New Delhi, May 13 -- The average revenue per user (ARPU) for Indian telecom operators is expected to rise 10-12 per cent in the current financial year 2025-26 as rural data consumption surges, according to Crisil Ratings.

Increasing internet adoption and data consumption by rural subscribers are emerging as structural drivers of growth in Indian telecom companies' average revenue per user (ARPU).

To capitalise on the trend, Crisil noted that telecom operators are strengthening rural connectivity, which should help expand their data subscriber base and returns.

Since December 2019, telecom tariffs have reportedly climbed at a 12-15 per cent CAGR through successive raises in 2019, 2021, and 2024. The latest telecom tariff hike was taken ...