Oppo continues to innovate in the smartphone market, but some of its most exciting devices aren't readily available in all regions. Meanwhile, India's broadband sector is experiencing a mix of growth and stagnation, presenting both opportunities and challenges.
Oppo has been creating buzz with its Find X series, particularly the Find X8 Ultra. This flagship device boasts impressive features, including a top-of-the-line processor, a vibrant display with thin bezels, fast RAM and storage, and a large battery with super-fast charging. It also stands out with its advanced camera system, co-developed with Hasselblad, featuring a 50MP quad setup with AI-powered tools. The Find X8 Ultra has been lauded as one of the best Android phones, with exceptional cameras and overall performance.
Despite its innovative features and positive reviews, the Oppo Find X8 Ultra is primarily available in China, with no current plans for a global release. This limited availability is a recurring theme for some of Oppo's most exciting phones. While devices like the Find X5 Pro offer features not found on Samsung or Apple flagships, such as incredibly fast charging, they are often hampered by software that doesn't appeal to all markets. The lack of retail partnerships and dedicated storefronts in regions like the US further restricts accessibility. This means that consumers in many parts of the world miss out on experiencing Oppo's cutting-edge technology firsthand.
In India, the broadband sector presents a mixed picture. Recent data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) indicates a steady expansion of the broadband subscriber base, with a 2.17% annual growth rate, adding 2.05 crore new users by March 2025. This brings the total number of internet subscribers to 969.10 million, with 944.12 million being broadband users. The growth is attributed to increased mobile broadband access, affordable data plans, and greater internet penetration in rural and semi-urban areas. The Bharatnet Phase 3 scheme aims to further boost rural connectivity by providing subsidized broadband to 1.5 crore households.
Despite the growth in subscriber numbers, the sector faces challenges. Wireless subscriber numbers have slightly declined, even as data consumption and revenue have increased. This suggests that while more people are using broadband, the growth in new subscriptions is slowing. Additionally, while 4G coverage has expanded, speeds have remained stagnant. This is because telecom operators are focusing on expanding coverage rather than improving speed. The rise of DTH, social media, and OTT platforms is also contributing to stagnation in traditional cable TV subscriptions, with consumers increasingly preferring to spend only on data.
The Indian telecom market is witnessing increased data usage and revenue, driven by affordable data plans and growing internet penetration. The Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) for wireless services has increased, indicating higher user spending. However, to fully realize the potential of the broadband sector, focus needs to be given on improving the quality of services and increasing internet speeds. The government is also promoting local manufacturing and development through schemes like the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF). These initiatives aim to reduce risks for startups and encourage innovation in areas like 5G, 6G, and quantum technology.
