India’s leading telecom companies, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, are rapidly expanding their 5G user base. Recent data reveals a clear leader in the race to attract 5G customers, while Vodafone Idea (Vi) remains behind for now.

Jio vs Airtel: Reliance Jio has maintained its position as the frontrunner in adding 5G mobile users, also known as enhanced mobile broadband subscribers. Jio’s 5G network covers the most locations across India, and its strategy of offering affordable plans and quickly rolling out new networks has encouraged faster adoption of 5G services.

Meanwhile, Airtel’s progress is notable but still trails behind Jio. According to a report by Telecom Talk, Airtel added 102 million 5G users over the last two years, whereas Jio added 144 million during the same period. These figures are supported by CLSA reports and have been confirmed in the quarterly results of both companies.

Why Vodafone Idea is Excluded: Vodafone Idea started its 5G services only in 2025 and has not yet disclosed separate numbers for its 5G users. The company’s December 2025 quarterly results, expected in January 2026, may provide clarity. Until then, Jio and Airtel lead the 5G market in India.

Changes in 5G Plans: Both Jio and Airtel have recently revised their plans by introducing a daily 2GB minimum data requirement to access unlimited 5G data. Earlier, users could avail 5G benefits even with lower data plans. This change is increasing revenue for telecom companies. In contrast, Vodafone Idea offers 5G mostly on its Rs 299 plan in many circles, presenting a more affordable option for users.

Jio’s 2026 Outlook: By the end of 2026, Jio’s 5G user base could approach 300 million. This growth is driven by rising 5G smartphone purchases and Jio’s expanding network coverage across India. As demand for faster internet grows, Jio continues to be the preferred choice for many users, maintaining its lead in the 5G race.

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Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Readhis insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.