Context:
India ranks 26th globally in average internet connection speed, with a median download speed of 136.53 Mbps (April–June 2025), per Ookla data. The country jumped 93 positions from Rank 119 in September 2022, driven largely by its rapid 5G rollout since October 2022. India is also the world’s largest consumer of mobile data, with per capita consumption reaching 32 GB/month, surpassing China (29 GB) and the US (22 GB), according to the Ericsson Mobility Report.
Comparative Rankings
- China: 8th with 207.98 Mbps median speed
- USA: 13th with 176.75 Mbps
- India: 26th with 136.53 Mbps
5G Rollout Impact
- 57% of telecom towers in India now support 5G, according to EY.
- India’s 5G user base reached 326 million as of March 2025, accounting for 28% of total wireless subscribers.
- Monthly 5G data usage per user hit 40 GB — 1.5× more than the average mobile user.
Investment & Infrastructure
- ₹1.4 lakh crore invested by Indian telecom operators in 5G between FY23–FY25.
- Growth driven by:
- Low data costs
- Affordable smartphone penetration
- Heavy capex on network expansion
