India’s home internet sector is undergoing a major transformation as the country shifts its focus from mobile-first connectivity to high-capacity fixed communication services. According to a comprehensive report by GlobalData, the market for wired and wireless home internet services in India is poised to grow from ₹1,09,632 crore (US$ 12.8 billion) in 2024 to ₹1,41,323 crore (US$ 16.5 billion) in 2029, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% over the five-year period.

This steady growth trajectory is being powered by accelerated adoption of fibre broadband and fixed wireless access (FWA), supported by infrastructure upgrades and consumer demand for faster, content-rich internet services.

The Rise of Fibre Broadband in India

Fibre broadband is rapidly becoming the backbone of India’s fixed internet network. Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) installations have surged in recent years, and by 2029, fibre optic connections are expected to account for 94% of the country’s total broadband lines. This explosion in fibre penetration is the result of massive investments from both government and private players, aimed at expanding broadband access across urban and rural India.

One of the most significant contributors to this revolution is Reliance Jio Infocomm, which has entrenched itself as the dominant player in the fixed broadband space. With a robust fibre infrastructure and an aggressive pricing strategy, Jio continues to capture significant market share. Its focus on bundled offerings that include unlimited data, 5G fixed wireless, and access to subscription video-on-demand (SVoD) platforms has created compelling value for Indian households.

Fixed Wireless Access: India’s Next Big Internet Leap

A notable game-changer in India’s internet market is Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), a technology that allows broadband delivery over 5G networks without the need for cables. India recorded 7.5 million FWA subscribers as of April 2025, with Jio holding over 80% of the total subscriber base.

The significance of this figure becomes clearer when we consider that monthly FWA additions have outpaced those of conventional fibre broadband, accounting for 60% to 80% of total new broadband connections. FWA is seen as an ideal solution for last-mile connectivity, particularly in underserved and remote areas, where laying fibre remains a logistical and financial challenge.

Bharti Airtel, the second-largest player in this space, is also rolling out 5G-based FWA services alongside its fibre offerings, further fuelling competition and growth.

Decline of Fixed Voice, Rise of Broadband

While broadband is on an upward swing, fixed voice communication is witnessing a consistent decline, projected to fall at a CAGR of -1.7% from 2024 to 2029. This trend is largely driven by mobile-first communication habits, the popularity of app-based calling, and reduced average revenue per user (ARPU) in the voice segment.

The decline in fixed voice is being offset by the strong 5.7% CAGR growth in fixed broadband services, making broadband the new focal point of India’s fixed communication landscape.

Key Drivers of Growth

Several factors are contributing to the sustained growth of the internet market in India:

• Government-backed FTTH projects under BharatNet and Digital India schemes

• Private sector investments by giants like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel

• Bundled offerings with OTT platforms, driving entertainment-led demand

• Work-from-home and hybrid work models, increasing broadband usage

• Smart homes and IoT devices, requiring high-speed, reliable internet

These trends are creating a new digital ecosystem, where home internet is no longer just a utility but a critical enabler of work, education, entertainment, and commerce.

India’s Transition to a Content-Rich Broadband Economy

The evolution of the home internet market is reshaping consumer expectations. Indian households are demanding unlimited high-speed internet, not just for streaming content but also for gaming, remote learning, smart surveillance, and digital healthcare.

Analysts predict that India will soon transition from a data-poor to a data-rich economy, where average household data consumption may rival global standards. Jio’s and Airtel’s strategies of offering value-added services—such as access to Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime, and JioCinema—are accelerating broadband adoption among price-sensitive users.

Market Outlook: By 2029

Here’s how India’s home internet landscape is expected to shape up by 2029:

• Total market value: ₹1,41,323 crore (US$ 16.5 billion)

• Fibre broadband share: 94% of all broadband lines

• FWA subscriber base: Estimated to exceed 20 million

• Voice services: Continue to decline in revenue and user base

• Dominant player: Reliance Jio with FTTH and 5G FWA leadership

• Top challengers: Bharti Airtel and regional ISPs expanding reach

This projection underlines India’s position as one of the fastest-evolving broadband markets globally, thanks to a combination of policy reforms, technological advancements, and consumer digital literacy.

Policy & Regulatory Support

The Indian government continues to play a vital role in the expansion of the internet economy. Through initiatives like BharatNet, Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, and Right of Way (RoW) simplifications, the government has enabled smoother fibre deployments and encouraged innovation in telecom infrastructure.

In the near future, regulatory clarity on spectrum allocation for FWA, incentives for rural broadband, and affordable pricing mechanisms will further determine the trajectory of India’s internet growth story.

Conclusion: A Digitally Empowered Future

India’s wired and wireless home internet market is not just growing—it is transforming. From voice-centric legacy networks to high-speed, fibre-based, and wireless broadband ecosystems, the shift is profound and permanent.

As fibre and FWA redefine home internet standards, the market is on track to reach ₹1.41 lakh crore by 2029, signalling robust opportunities for investors, telecom operators, digital platforms, and consumers alike.

With Jio leading the way, and Airtel and others following with competitive offerings, Indian homes are entering a new era of always-on, high-speed connectivity, where every click fuels a more informed, empowered, and connected society.

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