Top 20 Telecommunications Carriers Companies in India 2023

As of 2021, India’s telecommunications market is one of the largest and most competitive in the world. With the rapid expansion of mobile and internet connectivity in the country, telecommunications companies have become essential players in shaping India’s digital landscape.

In this regard, the top 20 telecommunications carriers in India provide a wide range of services to Indian consumers, from mobile and broadband services to cloud computing and IoT solutions.

At the top of the list is Reliance Jio, which has emerged as a major disruptor in the Indian telecom industry since its launch in 2016, offering affordable data plans and innovative digital services. Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and BSNL are also among the top players in the market, providing a variety of services to customers across India.

Other players in the telecommunications market include Tata Teleservices, MTNL, and Aircel, which provide mobile and broadband services, while companies such as Hughes Communications India, HFCL, and Tikona Digital Networks specialize in enterprise solutions like satellite and broadband connectivity.

With India’s rapidly growing population and increasing demand for digital services, the telecommunications market is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, driving innovation and competition among these top 20 telecommunications carriers in India.

the top 20 telecommunications carriers in India are:

1. Reliance Jio
2. Bharti Airtel
3. Vodafone Idea
4. BSNL
5. Tata Teleservices
6. MTNL
7. Aircel
8. Reliance Communications
9. Sistema Shyam Teleservices
10. Tikona Digital Networks
11. Hughes Communications India
12. HFCL
13. Dishnet Wireless Limited
14. S Tel
15. Etisalat DB Telecom
16. Loop Mobile
17. Videocon Telecommunications
18. Uninor
19. Idea Cellular
20. MTS India

Reliance Jio

Reliance Jio is a telecommunications company in India that provides mobile, broadband, and digital services. The company was launched in 2016 and has since become a major player in the Indian telecom market.

Reliance Jio offers a range of services to its customers, including affordable mobile data plans, voice over LTE (VoLTE) services, and high-speed broadband connections. The company also offers a variety of digital services, including music streaming, video conferencing, and online gaming.

One of the key factors that has contributed to Reliance Jio’s success is its innovative business model, which emphasizes the use of digital platforms and technologies to provide affordable and convenient services to customers.

The company has also invested heavily in building a robust network infrastructure, including the deployment of 4G and 5G networks across India.

Reliance Jio has had a major impact on the Indian telecom market, driving down prices and increasing competition among telecom providers. The company has also played a key role in promoting digital inclusion and access to affordable data services in India.

Overall, Reliance Jio’s innovative approach to telecom services and its commitment to digital inclusion have made it one of the most successful and influential telecommunications companies in India.

Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel is a leading telecommunications company in India that offers a wide range of services including mobile, broadband, and digital TV services. The company was founded in 1995 and has since become one of the largest telecom companies in India, with operations in over 18 countries.

Bharti Airtel is known for its strong network coverage and reliability, with its mobile network covering over 99% of the population in India. The company offers a variety of mobile plans and packages to suit different customer needs, including prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as international roaming services.

In addition to mobile services, Bharti Airtel also provides broadband and fixed-line services to both residential and business customers. The company’s broadband services include high-speed internet, Wi-Fi connectivity, and digital TV services.

Bharti Airtel has also invested in digital technologies and platforms, including Airtel Payments Bank, a mobile wallet service, and Airtel Xstream, a digital content platform that offers a range of movies, TV shows, and music.

Overall, Bharti Airtel’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has helped the company to become a major player in the Indian telecom market, providing essential connectivity and digital services to millions of customers across India.

Vodafone Idea

Vodafone Idea is a telecommunications company in India that offers mobile, broadband, and digital services. The company was formed in 2018 as a result of the merger of Vodafone India and Idea Cellular, two of the largest telecom companies in India.

Vodafone Idea provides mobile services to over 300 million customers in India, making it one of the largest mobile operators in the country. The company offers a range of mobile plans and packages to suit different customer needs, including prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as international roaming services.

In addition to mobile services, Vodafone Idea also provides broadband and fixed-line services to both residential and business customers. The company’s broadband services include high-speed internet, Wi-Fi connectivity, and digital TV services.

Vodafone Idea has also invested in digital technologies and platforms, including Vodafone Play, a digital content platform that offers a range of movies, TV shows, and music.

The company has also partnered with other technology companies to provide value-added services to customers, such as mobile payments and e-commerce services.

Overall, Vodafone Idea’s focus on innovation and customer satisfaction has helped the company to become a major player in the Indian telecom market, providing essential connectivity and digital services to millions of customers across India.

BSNL

BSNL, or Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, is a state-owned telecommunications company in India that provides mobile, broadband, and enterprise services. The company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in New Delhi, India.

