Industry ARPU to exceed decadal high of Rs 225 in FY26 driven by 5G usage, tariff hike: CRISIL

NEW DELHI: The recent tariff hikes in the range of 17-19% by Indian telecom operators and the organic growth in data usage amid growing 5G penetration are likely to boost the industry average revenue per user (ARPU) to a decadal-high of Rs 225-230 in fiscal 2026, compared to Rs 182 in fiscal 2024, CRISIL Ratings said in a research note on Tuesday.

“A much-needed tariff hike and growing data consumption will lift the average revenue per user per month (ARPU) of Indian telecom companies by ~25% in fiscal 2026 compared with fiscal 2024,” the credit rating agency said.