnte.
    Wie der Name schon sagt, werden hier alle Spiele live mit
    einem Croupier und einer Live-Kamera durchgeführt.
    Erleben Sie die kultigsten Casino-Spiele live im Mystake Casino.
    Wenn Ihnen ein Spiel gefallen hat, fügen Sie es bitte als Favorit
    hinzu, damit Sie es beim nächsten Mal wiederfinden!

    References:
    https://online-spielhallen.de/umfassende-bizzo-casino-bewertung-ihre-spielothek-im-detail/

  8. Sicherheitsmaßnahmen sollten ebenfalls bei der Auswahl
    eines Online-Casinos ohne deutsche Lizenz ganz oben auf der Liste stehen.
    Ohne deutsche Lizenz bedeutet nämlich nicht, dass gar keine Lizenz verfügbar ist.
    Wenn du häufig ließt das Überweisungen nicht ankommen oder Gewinne
    nicht ausgezahlt werden, dann solltest du die Finger von diesem online Casino lassen. Online Casinos ohne deutsche Lizenz sind,
    wie der Name schon sagt, Online Glücksspiel Plattformen, die ohne eine deutsche Lizenz betrieben werden. Im Folgenden erklären wir dir, wie du
    das richtige online Casino auswählst.
    Das Casino legt großen Wert auf Sicherheit und Fairness
    und bietet seinen Spielern ein sicheres und verantwortungsvolles Spielerlebnis.
    Die Plattform bietet einen deutschsprachigen Kundendienst
    mit einem ausführlichen FAQ-Bereich, der Spielern bei Fragen und Problemen weiterhilft.
    TipWin ist ein weiteres Online-Casino mit deutscher Lizenz und einer breiten Auswahl an beliebten Gamomat-Spielen. Dank
    der behördlichen Regulierung bietet die Plattform nun auch PayPal als Zahlungsoption an, was zusätzliche
    Sicherheit und Bequemlichkeit für die Spieler gewährleistet.
    Bet-at-Home beeindruckt mit einer breiten Spielauswahl,
    darunter erstklassige Spielautomaten und Sportwetten.
    Wenn man sich die Zahlungsmethoden deutscher 1€ Online Casinos und internationaler Online Casinos
    anschaut, fällt schnell auf, dass die Unterschiede enorm
    sind. Hier bekommst du nicht nur die klassischen Slots und Tischspiele.
    Klarna Casinos mit deutscher Lizenz zeigt sich vor allem beim Anmeldeprozess.

    References:
    https://online-spielhallen.de/legiano-casino-2025-test-login-zahlungen/

  9. They should also provide their licensing number so you can check that they have truly been approved by a legit
    gambling jurisdiction. The information about licensing
    can usually be found at the bottom of each casino’s
    homepage. That’s why licensing is the first
    thing that we check when reviewing a certain casino site.

    Apart from being safe from cyber attacks, a casino site
    must also hold a proper licence. An Australian casino site must be protected by
    modern encryption technology.
    Immerse yourself in a range of games from classic slot machines to cutting-edge video poker,
    and gain insights of this thrilling entertainment landscape.
    Our focus is on speedy and friendly Australian support that is
    also well-informed to ensure our players receive the service they expect.

    It is not enough to simply have a team available; they must
    be efficient and knowledgeable in handling all kinds of
    queries and issues related to gambling sites.
    Offshore sites have this too, but their licenses come
    from other countries like the United Kingdom. These oversee the gambling industry to ensure fairness and legal compliance.
    If you’re in a French-speaking province, check out our casino en ligne page.
    You can also check out our exclusive bonus codes before
    signing up. Try these top titles yourself for free and find your next favourite game.
    Please note that we do not offer customer service or support for these incentives.

  10. With sleek features and a focus on speed, Fastpay Casino stands out as a go-to destination for dynamic, secure, and fully mobile-friendly gameplay.
    Whether you’re diving into the action on desktop or mobile, the Fastpay Casino 52 delivers fast withdrawals, crypto
    support, and nonstop customer care. The live chat support of
    Fastpay online casino is launched from the unmistakable green tab on the right – visible
    on every page, ready whenever you are. A second deposit unlocks a 75% bonus up to 75AUD, giving players another shot at early wins.

