Year-ender 2024: Telecom sector sees tariff hikes, user losses, Vi fundraising

NEW DELHI: Indian telecom sector had a mixed bag in 2024, marked by tariff hikes, subscriber losses, and fundraising by loss-making telecom service provider Vodafone Idea.

Despite these challenges, state-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) emerged as the surprise winner, gaining users for the first time in recent years. In July, all major private telcos, including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea raised their tariff plans by 25%. The move led to subscriber losses but helped improve their average revenue per user (ARPU).