By Bulletin Times 
Jio Takes a Big Hit: Loses 8 Million Subscribers in Just One Month
Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom operator, has hit a rough patch, losing nearly 8 million subscribers in September, as revealed by the latest TRAI report. This sharp decline follows recent tariff hikes introduced by Jio and other private telecom players, leaving many users looking for more affordable alternatives. For Jio, which has consistently grown its user base since its launch, this marks a rare and significant setback.
Adding to the industry shake-up, government-owned BSNL emerged as the only major player to gain subscribers during this period, adding 8.5 lakh new users. BSNL’s focus on cost-effective plans and improved rural network connectivity seems to be paying off, making it a preferred choice for price-conscious customers.
Other private operators also faced subscriber losses. Vodafone Idea dropped 1.55 million users, while Bharti Airtel saw a 1.43 million decline despite its strong position in metro and premium markets. These numbers underline a growing trend of users opting for value-driven services over premium offerings.
For Jio, the loss highlights a key challenge: balancing competitive pricing with sustainable growth. The brand, which revolutionized India’s telecom space with affordable data and services, now faces mounting pressure to address user retention while maintaining profitability.
Meanwhile, BSNL’s steady rise reinforces the importance of affordability and accessibility in India’s diverse and price-sensitive market. With competition heating up, the telecom sector is gearing up for a dynamic shift as companies look for new ways to win back subscribers and stay ahead.