India crosses 1 billion broadband users, marks six-fold growth in 10 years

The digital milestone underscores a decade of rapid internet expansion driven by affordable data, widespread mobile adoption, and aggressive rollout of 4G and 5G networks nationwide.

India’s broadband subscriber base crossed the one-billion mark in November 2025, reflecting a six-fold increase over the past decade, according to data released by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The country recorded 100.37 crore broadband users at the end of November 2025, compared with just over 13 crore users during the same period in 2015, highlighting the scale and speed of India’s digital transformation.

Mobile broadband drives growth

The milestone builds on momentum achieved earlier in 2025, when India’s overall internet user base crossed one billion during the April–June quarter. Broadband users accounted for the overwhelming majority of subscribers, with mobile connections continuing to power growth. Industry data shows that nearly all new broadband additions are coming through smartphones, supported by low-cost data plans and the rapid expansion of 4G and 5G infrastructure across cities and towns.

Experts note that mobile broadband has fundamentally reshaped India’s connectivity landscape, turning the country into one of the world’s largest consumers of data. High-speed internet has become central to everyday life, enabling digital payments, streaming services, remote work, online education, and access to government platforms.

Digital inclusion still a work in progress

While urban and semi-urban regions have seen strong connectivity gains, rural coverage remains uneven. Policymakers and operators are increasingly looking at satellite internet and next-generation technologies to extend broadband access to remote and underserved areas, aiming to narrow the digital divide.

Commenting on the development, Jaideep Ghosh, Consultant and Former Partner at KPMG, said crossing one billion broadband users represents a watershed moment for India. He attributed the growth to affordable mobile data and aggressive network expansion, adding that mobile broadband has propelled India from a low-penetration market to a global leader in data consumption.

As India deepens its digital economy ambitions, sustained investment in infrastructure and inclusive connectivity will be critical to maintaining this growth trajectory.