India is set to become one of the world’s largest 5G markets, with the number of 5G subscribers expected to cross 1.1 billion by 2031, according to the latest Ericsson Mobility Report. The projection highlights the rapid pace at which next-generation mobile connectivity is being adopted across the country, driven by expanding network coverage, affordable smartphones, and rising demand for high-speed digital services.
The report indicates that 5G will account for nearly 81 per cent of all mobile subscriptions in India by the end of the decade, making it the dominant mobile technology in the country.
Rapid Expansion of 5G Adoption
India’s 5G ecosystem has witnessed significant growth since commercial services were launched. Telecom operators have rapidly expanded network coverage across urban and rural regions, while the availability of cost-effective 5G-enabled smartphones has made the technology accessible to a wider population.
Industry experts believe that improved connectivity, faster internet speeds, and growing digital consumption are encouraging more users to migrate from older network technologies to 5G services.
Subscriber Base Expected to More Than Double
According to the report, India had around 430 million 5G subscribers by the end of 2025, accounting for approximately 35 per cent of total mobile subscriptions.
Over the next several years, this number is expected to rise sharply, crossing the 1.1 billion mark by 2031. During the same period, 4G subscriptions are projected to decline steadily as consumers increasingly shift towards faster and more advanced networks.
The report suggests that 5G will emerge as the primary technology supporting India’s digital economy, connecting consumers, businesses, and public services at an unprecedented scale.
Fixed Wireless Access Driving Connectivity
One of the major contributors to the growth of 5G adoption is Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), which uses mobile networks to deliver broadband connectivity to homes and businesses.
The technology is proving particularly useful in areas where traditional fibre infrastructure is limited or still under development. Telecom operators are increasingly leveraging FWA solutions to expand broadband access and improve internet availability across the country.
Mobile Data Usage Continues to Rise
India already ranks among the world’s leading markets in mobile data consumption, and this trend is expected to accelerate further.
The report estimates that average monthly mobile data usage per smartphone, currently around 37 GB, could increase to nearly 70 GB by 2031. The growth is being driven by video streaming, cloud services, online gaming, digital payments, remote working, and emerging AI-powered applications.
With consumers relying more heavily on digital platforms, demand for faster and more reliable networks is expected to continue growing.
Ericsson Highlights Digital Transformation
Commenting on the findings, Nitin Bansal, Managing Director, Ericsson India, said the rapid adoption of 5G is transforming digital experiences across the country.
He noted that expanding 5G infrastructure is enabling greater digital inclusion, strengthening governance, and supporting innovation across multiple sectors. According to him, the growth of high-speed connectivity is playing a crucial role in advancing India’s broader digital transformation journey.
AI and Emerging Technologies to Shape Future Networks
The report also points to the growing role of artificial intelligence and advanced digital applications in shaping future telecom networks.
As AI-driven services become increasingly integrated into everyday life and business operations, telecom infrastructure will need to support higher performance, lower latency, and more intelligent network management capabilities.
Industry leaders believe that next-generation networks will serve as a critical foundation for emerging technologies, helping drive innovation across healthcare, education, manufacturing, governance, and other sectors.
Strengthening India’s Digital Future
The latest projections underline India’s growing importance in the global telecommunications landscape. With over a billion expected 5G users by 2031, the country is positioned to become one of the largest consumers of advanced connectivity services worldwide.
As network investments continue and digital adoption deepens, 5G is expected to play a central role in supporting economic growth, technological innovation, and the expansion of digital services across the nation.
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