India is rapidly advancing in its digital journey, with broadband subscribers soaring from 66 crore to a staggering 94.49 crore. In tandem, average monthly wireless data usage per person has doubled—from 10 GB to 21.10 GB—showing the nation’s increasing digital engagement.
Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Jitin Prasada, told the Lok Sabha that fixed broadband download speeds have also improved, jumping from 29.25 Mbps to 61.66 Mbps. Meanwhile, mobile broadband has seen a remarkable speed boost, with median download speeds skyrocketing from 10.71 Mbps in 2019 to 144.33 Mbps in February 2025, as per Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index
A key factor behind this digital surge is the massive infrastructure development. The Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) network has more than doubled in length—from 19.35 lakh to 42.13 lakh route kilometres. The number of mobile towers has grown from 5.37 lakh to 8.23 lakh, and Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) have increased from 21.80 lakh to 29.97 lakh, which includes 4.69 lakh 5G BTSs.
The government has actively supported this transformation by conducting 206 State Broadband Committee meetings to streamline broadband expansion efforts. Capacity-building conferences are also being held across states and UTs, focusing on 5G implementation in sectors like healthcare, education, Industry 4.0, and public safety.
To bridge the digital divide in rural India, the government launched the National Broadband Mission 2.0 on January 17, 2025. This initiative aims to deliver high-speed internet to every citizen and boost rural digital infrastructure.
Additionally, the BharatNet project is being rolled out in phases to connect all Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages beyond GPs. In August 2023, the Union Cabinet approved an upgraded version of BharatNet, with BSNL appointed as the sole Project Management Agency. The updated plan includes improved network operations and service reliability through a dedicated Network Operation Centre.
India’s digital growth story is a testament to the country’s commitment to a connected future—faster, stronger, and more inclusive than ever before.