India Becomes Second Largest 5G User Base Globally

India has emerged as the world’s second-largest 5G subscriber base, trailing only China, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation journey. Union Minister of Communications “Jyotiraditya Scindia” announced that India has crossed over 400 million 5G users, placing it among the fastest adopters of next-generation telecom technology worldwide.

Rapid Expansion of 5G Services

Since the commercial launch of 5G services in 2022, India has witnessed an unprecedented scale and speed of network rollout. According to official data, 5G services now cover 99.6 per cent of districts and reach nearly 85 per cent of the population. Telecom Service Providers have installed approximately 4.69 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations across the country, making it one of the fastest 5G deployments globally. The “Ministry of Communications” confirmed that nearly 25 crore mobile users have migrated to 5G services since launch.

Rural Connectivity and Internet Growth

The expansion of digital infrastructure has also significantly improved rural connectivity. Rural telephone connections grew by 42.9 per cent between March 2014 and September 2025, almost double the growth rate seen in urban areas. Total rural connections increased from 377.78 million to 539.83 million during this period. India’s internet user base crossed the landmark of 100 crore connections, reaching 100.29 crore, compared to just 25.15 crore in 2014, reflecting a growth of nearly 299 per cent.

Indigenous Technology and Strategic Self-Reliance

Aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, India has accelerated the deployment of home-grown telecom infrastructure. The country has become the fifth globally to develop its own indigenous 4G technology stack, which is fully upgradable to 5G. This achievement was realised in just two years, significantly faster than comparable global timelines. Parallel efforts are underway to strengthen future readiness through indigenous 6G research initiatives.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• India ranks second globally in 5G subscribers after China.
• Over 4.69 lakh 5G BTSs installed as of March 2025.
• India developed its indigenous 4G stack upgradable to 5G.
• 6G R&D is being pursued under the .

Global Benchmark in Digital Transformation

The government has highlighted that India’s 5G journey sets new global benchmarks in scale, speed, and affordability. With strong policy support, expanding user adoption, and a focus on indigenous innovation, India is positioning itself as a leading digital economy and a key player in shaping the future of global telecommunications.