India’s Mobile Data Consumption Surges; Driven By 5G Growth

India’s average monthly data consumption per user has surged to 27.5 gigabytes in 2024, reflecting a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.5% over the past five years, according to a report released on Thursday.

This rapid increase in data usage highlights the growing demand for mobile connectivity across the country.

The Role Of 5G In Data Growth

The rise of 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) is driving this data boom, significantly outpacing traditional mobile data consumption.

FWA users consume more than 12 times the data of average mobile users, particularly in residential and business sectors.

This growth expect to persist with the expansion of 5G infrastructure and increased accessibility for consumers.

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Nokia’s annual Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT) reports that 5G data traffic across India has tripled, and analysts project that 5G will surpass 4G traffic by the first quarter of 2026.

The rise in 5G adoption is accelerating, particularly in Category B and C circles, where 5G data usage has grown by 3.4 and 3.2 times, respectively.

Expansion In Metro Areas

In metropolitan areas, the impact of 5G has been particularly notable, with 5G now accounting for 43% of mobile broadband data, up from just 20% in 2023.

This shift reflects a clear decline in 4G usage as more users embrace the faster, more reliable 5G network.

The 5G device ecosystem is also evolving rapidly. Active 5G devices have doubled year-on-year, reaching 271 million in 2024.

With nearly 90% of smartphones set to be replaced in 2025, most users will adopt 5G-capable devices, further fueling the growth of 5G data traffic across the country.

The Future Of 5G And Beyond

Looking ahead, the report also highlights the impending transition to 5G Advanced, which promises to enhance business opportunities, create new revenue streams, and lay the groundwork for future technologies such as 6G.

This evolution will shape the future of India’s digital landscape, providing even more opportunities for connectivity and innovation.

Tarun Chhabra, Senior Vice President and Country Head of Nokia India, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting operators in meeting the growing demand for connectivity.

As 5G continues to expand, India’s mobile broadband landscape is poise for continue growth and transformation.