Mumbai/IBNS: Reliance Jio, India's largest telecom operator, suffered a significant blow in September, losing an alarming 7.97 million subscribers, according to the latest report by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

This decline is attributed largely to the recent tariff hikes implemented by Jio and other private telecom operators.

In contrast to Jio's downturn, the government-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) bucked the trend, adding 850,000 new subscribers during the same period.

BSNL's growth is credited to its affordable plans and enhanced rural connectivity, positioning it as the only operator to report positive subscriber growth. 

Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea Ltd. (VI) continues to grapple with financial challenges, resulting in a loss of 1.55 million subscribers in September.

Similarly, Bharti Airtel Ltd., a key market player known for its quality services and expanding 5G network, saw a decline of 1.43 million users, indicating a broader industry trend of subscriber attrition. 

This subscriber loss marks an unusual phase for Jio, which has consistently gained users since its inception.

The competitive landscape has shifted, with BSNL making inroads where private operators struggle. 

The TRAI report also highlights a positive development in the fight against spam and telemarketing issues.

Complaints related to unregistered telemarketers and spam calls fell by 20 percent between August and October 2024, decreasing from 189,000 to 151,000.

This reduction follows the enforcement of stricter regulations, including a two-year blacklist for violators and targeted directives issued in August. 

TRAI has actively engaged stakeholders through webinars, focusing on curbing spam and enhancing compliance.

These sessions have promoted the use of the 140-number series on the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) platform for internet-based calls and improved message tracing mechanisms. 

So far, two webinars have attracted 1,800 participants, including representatives from leading regulatory bodies like the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).

Encouragingly, over 13,000 entities have registered with telecom providers, with more expected to follow suit, signaling a growing commitment to regulatory compliance. 

These developments showcase the evolving dynamics of the telecom sector, with challenges for private operators juxtaposed against opportunities for BSNL and regulatory progress in tackling spam communications.