Mobile data costs in India drop 97% since 2014 as internet users cross 105 million | Today’s news
Mobile data prices in India have fallen by more than 97% over the past decade, helping the rapid expansion of internet access and digital connectivity across the country.
The price of 1GB of mobile data has dropped to ₹7.87 in December 2025 from ₹308 in 2014, according to New India Samachar, a government publication. In the same period, internet connections increased to 105.9 million from 25.5 million, while mobile subscriptions increased to 127.3 million from 90 million.
Separately, an official government document released on Wednesday to mark 12 years of the Narendra Modi government said internet subscriptions stood at 103 million as of December 2025, compared to around 25 million in 2014. The document also said broadband connections increased from around 6 million to nearly 100 million over the same period, PTI reported.
According to New India Samachar, lower data costs have played a key role in increasing internet usage, especially in rural areas.
Internet access is reaching a new scale
India’s telecommunication network has expanded significantly in the last decade.
According to New India Samachar, the country had 105.9 million internet connections as of December 2025, reflecting a four-fold increase from 2014 levels.
The expansion was fueled by improved network infrastructure, wider smartphone adoption and affordable mobile data services.
Read also | The flagship economic schemes of the Modi government, which is completing 12 years in power
5G rollout and fiber expansion
India’s telecommunication infrastructure has grown rapidly along with the increasing adoption of the Internet.
According to New India Samachar, 5G services are now available in 99.6% districts across the country. The publication also said that more than 7.22 lakh kilometers of fiber optic cables have been laid to strengthen connectivity infrastructure.
The publication reports that India now ranks second globally in terms of telecom infrastructure and internet subscriptions.
The growth of digital infrastructure has coincided with the increasing use of digital services, online commerce, digital payments and internet platforms.
The broadband base is close to 100 million million
A government document cited by PTI said broadband connections have increased nearly 17 times, from around 6 million in 2014 to nearly 100 million in 2025.
The paper attributed the expansion to wider connectivity and lower costs of internet access, which it said helped bring more users online and improve access to digital services.
The rise in broadband penetration comes alongside increasing smartphone adoption and the rollout of high-speed mobile networks.
Read also | The flagship economic schemes of the Modi government, which is completing 12 years in power
The digital economy is expected to continue to grow
The government document also cited the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s report Estimation and Measurement of India’s Digital Economy, which estimated India’s digital economy at ₹31.64 lakh crore (about $402 billion) in 2022-23.
According to the report, the digital economy accounted for 11.74% of national income and could contribute almost one-fifth of national income by 2030. The report also estimates that the sector has supported 14.67 million jobs in 2022-23.
Mobile exports, Aadhaar numbers are on the rise
The government document highlighted the growth of electronics manufacturing and digital infrastructure over the past decade.
Exports of mobile phones increased to ₹2.6 million crowns ₹1,600 crore in 2014, according to a document cited by PTI. The number of mobile manufacturing units increased to more than 300 from two during the period.
Read also | Atal Pension Yojana: Who Eligible, Aadhaar Mandatory — Frequently Asked Questions
The document also said that the number of Aadhaar enrollments has crossed 144 million, compared to 61.01 million in 2014. In addition, 12 semiconductor manufacturing plants have been approved, compared to none in 2014, according to PTI.
