Jio’s 3 Million Active Subscriber Base Dip Is Highest in 22 Months

The drop in the active subscriber base and Jio encouraging users to get Jio Welcome Offer Invite looks more or less interconnected as Jio wants to increase its subscriber base and active subscriber base count. However, if we look at the November numbers, Jio’s invite-based beta 5G launch or welcome offer didn’t garner enough interest among users, which is what we can infer from the numbers, at least as of now.

While the flat growth in subscriber numbers and fall in Active Subscriber numbers are not surprising, this indicates SIM consolidation is happening in the Industry. With the cheapest tariff times nearing to conclude, and as there is no more headroom for fighting the competition with tariffs, we can expect tepid or flat gains in subscriber numbers in the coming days. However, telcos also need to invest around 3 lakh crore for 5G backhaul fiberisation, per an ICRA report, for users to experience full-fledged 5G Networks. So, considering the huge CAPEX involved, telcos have no option but to increase the tariffs, which will not be an encouraging factor for subscriber additions in days to come.

Jio’s Active subscriber base dip may also be because of the company removing inactive subscribers or people leaving secondary SIM because of inflationary pressures caused by Global economic headwinds.

Also Read: Vodafone Idea Continues its 20 Month-Long Subscriber Losing Streak

On the other hand, there is no end to the loss of Vodafone Idea’s wireless subscriber base. The ailing telco is continuing its 20-month longest subscriber losing streak, which is close to two years now.

With an Industry-wide loss in subscriber base and a fall in active subscriber base, the trend suggests that there will be stiff competition among the telcos to lure existing customers with MNP. According to TRAI data, in November 2022, 12.02 million subscribers submitted PORT requests for MNP, compared with 11.8 million in October. However, only time will tell how things will pan out for the telcos. With 5G technology ahead and Vodafone Idea getting clearance for Equity conversion, things will be interesting to watch for.