India has strengthened its position as the world’s largest consumer of mobile data, with new industry estimates revealing that an average user now consumes around 36GB of mobile data per month. The spike highlights the country’s rapidly growing digital ecosystem, led by affordable data pricing, large-scale 4G coverage, and accelerated expansion of 5G networks.
5G Rollout and Affordable Plans Fuel Usage Surge
Telecom analysts attribute the sharp rise to the fast adoption of 5G services, which allow faster downloads and smoother streaming. With operators like Jio and Airtel offering unlimited 5G usage for eligible users, data consumption has crossed previous records. Even with tariff revisions expected in coming quarters, industry experts believe high consumption levels will continue due to lifestyle and work patterns shifting online.
Video Streaming Emerges as the Largest Data Driver
A major share of this consumption is driven by video content—short-form reels, OTT platforms, live sports, and social media feeds. According to industry breakdowns, video streaming alone accounts for over 70% of mobile data usage in India. Rising availability of multilingual content and affordable smartphones has further expanded the user base.
Rural India’s Digital Growth Accelerates
Interestingly, rural India is quickly catching up. The availability of low-cost smartphones, improved network coverage, and government-led digital literacy programs have boosted data consumption outside major cities. Rural consumption is growing at nearly twice the rate of urban areas, signalling deeper internet penetration nationwide.
AI Apps and Cloud Services Poised to Push Numbers Higher
Industry forecasts indicate that data usage may touch 50–55GB per user per month by 2027, propelled by AI-powered apps, cloud gaming, virtual education, and high-definition streaming. Telecom operators are gearing up by expanding fiber backhaul and investing in network upgrades to handle future demand.
Telecom Operators Call for Sustainable Pricing
Even as consumption hits record levels, operators emphasise the need for sustainable tariffs to support large-scale infrastructure investments. Analysts expect moderate price increases in the near future but believe India will remain one of the world’s most affordable mobile-data markets.
A New Digital Normal for India
With Indians now using more data per month than most global markets combined, the country’s digital landscape continues to evolve at unprecedented speed. Whether for entertainment, work, education or AI-driven applications, mobile broadband has become an essential part of daily life across the nation.