Written By: Resham Daswani

The Indian telecom market presents an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs. Smartphone use, internet service expansion, and the country's continuous digital transformation are the primary factors fueling the ever-increasing demand for telecommunications services. By investing in a telecom franchise, you may take advantage of an already established business's name recognition, infrastructure, and support network while entering this rapidly growing industry.

Get your telecom franchise in India off the ground with this comprehensive guide.

Understanding India’s Telecom Franchise Business Model

Thanks to its swift expansion and remarkable technological advancements, India's telecom industry is quickly becoming one of the country's fastest-growing sectors.

In this article, we will take a look at the current situation of the Indian telecom industry and the main factors that are driving its growth.

An Analysis of the Current Telecom Market in India

1. Size and Growth of the Market:

• As of the year 2023, India's telecom subscriber count will have surpassed 1.15 billion, making it one of the biggest in the world.
• The telecom business in India continued its steady expansion in 2023, generating revenues of almost $38 billion.
• The industry has witnessed massive uptake of 4G services, and now the implementation of 5G technology is well underway, with the promise of even faster speeds and more reliable connectivity.

2. Key market companies

• Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and the state-owned BSNL are some of the major telecom operators in the market.
• The three main telecom operators in India are Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea, in that order, based on the number of subscribers each.

3. Initiatives of the Government.

• Improved internet access and digital infrastructure are two goals of the Indian government's Digital India programme, which is designed to encourage expansion in the country's telecommunications industry.
• To guarantee that telecom companies have access to sufficient frequencies, periodic auctions of the available spectrum have been held.

Now let us look at the key factors that are driving the growth of the telecom business in India.

1. Launch of 5G

• Progress in Technology: The continued deployment of 5G technology holds great potential for transforming connections. It will offer faster speeds and lower latency, opening up new possibilities in areas such as the Internet of Things (IoT), smart cities, and vehicular autonomy.
• Future development is anticipated to be driven by telecom operators' substantial expenditures in 5G infrastructure.

2. The Growing Need for Digital Services by Consumers

• The necessity for consistent internet access has grown in tandem with the popularity of online payment systems and online shopping.
• Over-the-top (OTT) platforms: More people are streaming videos and music through these channels, which means more people are using data.

3. Policies and Assistance from the Government

• Government programmes like BharatNet are working to improve the country's digital infrastructure with the goal of bringing high-speed internet to remote regions.
• Spectrum pricing and positive regulatory improvements have enticed investors to the industry.

4. Increase in the Use of Smartphones

• The emergence of reasonably priced smartphones has caused a dramatic uptick in the use of mobile phones in both urban and rural regions.
• Mobile internet services have seen a dramatic increase in demand due to the proliferation of smartphones.

Therefore, smartphone adoption, data consumption, the introduction of 5G technology, encouraging government regulations, and the development of rural connections are all factors that point to further expansion in India's telecom business.

There are a lot of chances for consumers, investors, and entrepreneurs in the telecom industry in India because of these market factors, which are boosting the sector's growth.

How to start a Telecom Franchise in India?

If you are ready to start a Telecom franchise anywhere across the country, here is a great opportunity. But before you get there, you need to follow certain processes which have been briefly defined in the listing below.

1. Find the Best Telecom Brand by Conducting Research

• Market Research: Familiarise yourself with the local telecom market, client demands, and competitors.
• Brand Assessment: Research possible telecommunications franchisors such as Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, and BSNL to learn about their track records, product offerings, and customer service infrastructure.
• Examine the various telecom franchise models, as well as the terms and conditions, that each brand offers.

2. Research the Necessities of a Franchise

• Set the initial franchise fee and ongoing royalties..
• Investing: Figure out how much money you'll need to put in, factoring in things like infrastructure, stock, and working capital.
• Consider the franchisor's training, marketing, and operational support services.

3. Get the Business Plan Ready

• Provide an overview of your company's purpose, long-term objectives, and executive summary.
• Market Research: Outline Who You're Shooting At, What You're Up Against, and How You're Going to Promote It.
• Include anticipated costs, income, and a break-even analysis in your financial plan.
• Outline the management structure, personnel, and day-to-day activities in the operational plan.

4. Ensure Funding.

• Your personal savings can fund your business..
• Get a loan from a bank or other lending organisation if you need capital for your business.
• Look into government programmes that offer grants and loans to new and small companies.

5. Finish Legal and Regulatory Forms

• Register with the Registrar of Companies.
• Telecom Licences: Get DoT telecom licences and clearances.
• GST Registration: Apply for GST to ensure compliance with tax laws.
• Local Approvals: Get local retail store approvals.

