India’s 5G data consumption has surged, reaching 40 GB per user per month, with total 5G subscribers projected to grow 2.65 times to 770 milion by 2028, according to Nokia’s Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT) report.
5G data traffic tripled year-on-year in 2024, driven by the rapid adoption of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and a growing ecosystem of 5G-capable devices, which doubled to 271 million.
Nokia’s latest Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT) report highlights a significant surge in 5G data consumption in India, with average usage reaching 40 GB per user per month. The country’s total 5G subscriber base is projected to grow 2.65 times, reaching approximately 770 million by 2028, up from 290 million in 2024.
The report indicates that overall data consumption across 4G and 5G has grown at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.5% over the past five years, reaching 27.5 GB in 2024. It also reveals a three-fold year-on-year increase in 5G data traffic across India in 2024.
“Average 5G data consumption in India per user was recorded at 40 GB in December 2024. We expect the 5G user base to grow to around 770 million by 2028 from 290 million in 2024,” said Sandeep Saxena, Head of Technology and Solutions (Mobile Networks), Nokia India, during the report launch.
The rising adoption of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) has been a key driver of data consumption, with FWA users now consuming over 12 times more data than the average mobile data user. This surge is fueled by new services in residential and business environments.
“The 5G device ecosystem in India continues to evolve rapidly, with the number of active 5G devices doubling year-on-year to reach 271 million in 2024. This trend is expected to accelerate, with nearly 90 per cent of smartphones to be replaced in 2025 are expected to be 5G-capable,” Saxena added.
As India’s 5G infrastructure expands, its adoption is set to reshape the digital landscape, driving higher connectivity and unlocking new opportunities across sectors.
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