Summary:
India's 5G sector is on track for remarkable expansion, with its subscriber base forecasted to jump from 290 million in 2024 to an astounding 770 million by 2028, as per Nokia's Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT) report. This anticipated 2.65-fold rise highlights the country's accelerating embrace of 5G technology. A key contributor to this surge is the sharp increase in data consumption. Currently, the average 5G user consumes around 40 GB of data monthly, largely due to the growing adoption of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services. FWA users, particularly in residential and commercial areas, consume over 12 times more data than typical mobile users, contributing significantly to the threefold spike in 5G data traffic witnessed in 2024. This underscores the increasing reliance on high-speed, reliable connectivity.
The study also sheds light on the rapid growth of India's 5G device ecosystem. In 2024 alone, the number of active 5G devices doubled year-on-year, reaching 271 million. This momentum is expected to accelerate further, with nearly 90% of smartphones replaced in 2025 predicted to be 5G-enabled. Combined with extensive network expansion, this widespread adoption will further solidify India's position as a major player in the global 5G market. Moreover, data consumption across both 4G and 5G networks has consistently risen. The report notes a 19.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last five years, with average usage reaching 27.5 GB per user in 2024. This upward trajectory signals the nation's increasing demand for high-speed connectivity.
Source: IBEF
Disclaimer:
The information on this website comes from the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), a reliable source for thorough insights into numerous areas of the Indian economy. While we aim to offer accurate and up-to-date information, the views, opinions and analyses stated herein are solely those of the authors and contributors and do not necessarily represent IBEF's official stance or position. Readers should check information from credible sources and use their own discretion when relying on content provided on this site. We assume no responsibility or liability for the supplied content, including its accuracy, completeness and usefulness.