India’s Data Consumption Surpasses 31GB Per Month Per User
India’s digital landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. According to the latest Nokia Mobile Broadband Index 2026, the average monthly data consumption per user in the country has crossed the 31GB mark. This surge is largely attributed to the rapid expansion of 5G networks, which have reshaped how millions of Indians access and use the internet.
5G Traffic Surges by Over 70% Year-on-Year
The report reveals that 5G data traffic in India registered a year-on-year increase of more than 70% in 2025. Total 5G data traffic reached 12.9 exabytes (EB) during the year, accounting for nearly 47% of all mobile broadband traffic. This shift underscores the growing dominance of next-generation connectivity across the country.
India Now Holds the Second-Largest 5G User Base Globally
India has secured its position as the world’s second-largest 5G user base. It also ranks second globally in terms of 5G data consumption and fixed wireless access (FWA) users. Metropolitan cities lead the charge, with 5G contributing approximately 58% of total mobile data traffic in these areas. However, this growth is no longer confined to urban centers. Tier A, B, and C circles are now witnessing rapid 5G adoption, indicating a broader geographical spread.
Why Data Consumption Is Rising
Over the past five years, India’s data consumption has grown at a compound annual growth rate of 18%. Key drivers include:
- AI-powered applications
- 4K video streaming
- Cloud gaming platforms
These high-data-use services have pushed total monthly data traffic beyond 27 exabytes in 2025. Affordable 5G smartphones and improved network coverage have also played a significant role in accelerating this trend.
Device Ecosystem Strengthens
The report highlights that in 2025, India had 892 million active 4G devices, of which 383 million supported 5G. Notably, more than 90% of all smartphones sold during the year were 5G-enabled. This shift in device availability is expected to further fuel data consumption in the coming years.
What Lies Ahead
Looking forward, the report projects that India’s 5G user base could exceed 1 billion by 2031. Artificial intelligence is poised to further accelerate changes in network traffic patterns. According to Vibha Mehra, a Nokia India representative, the country’s mobile broadband sector is entering a new era where 5G and AI will jointly define the future of connectivity.
