News Headline
TRAI data shows wireless data revenue, subscribers, ARPU shot up in 2018
MUMBAI: Wireless data usage in the country is spiking up. According to a report by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the total revenue that telecom operators collected through data usage last year was Rs 54,671.44 crore. In 2017, the revenue was Rs 38,882 crore.
The amount of data consumption from every wireless data subscriber every month was up from 4.13GB in 2017 to 7.69GB in 2018. Simultaneously, the cost to subscriber has also reduced from Rs 19.35 per GB in 2017 to Rs 11.78 in 2018. This can be attributed to the presence of Reliance Jio as a dominant player in bringing down data rates. Additionally, the share of 4G data usage in total volume of wireless data usage has been 86.85 per cent during the year 2018.
Average revenue per wireless data subscribers (data ARPU) per month increased from Rs 79.98 in the year 2017 to Rs 90.61 in the year 2018. It was recorded Rs 71.25 per wireless data subscriber per month in the year 2014.
Total wireless data usage more than doubled from 20,092 GB in 2017 to 46,404 GB in 2018. The number of wireless subscribers went from 424.02 million in 2017 to 578.2 million in 2018. This shows an annual growth of 36.36 per cent.
TRAI’s report states that though 4G adoption is on the rise in India, the world is witnessing even higher levels of data usage through the commercial deployment of 5G technology. Both the government of India and the telecom industry have announced that they have initiated preparatory steps for smooth and efficient rollout of 5G for the benefit of the consumers and the overall economic development of the country.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
