India's 5G Subscriber Base Projected to Reach 98 Crore by 2030 with Declining Mobile Data Consumption

India's 5G subscriber base is expected to expand significantly, reaching approximately 980 million by 2030. This represents a threefold increase from current levels, according to a recent Ericsson report. Meanwhile, the number of 4G users is anticipated to drop by about 60%, decreasing to around 230 million during the same period.

By the end of 2024, India had about 290 million 5G subscriptions, making up 24% of all mobile subscriptions. This figure is projected to rise to nearly 75% by 2030, as per the Ericsson Mobility Report. The report also highlights that India leads globally in data traffic, with each smartphone user consuming an average of 32 GB per month in 2024.

5G Infrastructure and Data Consumption

The report has adjusted its earlier forecast for data consumption, now predicting that mobile phone data usage will reach 62 GB per month by 2030. This is a slight decrease from the previous estimate of 66 GB. The increasing data demand underscores the necessity for a robust 5G infrastructure across the country.

The rapid growth in India's 5G journey is driven by several factors. These include rising data demand, extensive mid-band spectrum coverage, swift adoption of 5G smartphones, and large-scale deployments of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA). These elements are contributing to the swift expansion of India's 5G network.

Expanding Broadband Access

There is a strong push for accessible broadband services, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. This demand is prompting service providers to quickly expand their 5G FWA networks. The mid-band spectrum available in India is particularly effective in providing both capacity and coverage, enhancing the user experience for mobile subscribers.

The Ericsson report from November had previously estimated that the number of 5G subscribers would grow to around 970 million, accounting for about 74% of the total user base. It also projected a decline in 4G subscribers to approximately 240 million.

India's leadership in global data traffic is evident as it maintains the highest data consumption per smartphone user worldwide. This trend is expected to continue as more users transition to faster and more efficient networks like 5G.

The ongoing expansion of India's digital infrastructure reflects a broader trend towards increased connectivity and technological advancement. As more regions gain access to high-speed internet, the potential for economic growth and development increases significantly.

With inputs from PTI