Kerala has become a special market for Vodafone Idea (Vi), with more mobile users than Jio and Airtel. According to reported TRAI data from July 2026, Vi subscribers in Kerala reached 1.28 crore. Meanwhile, Reliance Jio had 1.12 crore users, while Bharti Airtel recorded 98 lakh subscribers. These figures show that Vi continues to hold a strong position in Kerala despite tough competition across India.
Vi has around 16 lakh more subscribers than Jio in Kerala. It also leads Airtel by nearly 30 lakh users. However, the situation is different across the country. Reliance Jio remains India’s largest mobile network, with more than 50 crore subscribers. Airtel also has a large customer base across several states. Meanwhile, Vi continues to face challenges in attracting new users nationwide.
One major reason behind Vi’s popularity in Kerala is its long history in the state. The network has roots in Escotel, which was once a popular mobile service provider in Kerala. Over time, the company became part of the Vodafone network. Many customers continued using the service because they were familiar with its network and services.
Another reason could be Vi’s network coverage in several parts of Kerala. Some customers praise its indoor signals and calling quality. Users also appreciate its 4G recharge plans and unlimited data offers. However, network quality depends on the location. Therefore, Vi may perform better in some areas, while Jio or Airtel may offer stronger signals elsewhere.
Meanwhile, telecom companies are working to improve their services across India. Jio and Airtel have already expanded their 5G networks to several cities and towns. Vi is also increasing its 5G coverage and reportedly expanding services to more than 400 cities. This move could help the company attract more customers and compete with other major operators.
The reported number of Vi subscribers in Kerala also shows the importance of customer loyalty. Many people prefer to continue using a network they have trusted for years. Good coverage, affordable plans and familiar services can influence their decisions. As a result, Vi has reportedly maintained its lead in Kerala while Jio dominates the national market.
Kerala’s telecom market remains an interesting example of how customer choices differ across India. Although Jio and Airtel have strong national networks, Vi continues to enjoy a loyal customer base in the state. With 5G services expanding, competition among these companies could become even stronger in the coming years.
Note: The July 2026 subscriber figures and the claim about Vi’s 5G coverage are based on the supplied report and have not been independently verified against official TRAI records.
