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TRAI releases telecom subscription data report for 31 August 2024
Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released key insights into telecom subscription data as of August 31, 2024. During August, there were 14.66 million requests for Mobile Number Portability (MNP), bringing the total cumulative MNP requests since the system’s implementation to 1,025.78 million, up from 1,011.13 million at the end of July.
As for active wireless subscribers, TRAI reported that there were 1,061.48 million active users at the peak VLR (Visitor Location Register) date in August 2024.
In its analysis of broadband services, TRAI noted an increase in total broadband subscribers from 946.19 million in July to 949.21 million in August, marking a growth rate of 0.32 per cent. The number of wireline subscribers also rose from 35.56 million to 36.23 million, a net increase of 0.67 million and a monthly growth rate of 1.90 per cent. At the end of August, urban subscribers accounted for 92.09 per cent of the wireline base, while rural subscribers made up 7.91 per cent.
Despite the overall growth in wireline subscriptions, total wireless subscribers decreased from 1,169.61 million in July to 1,163.83 million in August, resulting in a decline of 0.49 per cent. Urban wireless subscriptions fell from 635.46 million to 633.21 million, while rural subscriptions dropped from 534.15 million to 530.63 million. This led to a reduction in wireless tele-density from 83.32 per cent to 82.85 per cent.
The market share of private access service providers remains significant, holding 92 per cent of wireless subscribers, with BSNL and MTNL, the public sector units, accounting for only eight per cent. Additionally, the number of M2M (Machine-to-Machine) cellular connections increased from 53.67 million to 54.07 million, with Bharti Airtel leading with a market share of 52.54 per cent.
The total number of telephone subscribers in India decreased from 1,205.17 million to 1,200.07 million, reflecting a decline rate of 0.42 per cent. Urban and rural telephone subscriptions also fell during this period. Consequently, overall tele-density decreased from 85.85 per cent to 85.43 per cent.
Of the 1,163.83 million wireless subscribers, approximately 91.21 per cent were active in August. Bharti Airtel had the highest active subscriber proportion at 99.24 per cent, while MTNL reported the lowest at just 26 per cent.
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.
