India’s 5G subscriber base is projected to grow rapidly, reaching 1.1 billion by 2031, while mobile data consumption is expected to nearly double from current levels, according to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report.
The report highlights the rapid progress of India’s digital and telecommunications sector, driven by expanding 5G networks, the availability of affordable smartphones, and improved coverage across the country. These factors are expected to accelerate 5G adoption and push mobile data usage to new levels in the coming years.
India’s mobile network landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, with 5G emerging as a key driver of change. According to the Ericsson Mobility Report, the expansion of 5G services in the country is progressing faster than expected. Improved network availability, affordable 5G smartphones, and expanding coverage in remote regions are encouraging a growing number of consumers to adopt the technology.
The report states that India has become one of the world’s fastest-growing 5G markets and is expected to maintain this growth trajectory in the years ahead.
According to the report, the number of 5G subscribers in India could reach approximately 430 million by the end of 2025, accounting for around 35 percent of total mobile subscriptions.
Continued network expansion, improved services, and increasing smartphone availability are expected to drive further growth. The report estimates that the number of 5G users in the country will surpass 1.1 billion by 2031. At that time, 5G is projected to account for approximately 81 percent of total mobile subscriptions.
Experts believe that continued investment in network infrastructure by telecom companies and efforts to expand connectivity in rural areas will support this growth. The report notes that 5G is expected to play a role not only in high-speed internet services but also in sectors such as education, healthcare, industry, and digital services.
India is already among the world’s largest consumers of mobile data. According to Ericsson, average monthly data consumption per smartphone currently stands at around 37GB. This figure is projected to increase to approximately 70GB per month over the next six years.
The report attributes this growth to rising demand for digital content and the availability of high-speed networks.
Increasing use of video streaming, online gaming, cloud computing, and social media platforms is contributing to higher data consumption. In addition, the expansion of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services is expected to further increase data usage by providing high-speed internet access in areas where traditional broadband services remain limited.
While 4G currently holds the largest share of mobile subscriptions in India, a substantial number of users are expected to migrate to 5G networks in the coming years.
According to the report, the number of 4G users is projected to be around 570 million in 2025, declining to approximately 160 million by 2031. The shift reflects growing consumer preference for faster and more advanced connectivity services.
The report also states that some telecom companies are beginning to introduce advanced 5G services such as network slicing. These services are expected to provide enterprise and premium customers with more customised and enhanced network experiences.
Globally, 5G adoption continues to expand, and the report identifies India as one of the key markets driving this transition.
