India’s 5G Data Consumption: Poised to Outpace 4G by Q1 2026

Quick Expansion of 5G Networks and Devices

India is about to experience a significant change in mobile broadband, with 5G data usage projected to surpass 4G by the first quarter of 2026. This shift is due to the swift expansion of high-speed networks and the rapidly growing device ecosystem.

Rising Data Use and 5G Device Adoption

• The average monthly mobile data consumption per user in India increased from 24.1 GB in 2022 to 27.5 GB in 2023.
• For 5G users, the average monthly data consumption was 40 GB.
• In 2024, the number of active 5G devices doubled year-on-year, reaching 271 million.
• In 2025, 90% of replaced smartphones are expected to be 5G-capable.

Growth in Non-Metro Circles and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)

Non-metro telecom circles (categories B and C) have seen the most growth in data consumption, with 5G increasing by 3.4 times and 3.2 times, respectively. The expansion of 5G networks in these circles has contributed to this growth.

In metro circles, 5G data usage now accounts for 43% of total mobile broadband data, up from 20% in 2023, while 4G data growth is decreasing.

Over the past five years, data consumption in India has grown at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.5%. The increasing popularity of 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is driving higher data usage, with FWA users now consuming over 12 times more data than the average mobile data user, thanks to new services in both residential and business settings.

Swift Global 5G Deployment

India has experienced one of the fastest 5G deployment expansions globally, with 82% of the population now having access to these services, which have reached 99% of the districts.

Device and Data User Statistics

Source: Nokia MBiT