Why are 5G base stations reducing in India?

Recent data highlights a significant reduction in quarterly 5G base station additions by Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. The decreased rollout of 5G sites is leading to slower revenue growth for tower companies like Indus, as India's top telcos have nearly completed their 5G rollouts and 4G network expansions.

Will 5G base station additions decelerate tenancy growth in Indus?

Analysts said the sharp decline in quarterly 5G base station additions implied decelerating revenue upticks for towercos like Indus, especially since the latter has depended much on its parent, Bharti Airtel, for tenancy growth.

Why are 5G base stations falling?

Net 5G base station (BTS) or 'site' additions have plunged in recent quarters, underlining the steep decline in network-building capital expenditures of both Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel-India's two-biggest telcos.

Will Indus benefit from Vodafone Idea's 4G expansion & 5G rollouts?

They added that while Indus may partly benefit from Vodafone Idea 's ongoing 4G network expansion and initial 5G rollouts, this won't be enough to fill the gap, especially since Airtel has almost concluded its 4G network expansion in rural markets too. "In 9MFY25, industry BTS rollout has slowed sharply and may moderate further in FY26.

Why are India's top telcos in Capex moderation?

This is since India's top two telcos have completed their 5G rollouts. The brokerage added that capex moderation by the top telcos is also since monetisation of the next-gen wireless broadband service hasn't taken off yet, reflected in modest 5G subs penetration of 30-35% amid lack of killer 5G use-cases and 5G smartphone affordability constraints.

Is India a global leader in Telecom?

India’s role as a global leader in telecom was reinforced throughout the event. The country’s ongoing commitment to expanding its digital infrastructure, including rural broadband connectivity and the push toward 5G rollout was widely recognized.