India Targets 100 Crore 5G Users by 2030

India has set a target of connecting 100 crore people to 5G technology by 2030. The country launched 5G services on 1 October 2022 and has expanded the network across almost all districts in a short period.

5G in India

5G is the fifth generation of mobile communication technology. It offers higher data speeds, lower latency, and greater network capacity than 4G. In India, 5G services reached nearly 50 crore users within about two-and-a-half years of launch.

Network Expansion and Infrastructure

The 5G rollout in India involved an investment of about ₹4.5 lakh crore and the installation of nearly five lakh telecom towers. By 28 February 2025, 5G services were available in 99.6% of districts, and 4.69 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations were operational.

Subscriber Projections and Policy Focus

Telecom Secretary Neeraj Mittal stated on 25 March 2025 that India is likely to have 1 billion 5G subscribers by 2030, which would account for about 74% of total mobile subscriptions. Ericsson projected 970 million 5G subscribers in India by 2030, also placing the share at 74% of the mobile customer base.

Important Facts for Exams

• India launched 5G services on 1 October 2022.
• 5G stands for fifth generation mobile communication technology.
• Base Transceiver Stations are the radio equipment used to connect mobile devices to a network.
• India is also focusing on 6G technology after the rapid expansion of 5G.

6G and Future Telecom Goals

India’s telecom policy focus is shifting from 5G expansion to 6G research and deployment. 6G is the next generation of wireless communication technology after 5G.