The Comprehensive Modular Survey – Telecom (CMS-T)
Report from the National Statistics Office revealed a stark gender divide in mobile phone ownership in India. The Comprehensive Modular Survey – Telecom (CMS-T) brought into light that nearly half of rural women do not own a mobile phone. This contrasts sharply with the ownership rates among men. The survey indicates broader implications for digital inclusion and gender equity in the country.
Survey Overview
The CMS-T was conducted between January and March 2025. It aimed to gather national-level estimates on mobile and internet usage. The survey involved 34,950 households across 4,382 sampling units. It focused on individual ownership of mobile phones, internet access, and basic ICT skills.
Mobile Phone Ownership
In rural areas, 51.6% of women aged 15 and above do not own a mobile phone. In contrast, 80.7% of men in the same demographic reported ownership. Urban areas show better statistics, with 71.8% of women owning phones compared to 90% of men. The survey defined ownership as having a device with an active SIM card.
Smartphone Usage
Among mobile phone owners, smartphone usage is prevalent. In rural areas, 79.2% of men and 75.6% of women own smartphones. Urban areas reflect higher smartphone ownership, with 89.4% of men and 86.2% of women. This trend indicates increasing access to advanced technology, albeit unevenly distributed by gender.
Mobile Phone Usage Trends
Despite lower ownership rates, mobile phone usage is high. In rural areas, 76.3% of women reported using a mobile phone in the last three months. This figure is 89.5% for men. Urban women show higher usage rates at 86.8%, compared to 95% for men. The data suggests that women are utilising available devices, even if their ownership is limited.
Youth Engagement
The youth demographic shows mobile phone engagement. Among rural males aged 15–24, 98% reported using mobile phones. For females in the same age group, the figure is 95.7%. This indicates that while ownership may be lacking, access to technology is crucial for young women.
Internet Access
Internet access remains a vital aspect of digital inclusion. In rural areas, 92.7% of individuals aged 15–29 used the internet at least once in the last three months. Urban areas show a slightly higher rate at 95.7%. The ability to perform online banking transactions is notable, with 99.5% of young users reporting proficiency.
Implications for Gender Equity
The survey’s findings tell the need for policies aimed at bridging the digital gender gap. With portion of women lacking mobile phone access, initiatives must focus on increasing ownership and promoting digital literacy. This will empower women and enhance their participation in the digital economy.
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