Nokia reported that in 2025, the average Indian mobile user consumed more than 31 GB of data per month, reflecting a steady 18% annual growth over the last five years.
This upward trend has largely been fueled by the increasing use of data-heavy services, including artificial intelligence-based applications, 4K video streaming, and cloud gaming platforms.
India’s Data Usage Surges Past 31 GB/Month, Driven by AI, Streaming, and Gaming: Nokia Report
At the same time, India’s monthly 5G data usage saw a sharp rise, growing by 70% year-on-year to reach 12.9 exabytes in 2025.
As a result, 5G alone now contributes close to 47% of the country’s total mobile broadband traffic, highlighting its rapid integration into everyday usage.
In broader terms, total mobile data traffic in India surpassed 27 exabytes per month in 2025, supported by wider 5G network availability and the increasing affordability of compatible smartphones.
Meanwhile, metro cities continue to dominate 5G adoption, where the technology accounts for about 58% of total mobile data usage, though expansion is now accelerating across Category A, B, and C circles as well.
Looking at device trends, the number of active 4G devices reached 892 million in 2025, with more than 383 million of these already capable of supporting 5G networks.
Over 90% of Smartphones Shipped in 2025 Were 5G-Ready, Signaling Market Shift
Additionally, over 90% of smartphones shipped during the year were 5G-enabled, indicating a clear shift in the market toward next-generation connectivity.
Going forward, the report estimates that India’s 5G subscriber base could cross the 1 billion mark by 2031, signaling massive long-term growth potential.
In fact, India currently holds the position of having the world’s second-largest 5G subscriber base, along with the second-highest level of 5G data consumption globally.
Commenting on these developments, Vibha Mehra stated, “India’s mobile broadband landscape is entering a new phase of evolution, driven by rapid 5G adoption and the growing influence of AI-led applications. As networks transform to support new usage patterns and intelligent services, Nokia remains committed to partnering with telcos to build scalable, high-performance and future-ready connectivity infrastructure.”
