India’s Data Boom: Average Monthly Usage Hits 27.5 GB as 5G Traffic Triples
5G Traffic has driven a massive boom in India's data consumption
India’s digital landscape is witnessing an unprecedented surge, with average monthly data usage per user reaching 27.5 GB in 2024, according to recent industry insights.
This marks a significant leap, driven by a threefold increase in 5G traffic, which is poised to overtake 4G by Q1 2026. The data reflects a robust 19.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past five years, cementing India’s position as a global leader in mobile data consumption.
The rapid adoption of 5G technology is a key catalyst. Active 5G devices doubled to 271 million in 2024, fueled by affordable smartphones and aggressive network rollouts by telecom giants like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. Posts on X and industry reports highlight that India’s 270 million 5G subscribers are consuming data at an unmatched pace, with monthly usage far exceeding global averages. This surge is attributed to data-intensive applications like streaming, gaming, and remote work, amplified by 5G’s superior speed and capacity.
While 4G still dominates current traffic, 5G’s explosive growth signals a transformative shift. Experts predict that by early 2026, 5G will account for the majority of India’s mobile data, supported by expanding infrastructure and a growing base of 5G-capable devices. As India’s digital economy accelerates, this data revolution underscores the nation’s appetite for connectivity and its pivotal role in the global tech arena.
