India’s average monthly data consumption per user surged to 27.5 gigabytes in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.5% over the past five years, according to a report released on Thursday.
The rise of 5G fixed wireless access (FWA) is a significant driver of this growth, with FWA users consuming over 12 times more data than average mobile users, particularly in residential and business sectors.
The report, Nokia’s annual Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT), revealed that 5G data traffic across India tripled and is projected to surpass 4G traffic by Q1 2026.
Tarun Chhabra, Senior Vice President and Country Head of Nokia India said, “We are committed to partnering with operators to meet the growing connectivity demand.”
Category B and C circles led the surge, with 5G data usage growing by 3.4 and 3.2 times, respectively. In metro areas, 5G now accounts for 43% of mobile broadband data, up from 20% in 2023, as 4G usage declines.
The 5G device ecosystem is evolving rapidly, with active 5G devices doubling year-on-year to 271 million in 2024. Nearly 90% of smartphones set to be replaced in 2025 are expected to be 5G-capable.
The report also highlights the evolution toward 5G Advanced, which is expected to enhance business potential, create new revenue streams, and pave the way for future technologies, including 6G.
(With IANS inputs)
