India has become the world’s second-largest 5G market, now serving over 400 million subscribers, trailing only China, Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia confirmed. Since the nationwide launch of 5G networks in 2022, coverage has expanded to nearly 99.6% of districts, reaching approximately 85% of the population. This achievement has been supported by the installation of around 469,000 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTS), making India one of the fastest-growing 5G markets globally.
Minister Scindia highlighted that roughly 250 million people have already adopted 5G services, reflecting a rapid transformation of India’s mobile ecosystem. The widespread adoption is not limited to urban centers; rural telephony has grown robustly by 42.9% over the past decade, nearly double the growth observed in urban areas. Furthermore, total internet connections in India have now exceeded one billion, a significant leap from just 251 million, underlining the country’s accelerating digital adoption.
Aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, India has strengthened its domestic telecom capabilities. The country has become the fifth globally to develop its own 4G technology, which is upgradeable to 5G, emphasizing self-reliance in critical digital infrastructure. Minister Scindia also pointed to the progress of indigenous research and innovation under the ambitious ‘Bharat 6G Mission,’ aimed at positioning India at the forefront of next-generation mobile technology.
Experts note that India’s rapid 5G adoption and expansive network growth are setting new global benchmarks in terms of scale, speed, and technological impact. With the combined focus on rural connectivity, domestic innovation, and high-speed digital infrastructure, India is on track to further strengthen its digital ecosystem while promoting local manufacturing and research.
The milestone positions India as a leading player in global telecom markets and reinforces its commitment to technological self-sufficiency, bridging digital divides, and advancing the country’s digital economy.