BSNL is known for its extensive network coverage across India, providing connectivity to both rural and urban areas. The company offers a range of mobile plans and packages to suit different customer needs, including prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as international roaming services.

In addition to mobile services, BSNL also provides broadband and fixed-line services to both residential and business customers. The company’s broadband services include high-speed internet, Wi-Fi connectivity, and digital TV services.

BSNL has also invested in digital technologies and platforms, including a range of value-added services for customers such as mobile payments, cloud services, and IoT solutions for enterprises.

Overall, BSNL’s commitment to providing reliable and affordable telecommunications services to customers across India has helped it to become a major player in the Indian telecom market, contributing to the country’s digital transformation and growth.

Tata Teleservices

Tata Teleservices is a telecommunications company in India that provides mobile, broadband, and enterprise services. The company was founded in 1996 and is a subsidiary of the Tata Group, one of the largest business conglomerates in India.

Tata Teleservices offers a range of mobile plans and packages to suit different customer needs, including prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as international roaming services.

The company also provides fixed-line and broadband services to both residential and business customers, offering high-speed internet connectivity and digital TV services.

In addition to its telecommunications services, Tata Teleservices also provides enterprise solutions, including cloud services, data center services, and managed security services. The company’s enterprise solutions cater to a wide range of industries, including banking, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

Tata Teleservices has also invested in digital technologies and platforms, including a range of value-added services for customers such as mobile payments, digital content services, and IoT solutions.

Overall, Tata Teleservices’ commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has helped it to become a significant player in the Indian telecom market, providing essential connectivity and digital services to millions of customers across India.

MTNL

MTNL, or Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited, is a state-owned telecommunications company in India that provides mobile, broadband, and enterprise services. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in New Delhi, India.

MTNL provides mobile services to customers in Delhi and Mumbai, offering a range of mobile plans and packages to suit different customer needs, including prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as international roaming services.

The company also provides fixed-line and broadband services to both residential and business customers, offering high-speed internet connectivity and digital TV services.

In addition to its telecommunications services, MTNL also provides enterprise solutions, including data center services and managed security services. The company’s enterprise solutions cater to a wide range of industries, including banking, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

MTNL has also invested in digital technologies and platforms, including a range of value-added services for customers such as mobile payments, digital content services, and IoT solutions.

Overall, MTNL’s commitment to providing reliable and affordable telecommunications services to customers in Delhi and Mumbai has helped it to become a significant player in the Indian telecom market, contributing to the country’s digital transformation and growth.

Aircel

Aircel was a telecommunications company in India that provided mobile and broadband services. The company was founded in 1999 and was headquartered in Chennai, India. However, Aircel filed for bankruptcy in 2018 and ceased its operations in India.

Prior to its bankruptcy, Aircel offered a range of mobile plans and packages to customers across India, including prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as international roaming services.

The company also provided broadband services to both residential and business customers, offering high-speed internet connectivity and digital TV services.

In addition to its telecommunications services, Aircel had also invested in digital technologies and platforms, including a range of value-added services for customers such as mobile payments, digital content services, and IoT solutions.

Although Aircel is no longer operational in India, its legacy and impact on the Indian telecom market cannot be overlooked. The company played a significant role in promoting competition and innovation in the industry, and its bankruptcy has led to a shift in the market landscape.

Reliance Communications

Reliance Communications was a telecommunications company in India that provided mobile, broadband, and enterprise services.

The company was founded in 2002 and was a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited, one of the largest business conglomerates in India. However, Reliance Communications filed for bankruptcy in 2019 and ceased its operations in India.

Prior to its bankruptcy, Reliance Communications offered a range of mobile plans and packages to customers across India, including prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as international roaming services.

The company also provided fixed-line and broadband services to both residential and business customers, offering high-speed internet connectivity and digital TV services.

In addition to its telecommunications services, Reliance Communications had also invested in digital technologies and platforms, including a range of value-added services for customers such as mobile payments, digital content services, and IoT solutions.

Although Reliance Communications is no longer operational in India, its legacy and impact on the Indian telecom market cannot be overlooked. The company played a significant role in promoting competition and innovation in the industry, and its bankruptcy has led to a shift in the market landscape.

Sistema Shyam Teleservices

Sistema Shyam Teleservices, also known as SSTL or MTS India, was a telecommunications company in India that provided mobile and broadband services. The company was a joint venture between the Russian conglomerate Sistema and the Indian conglomerate Shyam Group.

However, SSTL discontinued its operations in India in 2017.

Prior to discontinuing its operations, SSTL offered a range of mobile plans and packages to customers across India, including prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as international roaming services.

The company also provided broadband services to both residential and business customers, offering high-speed internet connectivity and digital TV services.

