India’s mobile data costs plunge 97% since 2014 as internet users cross 105 crore

India’s Mobile Data Costs Drop 97% Over 10 Years as Internet Users Surpass 105 Crore

Significant Decline in Data Pricing

India s mobile data costs plunge 97 – Over the past decade, the price of mobile data in India has declined sharply, with 1 GB of data now costing just ₹7.87 as of December 2025—down from ₹308 in 2014, according to New India Samachar, a government publication. This steep reduction has been a major catalyst for expanding internet access and digital connectivity nationwide.

Exponential Growth in Connectivity

Simultaneously, the number of internet users has surged, reaching 105.9 crore as of December 2025, up from 25.5 crore in 2014. Mobile subscriptions also saw a notable rise, increasing to 127.3 crore from 90 crore during the same timeframe. A separate government report released on Wednesday highlighted this progress, noting that internet subscriptions stood at 103 crore as of December 2025, marking a four-fold growth since 2014.

“Lower data costs have played a key role in boosting internet consumption, particularly in rural areas,” stated New India Samachar.

5G and Fibre Network Expansion

India’s telecom infrastructure has evolved rapidly in tandem with rising internet usage. The country now provides 5G services in 99.6% of districts, as reported by New India Samachar. Additionally, over 7.22 lakh kilometres of optical fibre cable have been deployed to enhance connectivity. These developments have positioned India as the second-largest in global telecom infrastructure rankings.

Broadband Penetration Surpasses 100 Crore

The government document cited by PTI noted that broadband connections have grown nearly 17-fold, climbing from 6 crore in 2014 to nearly 100 crore by 2025. This surge is attributed to improved connectivity options and reduced internet costs, which have enabled broader access to digital platforms and services.

Projected Growth of India’s Digital Economy

According to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s report, the digital economy in India was valued at ₹31.64 lakh crore in 2022-23, contributing 11.74% to the national income. The projection suggests it could account for nearly 20% of the economy by 2030. The sector also supports over 14.67 million jobs, as highlighted in the report.

Advancements in Electronics and Digital Identity

The government document also showcased progress in electronics manufacturing and digital infrastructure. Mobile phone exports increased from ₹1,600 crore in 2014 to ₹2.6 lakh crore, while the number of manufacturing units expanded from two to over 300. Aadhaar enrollments, meanwhile, surpassed 144 crore, compared to 61.01 crore in 2014. Furthermore, 12 semiconductor manufacturing facilities were approved, up from zero in 2014.

The growth of digital infrastructure has aligned with heightened adoption of online services, including e-commerce and digital payments, underscoring a transformative shift in how the population interacts with technology.