New data from the telecom regulator shows a clear shift in subscriber trends over the past three months. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has added more than two million wireless users across August, September and October 2025, while Vodafone Idea has lost more than three million users during the same period.
Despite having a smaller network footprint and weaker brand presence compared to Vodafone Idea, BSNL has been outperforming the private operator in recent months. The state owned telecom company has steadily gained new subscribers, while Vodafone Idea’s user base has been shrinking.
According to the latest figures from the regulator, Vodafone Idea’s market share has dropped from 17.44 percent to 17.13 percent. In contrast, BSNL’s market share has increased from 41.08 percent to 41.36 percent. The gains come as BSNL continues to upgrade its network by rolling out high speed 4G sites across the country. The company is also preparing to launch its 5G services, starting with metro cities such as Mumbai and Delhi.
There are several factors that may be contributing to this shift. Private telecom operators have increased tariffs in recent months, making BSNL an attractive option for users looking for a more affordable secondary SIM. At the same time, BSNL’s ongoing upgrades are improving service quality, giving customers more reason to stay or switch.
Industry observers say the combination of rising private telco prices and BSNL’s network improvements may be helping the state run operator attract new users. It remains to be seen how long this trend will continue, but BSNL’s recent subscriber growth marks a notable change in the competitive landscape.
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