According to a report by Bernstein, Indian telecom operators are expected to experience stronger average revenue per user (ARPU) due to higher tariffs and premiumisation of existing data users. Indian telecom tariffs are low in absolute terms as compared with other global comparable markets, which should support potential tariff hikes going forward.
As per the report, the industry is expected to continue its tariff repair cycle, with ARPU growth of 14 per cent and four per cent subscriber additions predicted in 2025-26, and capex intensity is expected to moderate this year.
The report highlighted that for mobile business, Bharti Airtel should decide to move from non-standalone (NSA) to standalone (SA) in the next three to four years depending on the load in the spectrum band. It is expected that Airtel would work on a hybrid model in the next few years, that is, NSA for consumer business and SA for fixed wireless access (FWA) and enterprise segment.
