India’s Data Usage Soars to 27.5GB Per Month, 5G Traffic Triples
With the continuous rise of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), data consumption in India is witnessing exponential growth. According to a recently published report, FWA users now consume 12 times more data than the average mobile data users. India’s average monthly data consumption per user has surged to 27.5GB in 2024, marking a 19.5% CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) over the past five years.
5G Expansion Fueling Data Boom
The report highlights that the steady expansion of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is a primary factor behind the increase in data usage. Residential and commercial sectors are experiencing a shift due to new service offerings, leading to unprecedented data consumption levels.
Major Insights from the Report
According to Nokia’s Annual Mobile Broadband Index (MBIT), monthly 5G data traffic has tripled across India and is expected to surpass 4G usage by Q1 2026. The rapid rise of 5G adoption in Tier B and Tier C cities has played a significant role, with data consumption in these regions growing by 3.4x and 3.2x, respectively.
The expansion of 5G network coverage is a key driver of this trend. Metro areas now account for 43% of total mobile broadband data consumption, up from 20% in 2023, while 4G data growth is slowing down. Additionally, the number of active 5G devices has doubled in 2024, reaching 271 million users.
Future Trends: The 5G Revolution Continues
The report predicts that by 2025, nearly 90% of all smartphones will be 5G-enabled, making next-gen connectivity more accessible than ever. Furthermore, 5G Advanced technologies will lay the groundwork for 6G development, shaping the future of India’s digital infrastructure.
As India accelerates towards a digital-first economy, 5G adoption will play a crucial role in transforming industries, improving connectivity, and enhancing overall user experience.
For more insights on India’s 5G revolution, check out Nokia’s Mobile Broadband Report or learn about the latest advancements in 5G technology from leading global firms.