India’s Mobile Internet Data Price Down to 12 Rupees per GB
India now offers mobile internet data at just 12 rupees per gigabyte, making it one of the most affordable globally. This information was shared by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the opening of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024, held from October 15 to 18 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that while data costs in many countries are 10 to 12 times higher, India has prioritized universal connectivity, helping 950 million out of 1.02 billion mobile users access the internet.
The Prime Minister underscored that affordable data is essential for broad participation in the digital economy, fueling connectivity and inclusion across the nation. India's expansive digital infrastructure is fostering innovation and socio-economic transformation in fields such as education, healthcare, and governance.
India’s data costs have dramatically reduced in recent years. In 2015, the average cost per gigabyte was 226 rupees (approximately $3.30 USD). By 2017, it dropped to around 11.78 rupees ($0.17), stabilizing to 12-14 rupees by 2019, and finally reaching 12 rupees per GB in 2024. This trend is largely due to fierce competition among telecom operators, especially since Reliance Jio entered the market in 2016 with significantly lower data tariffs, prompting other providers to follow suit.
Government support and regulatory cost reductions have also driven affordability, while growing internet usage has allowed operators to further reduce prices. As a result, India has become a global leader in affordable internet connectivity.
Since launching 5G services in October 2022, India has seen rapid network expansion and adoption. Currently, over 425,000 5G sites are active across 738 districts, serving over 180 million users. By 2029, 5G subscribers are expected to reach 840 million, with average download speeds surpassing those in South Asia by 70%.
India is also ambitiously preparing for 6G technology, aiming to establish itself as a global leader in next-generation network advancements. The government has initiated the “Bharat 6G Vision” to develop and deploy 6G networks by 2030. This new generation will revolutionize sectors such as education, healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture with speeds reaching up to one terabit per second. The government has begun strategic policy reforms and significant investments in research and infrastructure to drive this development.
