5G subscriptions in India likely to cross one billion mark by 2031: Ericsson Mobility Report
Let’s face it: India’s 5G journey is turning into a data tsunami, and by 2031, over one billion subscriptions will be surfing that wave. With mobile data consumption per smartphone already the highest globally and expected to nearly double, the country isn’t just joining the 5G party—it’s setting the pace. The rapid adoption of affordable 5G devices and the rise of fixed wireless access are fueling this explosion, making India a blueprint for digital transformation through next-gen connectivity.
According to Ericsson’s November 2025 Mobility Report, India is projected to surpass 1 billion 5G subscriptions by the end of 2031, capturing a 79% penetration rate of total mobile connections. Currently, India boasts 394 million 5G connections, approximately 32% of its mobile subscriptions, alongside the highest global average of 36 GB monthly data usage per active smartphone, expected to increase to 65 GB. Globally, 5G subscriptions will reach 6.4 billion by 2031, with 4.1 billion on 5G standalone networks, and fixed wireless access is set to significantly enhance broadband connectivity on a massive scale—underpinning new opportunities for the country’s expanding digital economy.