In addition to its telecommunications services, SSTL had also invested in digital technologies and platforms, including a range of value-added services for customers such as mobile payments, digital content services, and IoT solutions.

Although SSTL is no longer operational in India, its legacy and impact on the Indian telecom market cannot be overlooked. The company played a significant role in promoting competition and innovation in the industry, and its discontinuation has led to a shift in the market landscape.

Tikona Digital Networks

Tikona Digital Networks is a telecommunications company in India that provides broadband and enterprise services. The company was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Mumbai, India.

Tikona Digital Networks provides broadband services to both residential and business customers, offering high-speed internet connectivity and digital TV services. The company’s broadband plans cater to different customer needs, including unlimited data plans, as well as fixed-line connectivity for businesses.

In addition to its broadband services, Tikona Digital Networks also provides enterprise solutions, including cloud services, data center services, and managed security services. The company’s enterprise solutions cater to a wide range of industries, including banking, healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

Tikona Digital Networks has also invested in digital technologies and platforms, including a range of value-added services for customers such as mobile payments, digital content services, and IoT solutions.

Overall, Tikona Digital Networks’ commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has helped it to become a significant player in the Indian telecom market, providing essential connectivity and digital services to millions of customers across India.

Hughes Communications India

Hughes Communications India is a subsidiary of Hughes Network Systems, a global telecommunications company that provides satellite, broadband, and managed network services. Hughes Communications India provides satellite-based broadband and enterprise solutions to customers across India.

The company’s broadband services provide high-speed internet connectivity to both residential and business customers, offering a range of plans and packages to suit different customer needs. The company also provides enterprise solutions, including managed network services, cloud services, and IoT solutions.

Hughes Communications India has a strong focus on providing connectivity to underserved areas in India, including rural areas and remote locations.

The company’s satellite-based services help to bridge the digital divide and provide essential connectivity to customers who may not have access to traditional fixed-line services.

Overall, Hughes Communications India’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has helped it to become a significant player in the Indian telecom market, providing essential connectivity and digital services to millions of customers across India.

HFCL

HFCL (Himachal Futuristic Communications Limited) is an Indian telecommunications company that was founded in 1987. The company offers a range of products and services in the areas of telecommunications, optical fiber cables, and power infrastructure.

HFCL’s telecommunications business includes the manufacturing of telecom equipment, such as wireless equipment, transmission equipment, and access equipment. They also provide turnkey telecom solutions to telecom operators and government agencies.

In the optical fiber cables segment, HFCL manufactures and supplies a variety of optical fiber cables, including aerial, duct, and direct buried cables. They also offer services such as installation, commissioning, and testing of these cables.

In the power infrastructure business, HFCL designs and manufactures a range of power equipment, including transformers, switchgears, and energy meters. They also offer power transmission and distribution solutions to utility companies.

Overall, HFCL is a diversified company with a presence in multiple segments of the telecommunications and power infrastructure markets in India.

Dishnet Wireless Limited

Dishnet Wireless Limited is a telecommunications company based in India that provides a range of services including wireless broadband, Wi-Fi hotspot services, and enterprise solutions for businesses.

The company is a subsidiary of Dish TV India Limited, which is one of the largest direct-to-home television operators in India.

Dishnet Wireless Limited’s wireless broadband services are offered under the brand name “DishNet” and operate on a 4G LTE network. They offer both pre-paid and post-paid plans with varying data limits and speeds. Additionally, the company offers Wi-Fi hotspot services in various public locations, such as airports and railway stations.

In terms of enterprise solutions, Dishnet Wireless Limited provides a range of services to businesses, including cloud-based solutions, managed services, and IT infrastructure management.

S Tel

S Tel was a telecommunications company that operated in India from 2009 to 2012. The company was a joint venture between Siva Group (based in India) and Bahrain Telecommunications Company (Batelco).

S Tel offered mobile phone services in several states in India, including Assam, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, North East, Orissa, and Jammu & Kashmir. The company primarily focused on providing affordable services to people in rural and semi-urban areas.

S Tel offered both prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as value-added services such as caller tunes, voice portals, and mobile TV. The company also launched several initiatives to increase digital literacy and awareness among its customers.

In 2012, S Tel shut down its operations due to regulatory and financial issues. The company’s assets were subsequently acquired by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), a state-owned telecommunications company in India.

Etisalat DB Telecom

Etisalat DB Telecom was a telecommunications company that operated in India from 2008 to 2012. The company was a joint venture between Etisalat, a telecommunications company based in the United Arab Emirates, and DB Group, a media and broadcasting company based in India.

Etisalat DB Telecom offered mobile phone services under the brand name “Cheers Mobile” in several states in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Haryana, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. The company primarily focused on providing affordable services to people in rural and semi-urban areas.

