India has made big progress in the use of 5G technology and internet services. As of January 16, 2026, over 400 million people in India are using 5G. This number makes India the second-largest 5G market in the world, behind only China. Having so many 5G users shows that India is moving quickly to adopt new technology. It also helps people access faster internet and better online services.
One of the important achievements is the wide coverage of 5G services across India. Nearly all parts of the country are now connected with 5G. Specifically, 99.6% of districts—small administrative regions—have access to 5G. This means almost every part of India can use faster internet. About 85% of the country's population benefits from 5G, which means most people in India now have the chance to enjoy better connectivity. Since October 2022, around 25 crore (or 250 million) mobile users have switched from older networks to 5G. This rapid switch shows how quickly people are adopting the new technology.
In terms of infrastructure, India has installed a large number of 5G base stations called Base Transceiver Stations, or BTSs. By March 2025, about 469,000 of these stations had been set up all over India. BTSs are the equipment that helps mobile phones connect to the network. The more BTSs there are, the better the network coverage and quality. This expansion helps ensure that more people can access 5G services no matter where they live. It also makes internet connections more stable and faster.
India’s internet connections have also grown very quickly. Over time, many more people have gained access to the internet. Today, the total number of internet connections in India has reached over 100 crore, or 1 billion. In March 2014, the number was only about 25.15 crore, which means there has been a huge increase. This growth shows that more people are using the internet for work, education, entertainment, and staying in touch with others. India is now the second-largest smartphone market in the world. There are nearly 983 million smartphone connections in the country. This means almost everyone with a mobile phone online uses a smartphone.
Another important development is India’s ability to build its own technology for mobile networks. India has developed its own 4G stack, which is a set of software and hardware that makes 4G mobile networks work. This is significant because the 4G stack can be upgraded to support 5G in the future. Having their own technology means India is less dependent on other countries for mobile infrastructure. It also helps local companies contribute to technological development.
In 2024, India held a 13% share of the global 5G smartphone market, meaning that a significant portion of new 5G phones sold worldwide came from India. During the first half of 2024, India became the second-largest market for 5G smartphones, surpassing the United States. This shows that Indian consumers are eager to buy new devices that support faster internet, which can lead to more apps, better streaming, and improvements in digital services.
All these advancements are very important for India’s future. They support digital connectivity, making sure more people can use online services. This helps grow the economy by making trade, work, and education easier and faster. Better internet also encourages innovation and new business ideas, which can create jobs and opportunities for many people.
Official sources say that these achievements place India as a leader among nations in the digital world. The country continues to expand its telecom and internet systems so that even more people can benefit. This ongoing development is a sign of India’s dedication to building a strong digital infrastructure, which is essential for modern life.
In conclusion, India’s progress in 5G and internet services shows how quickly the country is adopting new technology. With almost all districts covered, millions of new users, and a growing number of advanced smartphones, India is moving forward in the digital age. These changes help improve everyday life and open new opportunities for everyone. India’s focus on strengthening its technology infrastructure is helping to prepare the country for a bright digital future.
