Gujarat has reached a telecom milestone that few states can claim. For the first time in nearly five years, the state has more mobile phone connections than people, with tele-density crossing the 100% mark. The latest TRAI data shows strong subscriber growth, led by Reliance Jio, as better connectivity and rising demand for multiple SIM cards drive the surge.
According to the latest subscriber report released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), telecom operators added 4.06 lakh new subscribers in May 2026. This pushed Gujarat’s total telecom subscriber base to 7.23 crore, taking the state’s tele-density above 100% for the first time since July 2021.
What Does Tele-Density Mean?
Tele-density measures the number of telephone connections for every 100 people.
A tele-density of more than 100 means the state has more phone connections than its estimated population. This happens because many people use multiple SIM cards for work, business, personal use or mobile data.
Gujarat Added Over Four Lakh Subscribers in May
TRAI data shows Gujarat’s total telecom subscriber base increased from 7,18,80,638 in April 2026 to 7,23,41,245 in May 2026, a net addition of 4,60,607 subscribers.
The latest growth helped Gujarat cross the important 100% tele-density mark after nearly five years.
Reliance Jio Led Subscriber Growth
Among telecom operators, Reliance Jio recorded the highest subscriber addition during May.
The company’s subscriber base increased from 3,31,31,377 in April to 3,33,97,802 in May, adding 2,66,425 new subscribers.
Vodafone Idea added 1,67,035 subscribers, taking its total customer base from 1,97,29,396 to 1,98,96,431.
Bharti Airtel gained 23,800 subscribers, increasing its subscriber base from 1,57,23,878 to 1,57,47,678.
BSNL added 3,347 subscribers, with its subscriber base rising from 32,95,987 to 32,99,334.
5G Fixed Wireless Services Also Saw Strong Growth
The report also showed strong growth in 5G Fixed Wireless Subscribers across Gujarat.
Bharti Airtel increased its subscriber base from 2,11,74,000 to 2,13,72,700, adding 1,98,700 subscribers.
Reliance Jio grew from 4,63,51,700 to 4,70,48,300, adding 6,96,600 subscribers.
Together, total 5G fixed wireless subscribers increased from 6,75,25,700 in April to 6,84,21,000 in May, registering a net addition of 8,95,300 subscribers.
Why Are Mobile Connections Increasing?
An industry source said the return of migrant workers has contributed to the rise in new mobile subscriptions.
At the same time, telecom companies have expanded their networks, especially in rural areas, making it easier for people to get mobile connections.
The source also said that mobile number portability requests have contributed to the increase, while competition among telecom operators continues to drive subscriber growth.
More Users Are Choosing Extra SIM Cards
Telecom industry executives said many users are now opting for an additional SIM card to access better network coverage or dedicated 5G services without changing their existing mobile number.
This trend has also helped increase the number of active mobile connections in the state.
Jio Continues to Lead Gujarat’s Telecom Market
Reliance Jio remained Gujarat’s largest telecom operator with around 3.33 crore subscribers.
It was followed by Vodafone Idea with 1.98 crore subscribers, Bharti Airtel with 1.57 crore subscribers, and BSNL with around 32 lakh subscribers.
The latest TRAI data highlights Gujarat’s growing telecom penetration, with mobile connectivity now exceeding the state’s estimated population for the first time since July 2021.
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