    Our VIP casino Australia program rewards loyal players with exclusive bonuses AU and enhanced benefits.
    We welcome new players with a 100% casino welcome bonus up
    to $100 plus 100 free spins on your first deposit. Australian players share
    their experiences with our games, payments, and
    customer service. We’ve included over 3,000 slots, live casino games, and table games in the mobile version.

  11. Our security monitoring system is designed to be proactive, creating a security environment that prevents problems rather than just responding to them.
    We’ve eliminated the trade-off between convenience and security, providing both without compromise
    through intelligent systems that learn from every interaction and adapt to new security challenges automatically.

    If you originally signed up using your Google or Facebook account, you can bypass
    the traditional login entirely. Pop in your email address and password,
    hit enter, and boom – you’re back in the game.2.
    Whether you’re chasing that next big win or checking your balance,
    the login process is straightforward and secure.
    By working with industry leaders King Billy Casino
    ensures premium gaming content that will keep you playing.
    The casino uses SSL encryption so it’s almost impossible for unauthorized access to happen.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/casinova-casino-review/

  12. While our stakeholders are predominantly casino operators,
    employees and patrons, the general public can also be at
    risk of the harms arising out of casino compliance failures.

    With the support of the NSW Government, Mr Crawford implemented Bergin’s findings, including
    establishing the NICC in 2022. The NSW Independent Casino
    Commission is an independent, effective and trusted casino regulator that
    minimises risks and harm and maximises the accountability
    of casinos.
    The GIPA Act provides members of the public with
    a right to access government information. These staff assist the NICC to supervise
    casinos and exercise legislative functions under delegation. The
    NICC is funded by the Casino Supervisory Levy paid by
    both casinos and employs its own administrative staff, maintaining independent decision-making on licensing and disciplinary
    matters in casinos. The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 provides members of the public with a right of access
    to government information. These events are expected to boost the local economy by attracting visitors
    from across NSW to stay in the Northern Rivers and boost
    economy at businesses in the region.
    Sara writes from the heart, sings from the soul,
    surveys the people and land around her and lets stories inspire
    her creativity and guide her craft. If you’re thinking of relocating to regional Australia, answer these questions and find the places that suit
    you. Connecting people with places. Save your favourite towns and regions here and send them
    to yourself or share it with friends and family.
    Move To More is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/paysafecard-casinos/

  13. Cash giveaways, bonuses for slots players, and other promotions are available through their Absolute Rewards program.
    Throughout the week, Jupiters offers numerous special promotions designed
    to increase your gaming excitement and the possibility of reaping riches.
    You can also enjoy live music, classic and first-run movies,
    special social hours, and comedy nights throughout the week.
    In addition to an array of gaming fun, this first-class
    casino provides visitors with plenty of other diversions, including great entertainment.
    Jupiter is home to some of the liveliest and most electrifying pokies machines
    in Gold Coast. In keeping with the grandeur of the casino
    itself, it is impossible to turn your back on the most magnificent of traditional games, Baccarat.

    View current jackpot sums for games like Golden Dollars Grand, Dinomite,
    Highway Zone, Players Paradise Gold, and more. On both the Main Gaming Floor and the Private Gaming Room, there are over 1,400 pokies and video poker machines, making it a pokies lover’s delight.
    Below we take you through what you can expect from the casino in detail.
    Alternatively, you might relax in your 5-star hotel
    room and take in the beautiful scenery from your suite.
    Many attractions are within walking distance of the casino,
    located on the picturesque Gold Coast.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/harvest-buffet-the-star-sydney/

  14. At National Casino Online, we prioritize your gaming experience with a plethora of payment
    options for easy deposit and withdrawal. Here, you can dive
    into a variety of casino games that offer the thrilling
    opportunity to win real money. Furthermore, National Casino’s commitment to
    customer security, fair play, and responsible gaming makes it a trusted and reputable choice in the online
    gambling community.
    If you need to quickly restrict your account, like if you keep failing
    to sign in or if there are security holds, use the
    live chat to get updates right away. This way, your favourite or most
    played songs will always be just a click away when you visit
    the casino. Smart use of personalised filtering makes sure that every session starts
    with options that are relevant, so you don’t
    have to waste time navigating. A lot of collections have
    free demo versions that let people try them out before they play for real money.

    This makes it easy to find games for micro-stake or high roller sessions.

    References:
    https://blackcoin.co/best-big-time-gaming-casinos/

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here