Mobile Data Cost in India Falls 97% Since 2014; Internet Connections Cross 105.9 Crore

India's mobile data costs have declined by more than 97% over the past decade, contributing to a sharp increase in internet adoption and digital connectivity across the country. 

Mobile Data Cost Falls Sharply Over the Decade 

According to New India Samachar, the cost of 1 GB of mobile data declined to ₹7.87 in December 2025 from ₹308 in 2014. 

During the same period, internet connections increased to 105.9 crore from 25.5 crore, while mobile subscriptions rose to 127.3 crore from 90 crore, reflecting the expansion of digital connectivity across the country. 

Separately, an official government document released to mark 12 years of the Narendra Modi government stated that internet subscriptions reached 103 crore as of December 2025, compared with around 25 crore in 2014. 

Internet and Broadband Connectivity Expand 

According to the government document, broadband connections increased from around 6 crore in 2014 to nearly 100 crore by 2025. 

The expansion has been supported by wider connectivity, affordable internet access and increasing smartphone adoption, helping bring more users online and improve access to digital services. 

New India Samachar said lower mobile data costs have played a key role in boosting internet consumption, particularly in rural areas. 

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5G Rollout and Telecom Infrastructure Growth 

India's telecom infrastructure has expanded significantly alongside rising internet adoption. 

According to New India Samachar, 5G services are now available in 99.6% of districts across the country. The publication also said that more than 7.22 lakh kilometres of optical fibre cable have been laid to strengthen connectivity infrastructure. 

The publication further noted that India ranks second globally in telecom infrastructure and internet subscriptions. 

Digital Economy and Electronics Manufacturing 

The government document cited the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's report, Estimation and Measurement of India's Digital Economy, which estimated the country's digital economy at ₹31.64 lakh crore (about $402 billion) in 2022-23. 

The report said the digital economy accounted for 11.74% of national income and could contribute close to one-fifth of national income by 2030. It also estimated that the sector supported 14.67 million jobs in 2022-23. 

The document also highlighted growth in electronics manufacturing, with mobile phone exports increasing to ₹2.6 lakh crore from ₹1,600 crore in 2014, while the number of mobile manufacturing units rose to more than 300 from 2 during the same period. 

In addition, Aadhaar enrolments crossed 144 crore compared with 61.01 crore in 2014, while 12 semiconductor manufacturing facilities have been approved compared with none in 2014. 

Conclusion 

India's digital ecosystem has expanded significantly over the past decade, supported by lower mobile data costs, wider internet access, broadband expansion and telecom infrastructure development. The increase in connectivity has also contributed to the growth of the country's digital economy and electronics manufacturing sector. 

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