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.