Archive · 16 Jan 2026
India becomes 2nd largest 5G user globally
India now has the second largest number of 5G users in the world, after China.
There are over 400 million 5G users in India, and the country has installed 4.69 lakh 5G base stations.
5G services are available across 85% of the population.
The Indian government has also been working on improving internet connectivity in rural areas, with rural telephone connections growing by 42.9%.
India has also developed its own 4G to 5G technology stack, becoming only the 5th country to do so.
The country is also working on 6G research and development under the Bharat 6G Mission.
All of this is part of India's goal to become self-sufficient in technology.
India has the 2nd largest 5G subscriber base globally, with over 400 million users, second only to China.
5G services are available across 85% of India's population, with 4.69 lakh 5G BTSs installed as of March 2025.
Rural telephone connections in India have grown by 42.9%, nearly double the urban increase, from 377.78 million in March 2014 to 539.83 million in September 2025.
India's internet connections have crossed 100 crores, registering a growth of 298.77% since March 2014.
India has developed its own 4G to 5G technology stack, becoming the 5th country to do so, and is advancing indigenous 6G research under the Bharat 6G Mission.
- Who
- India, Union Minister of Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs)
- What
- India has the 2nd largest 5G subscriber base globally, with over 400 million users and 4.69 lakh 5G BTSs installed
- When
- As of March 2025, with data released in December 2025
- Where
- Across India, with 85% population coverage and significant rural connectivity growth
- Why
- To set global benchmarks in scale, speed, and digital transformation, and to achieve technological self-sufficiency under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision
- 5G Users
- 400 million+
- 5G BTSs Installed
- 4.69 lakhs
- Population Coverage
- 85%
- Rural Telephone Growth
- 42.9%
- Internet Connections
- 100.29 crores
- 4G to 5G Stack
- 5th country to develop
- 6G Research
- Bharat 6G Mission