India’s 5G subscriber base is projected to grow 2.65 times, reaching 770 million by 2028, compared to 290 million in 2024, according to Nokia’s latest Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT) report released on 21st March 2025. The report highlights the rapid expansion of 5G networks in India, alongside a surge in data consumption per user and a growing 5G device ecosystem that is expected to redefine India’s digital economy.

Surge in 5G Data Consumption

As per the report, average 5G data consumption has now reached 40 Gigabytes (GB) per user per month, significantly higher than that of 4G users. This dramatic growth is being driven by the adoption of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services, which allow households and businesses to access high-speed internet via 5G technology. Notably, FWA users consume over 12 times more data than the average mobile user, indicating a strong demand for high-bandwidth services in both residential and enterprise segments.

Evolution of India’s 5G Device Ecosystem

India’s 5G device ecosystem is evolving at a rapid pace, with active 5G devices doubling year-on-year to reach 271 million in 2024. This trend is expected to accelerate further, with nearly 90% of smartphones replaced in 2025 predicted to be 5G-capable. As the ecosystem of 5G devices grows, Indian consumers are set to benefit from improved connectivity, faster data speeds, and more advanced digital services.

Threefold Surge in 5G Traffic in 2024

The data traffic generated by 5G services in India witnessed a threefold increase in 2024, reflecting the rising penetration of 5G services and the growing appetite for high-speed, low-latency internet. As network coverage expands and smartphone penetration increases, India is positioned to become one of the largest 5G markets globally, contributing significantly to the growth of the digital economy.

Contribution of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) to 5G Adoption

The adoption of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services is a key driver behind India’s surging data consumption. FWA provides high-bandwidth connectivity to homes and businesses using 5G technology, making it a viable alternative to traditional broadband connections. The increased adoption of FWA has led to a significant uptick in data usage, with households and enterprises relying on 5G-enabled broadband to meet their connectivity needs.

5G Growth Across Urban and Rural India

India’s 5G penetration is expected to deepen, not just in urban areas, but also in semi-urban and rural regions. Telecom operators are aggressively expanding their 5G footprint to cater to the growing demand for high-speed internet access across the country. The increase in 5G coverage is expected to empower millions of users, providing them with enhanced connectivity and digital services.

CAGR of Data Consumption Across 4G and 5G Networks

The Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of data consumption across 4G and 5G networks stood at 19.5% over the past five years, with average data usage per user reaching 27.5 GB per month in 2024. This growth reflects a shift in consumer behavior, where users are increasingly consuming high-definition content, gaming, and engaging with emerging technologies that require faster and more reliable internet connections.

Smartphone Penetration and 5G Enablement

Nokia’s report also predicts that nearly 90% of smartphones replaced in 2025 will be 5G-capable, highlighting a strong consumer shift towards 5G-enabled devices. The growing affordability of 5G smartphones and the increasing availability of 5G services are expected to further boost 5G adoption in India, driving the overall growth of the telecom sector.

India’s Position as a Leading 5G Market

With India poised to become one of the largest 5G markets globally, the increasing adoption of 5G services will contribute significantly to the digital economy. The deployment of 5G networks is expected to revolutionize industries such as healthcare, education, manufacturing, and agriculture, providing high-speed connectivity and enabling smart applications that can transform daily life.

Implications for India’s Digital Future

The growth of 5G adoption in India will have far-reaching implications for the country’s digital landscape. Enhanced connectivity, faster data speeds, and improved network reliability will pave the way for the widespread adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, smart city applications, and AI-driven services. As India strengthens its position as a digital powerhouse, the expanding 5G ecosystem will play a critical role in shaping the future of connectivity.

Challenges and Opportunities

While India’s 5G adoption journey looks promising, challenges such as spectrum allocation, infrastructure readiness, and regulatory frameworks must be addressed to ensure seamless connectivity and sustainable growth. However, with increased investments in telecom infrastructure and continued policy support, India is well-positioned to leverage 5G technology to drive innovation and economic progress.

Conclusion

India’s 5G subscriber base is on a trajectory to grow from 290 million in 2024 to 770 million by 2028, driven by the rapid adoption of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and the evolution of the 5G device ecosystem. With average 5G data consumption rising to 40 GB per user per month, India is set to become one of the largest 5G markets globally, contributing significantly to the digital economy and enhancing connectivity for millions. As network expansion and smartphone penetration continue to accelerate, India’s journey toward next-generation connectivity promises transformative impacts across sectors and communities

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