Will India Surpass 1 Billion 5G Subscriptions by 2031?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A recent report reveals that India is on track to surpass 1 billion 5G subscriptions by 2031, representing a dramatic increase in mobile data usage and 5G adoption, positioning the country as a global leader in 5G technology.
Key Takeaways
- India is expected to exceed 1 billion 5G subscriptions by 2031.
- The penetration rate of 5G subscriptions will be 79 percent.
- 394 million 5G users are expected by the end of 2025.
- Mobile data usage in India averages 36 GB per month per smartphone.
- 1.4 billion people will be connected through Fixed Wireless Access by 2031.
New Delhi, Nov 20 (NationPress) A recent report indicates that India is poised to exceed 1 billion 5G subscriptions by the conclusion of 2031. This milestone will result in a remarkable 79 percent penetration rate of 5G subscriptions, showcasing the rapid growth of adoption just three years after the nationwide rollout of the service, as detailed in the November 2025 edition of the Ericsson Mobility Report.
The report underscores that India is among the world's fastest-growing 5G markets. By the close of 2025, the nation is anticipated to achieve 394 million 5G users, which will represent 32 percent of all mobile subscriptions.
Nitin Bansal, Managing Director of Ericsson India, noted that mobile data consumption in India is the highest globally, averaging 36 GB per month per smartphone, and is predicted to climb to 65 GB by 2031.
Bansal also highlighted that the proliferation of affordable 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) equipment and substantial data usage are propelling this growth.
Globally, the report projects 6.4 billion 5G subscriptions by 2031, comprising approximately two-thirds of all mobile subscriptions.
In 2025 alone, worldwide 5G subscriptions are forecasted to reach 2.9 billion, an increase of 600 million within a single year.
Network coverage is rapidly expanding, with an additional 400 million people expected to gain access to 5G in 2025.
By the end of that year, it is predicted that half of the global population outside mainland China will have coverage.
Mobile network data traffic surged by 20 percent between Q3 2024 and Q3 2025, largely driven by India and China.
By 2025, 5G networks will manage 43 percent of all mobile data, a figure projected to escalate to 83 percent by 2031.
Furthermore, Fixed Wireless Access is emerging as a significant use case for 5G. The Ericsson Mobility Report estimates that 1.4 billion people will be connected via FWA by 2031, with 90 percent of these users utilizing 5G networks.
Currently, 159 service providers offer 5G-based FWA services, representing approximately 65 percent of all FWA operators globally, according to the report.
Point of View
It is evident that India is on a path to becoming a global leader in 5G technology. The surge in subscriptions reflects not just technological advancement but also the increasing demand for mobile data among its vast population. As India embraces this digital transformation, it is crucial for stakeholders to ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with the growing demand.
NationPress
20/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the expected number of 5G subscriptions in India by 2031?
India is projected to exceed 1 billion 5G subscriptions by the end of 2031.
What percentage of mobile subscriptions will be 5G in India by 2031?
By 2031, the penetration rate of 5G subscriptions in India is expected to reach 79 percent.
How many 5G users is India expected to have by 2025?
By the end of 2025, India is expected to have around 394 million 5G users.
What drives the growth of 5G in India?
The growth is driven by high mobile data usage and the availability of affordable 5G Fixed Wireless Access equipment.
How many global 5G subscriptions are forecasted by 2031?
Globally, 5G subscriptions are forecasted to reach 6.4 billion by 2031.
