India Witnesses Dramatic Drop in Mobile Data Costs and Surge in Broadband Speeds

2024-12-18

India has made significant strides in its telecommunications sector over the past decade, experiencing a dramatic decline in mobile data costs and a substantial increase in broadband speeds. These advancements have positioned the country as a leader in various digital indicators, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) internet subscriptions, and mobile broadband internet traffic.

Key Developments:

Drastic Data Cost Reduction: The cost of mobile data has plummeted by a staggering 96.6%, falling from Rs 269 per GB in March 2014 to a mere Rs 9.08 per GB in the present.
Broadband Speed Surge: Median mobile broadband speeds have skyrocketed by nearly 72%, increasing from 1.30 Mbps in March 2014 to an impressive 95.67 Mbps as of October.
Increased Data Consumption: The average wireless data usage per subscriber has surged to 22.24 GB per month.
Rapid 5G Rollout: India boasts one of the fastest 5G service rollouts globally, with over 4,62,084 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) deployed across 779 districts.
Improved Global Standing: India climbed 11 places in the latest ‘Network Readiness Index 2024’, securing the 49th rank globally. This significant improvement reflects the country’s growing digital prowess.
Tele-Density Growth: Tele-density has increased from 75.2% to 84.69%, with wireless connections reaching a remarkable 119 crore.
5G Projections: 5G subscriptions in India are projected to reach approximately 970 million by 2030, accounting for a substantial 74% of mobile subscriptions.
High Data Usage: India currently enjoys the highest average monthly usage per smartphone at 32 GB, with projections indicating a further increase to 66 GB by 2030.

What Undercode Says:

These developments underscore

The rapid 5G rollout is a testament to India’s commitment to cutting-edge technology. 5G’s high speeds and low latency will revolutionize sectors such as healthcare, education, and transportation, fostering economic growth and improving quality of life.

Furthermore, India’s growing digital prowess is evident in its improving global rankings. The country’s advancements in AI, FTTH internet subscriptions, and mobile broadband internet traffic position it as a key player in the global digital landscape.

However, challenges remain. Ensuring equitable access to digital infrastructure across all regions, bridging the digital divide, and addressing cybersecurity concerns are crucial for sustaining India’s digital progress.