India’s data consumption soars amid rapid 5G expansion

India’s digital landscape is rapidly evolving with 5G technology at the forefront

March 22, 2025

Average monthly data usage per Indian reaches 27.5 GB, 5G traffic surges 3-fold

India is witnessing an unprecedented surge in data consumption, driven by widespread smartphone adoption and the rapid rollout of 5G services. The country’s average monthly data usage per user has now reached 27.5 GB, marking a significant milestone in digital growth.

Mobile internet usage continues to upward trend

The rise in smartphone penetration has directly contributed to increased demand for mobile data. A recent report reveals that India’s data usage has grown at a CAGR of 19.5% over the past five years. The expansion of 5G technology and fixed wireless services has further boosted consumption across both residential and commercial sectors.

5G data traffic triples across India

According to Nokia’s Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT) report, 5G data traffic has tripled nationwide. The report forecasts that 5G will overtake 4G in data consumption by Q1 2026. Notably, the sharpest rise in usage is seen in B and C category circles, where internet traffic has increased by 3.4 times and 3.2 times, respectively.

Metro cities lead in 5G adoption

The rollout of 5G in metro cities has been a key factor in the data boom. The MBiT report notes that 5G now contributes to 43% of mobile broadband usage in metro areas, up from 20% in 2023. This shift reflects a growing preference among users for faster and more reliable connectivity, while 4G usage is gradually declining.

5G-enabled devices see massive growth

India is also witnessing a surge in 5G smartphone adoption. The number of active 5G devices doubled in 2024, surpassing 271 million. Projections suggest that by the end of 2025, nearly 90% of smartphones in India will be 5G-compatible, further accelerating the country’s digital transformation.

Conclusion

India’s digital landscape is rapidly evolving with 5G technology at the forefront. As the country continues to lead in mobile data usage globally, the combination of affordable smartphones, expanding network infrastructure, and growing user demand is set to reshape how Indians access and consume the internet.

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