6. Signing the franchise agreement.

• Reviewing the Contract: Take time to read the franchise agreement's terms and duties.
• Advice: Ask a lawyer about the agreement's ramifications.
• Sign and Pay: Sign and pay the franchise agreement.

7. Establish a location for the franchise outlet

• Location: Pick a busy, accessible spot.
• Interior design: Make the store represent the brand and be customer-friendly.
• Set up telecom technologies such as POS systems, PCs, and internet connections.

8. Hire and train staff

• Hiring: Hire customer-focused professionals.
• Enrol your team in the franchisor's training programmes to learn product, customer service, and technical abilities.

9. Promotion and Launch

• Promote your franchise with posters, banners, and local ads.
• Digital Marketing: Expand your audience with social media, email, and SEO.

10. Make Sure Your Business Is Growing

• Keep tabs on sales, client comments, and operational efficiency as you track your performance.
• Continuous Improvement: Discover and implement ways to increase performance.
• Expand Services: To boost revenue, consider adding telecom services and products.

Therefore, by adhering to these guidelines, you will be able to launch and manage a telecom franchise in India, capitalising on the increasing demand for telecom services and establishing a lucrative enterprise.

Cost To Start A Telecom Franchise in India

There is a wide range of prices, and they vary from brand to brand..  Depending on the unique needs and conditions of each franchise, these figures can differ significantly. In order to acquire a precise estimate of the expenses associated with beginning a telecom franchise in India, it is crucial to perform comprehensive research and draft a comprehensive business plan.

For further information on possible average costs, it's a good idea to talk to the franchisor and other franchisees who are already in the business.

The Best Indian Telecom Franchises to Explore

Some top telecom franchise opportunities to look out for are:

1. Reliance Jio Franchise:

• Background: With its vast 4G network coverage and low data bundles, Reliance Jio has completely transformed the Indian telecom sector. Aggressive expansion and cutting-edge services have made the brand famous.
• Franchise Business Opportunities: Jio Centres, Jio Points, and Jio Stores can be franchised through Reliance Jio. These franchises provide a range of services, including selling SIM cards, recharging devices, and Jio accessories.
• Assistance: An extensive training programme, assistance with marketing, and assistance in establishing the retail outlet are all provided by the company.

2. Vi Franchise:

• Background of the company: ( Having merged with Vodafone India, Idea Cellular is now known as Vodafone Idea, and it is a strong contender in India's telecom market..
• Franchise Business Options: Opportunity to Own a Vi Store or Mini Store is a franchising opportunity offered by Vi. Mobile accessories, recharge vouchers, and SIM cards are just a few of the telecommunications items and services offered by these franchisees.
• Ongoing support: Vi offers help in the form of training, assistance with marketing, and assistance with the establishment and operation of stores.

3. BSNL Franchise:

• History: Broadband, fixed-line, and mobile services are all offered by BSNL, a state-owned telecoms business.
• Franchise opportunity: Customer Service Centres (CSCs) and BSNL Retailer Points are two examples of BSNL's franchise options. Sales of SIM cards, payment of bills, and broadband connections are all telephony services offered by these franchisees.
• What assistance to look out for: Franchisees can rely on BSNL for training, marketing resources, and technical assistance.

4. Bharti Airtel Franchise:

• About the brand: A leading Indian telecom operator, Bharti Airtel offers mobile, internet, and direct-to-home (DTH) services among its many offerings.
• Business opportunities: Airtel Stores sell internet services, recharge vouchers, SIM cards, and offers franchising opportunities. Its direct-to-home (DTH) and prepaid service offerings are also available through distributorships.
• What support you will receive: A dedicated relationship manager, marketing resources, and comprehensive training programmes are all available to franchisees through Airtel.

5. TTBS Franchise [ Tata Tele Business Services ]:

• Company’s history: As an overview, Tata Tele Business Services is primarily concerned with the provision of telecommunications solutions for commercial enterprises, which include voice, data, and cloud services.
• Franchise Opportunity: The brand gives business solutions and corporate connectivity franchises. These franchisees serve SMEs and major organisations.

To sum up,

These top Indian telecom brands provide lucrative franchise options, allowing entrepreneurs to capitalise on rising cellular demand. Entrepreneurs can benefit from great brand awareness, thorough support, and a wide choice of goods and services that appeal to a wide client base by working with these renowned brands.

Register with us at FranchiseBAZAR to start a telecom franchise today!

Disclaimer: The brands mentioned in this blog are the recommendations provided by the author. FranchiseBAZAR does not claim to work with these brands / represent them / or are associated with them in any manner. Investors and prospective franchisees are to do their own due diligence before investing in any franchise business at their own risk and discretion. FranchiseBAZAR or its Directors disclaim any liability or risks arising out of any transactions that may take place due to the information provided in this blog.