India Surpasses Milestones in 5G Adoption: A Technological Leap

India boasts the second-largest 5G subscriber base, with over 400 million users, following China. The nation has swiftly advanced in digital transformation, reaching 100 crore internet connections and rolling out innovative indigenous network infrastructures.

India has rapidly ascended to become the world's second-largest 5G subscriber base, trailing only behind China, according to Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia. With over 400 million 5G users, India is recognized as one of the fastest adopters of this groundbreaking technology, Scindia announced in a social media statement on Friday.

Highlighting the nation's progress, Scindia noted substantial improvements in scale, speed, and digital transformation. Since the 2022 launch, 5G services have expanded swiftly, achieving 99.6% territorial availability and covering 85% of the population. As of March 2025, an impressive 4.69 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations have been deployed by Telecom Service Providers, marking one of the swiftest 5G rollouts worldwide, as reported by the Ministry of Communications in December 2025.

Additionally, the Ministry revealed that approximately 250 million mobile users have adopted 5G services, with significant deployments even in remote areas. The rise in rural telephone connections by 42.9% far outpaced urban trends, with rural users increasing from 377.78 million in March 2014 to 539.83 million in September 2025.

The country's internet connectivity marked a historic achievement, surpassing 100 crore connections at 100.29 crores from 25.15 crores in March 2014, reflecting a 298.77% growth. Aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, the large-scale rollout of indigenous network infrastructure gained momentum. India has become one of the few globally to possess a self-sufficient 4G network, upgradeable to 5G, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to technological autonomy, the ministry stated.

Remarkably, while other regions took decades to develop similar technology, India's advancements were made in just two years. The country has also achieved major advancements in indigenous 6G research under the ambitious Bharat 6G Mission, the ministry added.

(With inputs from agencies.)