The company offered both prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as value-added services such as caller tunes, SMS packs, and internet packs. The company also launched several initiatives to increase digital literacy and awareness among its customers.

In 2012, Etisalat DB Telecom shut down its operations due to regulatory and financial issues. The company’s assets were subsequently acquired by Telenor India, which is now part of Airtel.

Loop Mobile

Loop Mobile was a telecommunications company that operated in India from 1995 to 2014. The company was originally launched under the name BPL Mobile and was rebranded as Loop Mobile in 2009.

Loop Mobile offered mobile phone services in Mumbai and other cities in Maharashtra and Goa. The company primarily focused on providing high-quality voice and data services to customers in urban areas.

Loop Mobile offered both prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as value-added services such as caller tunes, missed call alerts, and internet packs. The company was known for its strong customer service and innovative marketing campaigns.

In 2014, Loop Mobile shut down its operations and its assets were acquired by Bharti Airtel, one of the largest telecommunications companies in India. Following the acquisition, Loop Mobile’s customers were transferred to Airtel’s network, and the Loop Mobile brand was discontinued.

Videocon Telecommunications

Videocon Telecommunications was a telecommunications company that operated in India from 2009 to 2016.

The company was a subsidiary of Videocon Industries Limited, a diversified Indian conglomerate with interests in consumer electronics, appliances, oil and gas exploration, and real estate, among other industries.

Videocon Telecommunications offered mobile phone services in several states in India, including Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. The company primarily focused on providing affordable services to people in rural and semi-urban areas.

Videocon Telecommunications offered both prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as value-added services such as caller tunes, voice portals, and mobile TV. The company also launched several initiatives to increase digital literacy and awareness among its customers.

In 2016, Videocon Telecommunications shut down its operations due to financial difficulties.

The company’s assets were subsequently acquired by Idea Cellular (now Vodafone Idea Limited), one of the largest telecommunications companies in India. Following the acquisition, Videocon Telecommunications’ customers were transferred to Idea Cellular’s network.

Uninor

Uninor was a telecommunications company that operated in India from 2009 to 2015. The company was a joint venture between Telenor Group, a Norwegian telecommunications company, and Unitech Group, an Indian real estate company.

Uninor offered mobile phone services in several states in India, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. The company primarily focused on providing affordable services to people in rural and semi-urban areas.

Uninor offered both prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as value-added services such as caller tunes, missed call alerts, and internet packs. The company was known for its innovative marketing campaigns, which often featured popular Bollywood actors and musicians.

In 2015, Uninor was rebranded as Telenor India following Telenor Group’s decision to acquire the entire stake in the company. Telenor India continued to operate until 2018, when it was acquired by Bharti Airtel, one of the largest telecommunications companies in India.

Following the acquisition, Telenor India’s customers were transferred to Airtel’s network, and the Uninor brand was discontinued.

Idea Cellular

Idea Cellular was a telecommunications company that operated in India from 1995 to 2018. The company was originally launched under the name Birla Communications and was rebranded as Idea Cellular in 2002.

Idea Cellular offered mobile phone services in all 22 telecom circles in India. The company was known for its strong network coverage and innovative marketing campaigns, which often featured popular Bollywood actors and musicians.

Idea Cellular offered both prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as value-added services such as caller tunes, missed call alerts, and internet packs. The company also launched several initiatives to increase digital literacy and awareness among its customers.

In 2018, Idea Cellular was acquired by Vodafone India to create Vodafone Idea Limited, one of the largest telecommunications companies in India. Following the acquisition, Idea Cellular’s customers were transferred to Vodafone Idea’s network, and the Idea Cellular brand was discontinued.

MTS India

MTS India was a telecommunications company that operated in India from 2008 to 2017. The company was a subsidiary of Sistema, a Russian telecommunications company.

MTS India offered mobile phone services in several states in India, including Delhi, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Kolkata, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. The company primarily focused on providing high-quality voice and data services to customers in urban areas.

MTS India offered both prepaid and postpaid plans, as well as value-added services such as caller tunes, voice portals, and mobile TV. The company also launched several initiatives to increase digital literacy and awareness among its customers.

In 2017, MTS India shut down its operations and its assets were acquired by Reliance Communications (RCom), another Indian telecommunications company. Following the acquisition, MTS India’s customers were transferred to RCom’s network.

However, in 2019, RCom also shut down its operations, and MTS India’s customers were subsequently transferred to other networks.

India has a rapidly growing telecommunications industry, with several major companies such as Airtel, Reliance Jio, and Vodafone Idea Limited competing for market share.

These companies are investing heavily in expanding their networks and improving their services to meet the growing demand for mobile and internet services in India. Additionally, there are several smaller players and regional carriers that also play a significant role in the industry.