Summary:
Reliance Jio added the highest number of wireless subscribers in August 2026, gaining nearly 2.4 million users, followed by Airtel with 2.1 million, Vi with 0.50 million and BSNL with 0.49 million. The industry added 5.50 million wireless subscribers during the month, with Jio leading the market at 39.31% share and Airtel at 38.01%. Jio has crossed 500 million subscribers, while Airtel’s consolidated base is approaching that level but includes its international operations. Jio also led the wireline segment with a 32.98% market share, followed by Airtel at 25.35%.
Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom operator, recorded the highest addition of wireless subscribers in August 2026. The company added nearly 2.4 million wireless users during the month. Airtel followed with an addition of around 2.1 million subscribers, while Vodafone Idea (Vi) added approximately 0.50 million users. BSNL also increased its subscriber base by about 0.49 million. This means that all four major telecom operators registered subscriber growth during August.
Across the industry, the total number of wireless subscribers increased by 5.50 million in August 2026. These figures were released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) as part of its monthly telecom performance report.
In terms of wireless mobile subscriber market share, Jio remained in the lead with 39.31%. Airtel followed closely with a 38.01% share. Vodafone Idea ranked third with 15.43%, while Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) held a 7.24% market share.
Jio has maintained its position as the leading wireless telecom operator for several years. However, Airtel has been steadily narrowing the gap over recent quarters. Airtel also continues to report a higher average revenue per user (ARPU), which remains among the highest in the industry. Therefore, despite Jio having a larger subscriber base, Airtel generates more revenue on average from each customer.
In terms of total subscribers, Jio has already crossed the 500 million mark, while Airtel has yet to reach that level in the Indian market. Airtel’s consolidated subscriber figures are close to 500 million, although those numbers also include its international operations. Jio is also the largest operator in the wireless segment. According to TRAI data, Jio held a 32.98% share of the wireline segment, followed by Airtel with a 25.35% market share.
