India’s 5G adoption is witnessing an unprecedented surge, with nearly 25 crore mobile subscribers now using fifth-generation wireless services. According to data from the Ministry of Communications, since the launch of 5G in October 2022, telecom operators have aggressively expanded their networks to cater to the growing demand.
As of February 28, 2025, telecom operators have cumulatively deployed 4.69 lakh 5G base stations across India. These deployments have ensured that 5G services are now available in 99.6% of districts, covering all states and union territories. The Ministry of Communications highlighted that the pace of expansion has exceeded the minimum rollout obligations, driven by strong consumer demand and increasing smartphone penetration.
Among the states, Uttar Pradesh leads with the highest number of villages covered under the 5G network, boasting 8,451 villages equipped with base stations. It is followed by Maharashtra (6,910 villages), Rajasthan (5,393 villages), Bihar (4,601 villages), and West Bengal (4,521 villages).
India’s overall internet subscriber base has grown significantly, reaching 97.15 crore as of September 2024. Wireless connections dominate with 92.78 crore subscribers, while wired internet users stand at 4.36 crore. The Wi-Fi subscriber base has also expanded, reaching 7.23 lakh users.
Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel completed their nationwide 5G rollout in early 2024, while Vodafone Idea (Vi) has recently launched its commercial 5G network in Mumbai. Jagbir Singh, CTO of Vodafone Idea, stated that their next phase of expansion will include Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Chennai, aligning with the rising demand for 5G-enabled services.
According to Finnish telecom giant Nokia, India’s 5G subscriber base is projected to grow from 290 million (~29 crore) at the end of 2024 to a staggering 770 million (~77 crore) by 2028. The report estimates that approximately 120 million new 5G subscribers will be added annually, fueled by the increasing penetration of 5G-enabled devices and further expansion of high-speed broadband networks.
With India’s rapid digital transformation and robust telecom infrastructure, the future of 5G looks promising. As networks expand and adoption rates soar, the country is set to become a global leader in next-generation connectivity, unlocking new opportunities in digital innovation, smart cities, and enhanced mobile experiences for millions of users.