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India Set for 1 Billion 5G Users as Data Usage Skyrockets (Image Source: Internet)
New Delhi: Mobile internet usage in India is witnessing rapid growth. According to a new report, in 2025, the average user is consuming 31GB of data per month. Over the past five years, this usage has grown at an annual rate of 18%. This signifies that people have become more dependent on the internet than ever before.
It wasn’t long ago when users used to think twice before consuming even 10 MB, as they would get only 1 GB per month at the price they now pay for 1 GB in a day.
There are several major factors behind this surging data consumption. Nowadays, people are making extensive use of AI-based apps, 4K video streaming, and cloud gaming. All these services are data-intensive, thereby driving up overall internet usage.
The 5G network is expanding rapidly across India. In 2025, 5G data traffic witnessed a 70% surge, reaching a volume of 12.9 Exabytes (EB). Currently, approximately 47% of the total mobile data traffic is being driven by 5G. This clearly indicates that 5G technology is gaining popularity among the masses at an accelerated pace.
In 2025, India's total mobile data traffic exceeded 27 exabytes per month. The primary drivers behind this surge are affordable 5G smartphones and improved network coverage. Consequently, a larger number of people are now able to leverage the benefits of high-speed internet.
According to the report, 5G usage is highest in major cities—specifically, the metropolitan areas. Here, 5G accounts for 58% of the total data traffic. However, 5G is now rapidly expanding into smaller cities and rural areas as well.
If we look closely at the data, then we will find out that in 2025, there were over 890 million active 4G devices in India. Of these, approximately 380 million devices are 5G-enabled. Furthermore, over 90% of the smartphones sold throughout the year were 5G-enabled, signaling further expansion of 5G in the future.
According to reports, the number of 5G users in India could exceed one billion by 2031. India already ranks second globally in terms of 5G usage. This growth is expected to accelerate even further in the times to come.
Overall, internet and 5G usage in India has reached new heights. With the integration of AI and emerging technologies, the country's digital future appears poised to become even more robust.
