Annual Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT) Report
Kartavya Desk Staff
Context: According to Nokia’s annual Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT) report, India’s average monthly data usage per user reached 27.5 GB in 2024, with 5G data traffic tripling over the past year.
Key Statistics on India’s Data Usage (As per MBiT Report)
• Average monthly data usage per user: 27.5 GB (2024)
• 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) users consume 12x more data than average mobile users.
• 5G data traffic: Tripled in 2024; projected to surpass 4G traffic by Q1 2026.
• Active 5G devices in India (2024): 271 million (doubled YoY).
• Share of 5G in metro mobile broadband: Increased to 43% in 2024 (from 20% in 2023).
• 90% of smartphones expected to be replaced in 2025 will be 5G-enabled.
Trends in India’s Data Usage:
• Rapid shift to 5G: Metro cities already show’s a major shift, with 43% share in data usage by 5G.
• Rural penetration: Category B and C circles showing strong growth in 5G adoption.
• Device readiness: 5G ecosystem evolving with massive growth in compatible devices.
• Decline in 4G usage: 5G gradually replacing older network usage patterns.
Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:
• GS Paper 3 – Science & Technology:
• Telecommunication technologies: Role of 5G and digital infrastructure in growth and innovation. Digital India initiatives: Impact of rising data consumption on e-governance and digital services. Cybersecurity and data privacy: Increased usage demands robust cyber laws and regulatory frameworks.
• Telecommunication technologies: Role of 5G and digital infrastructure in growth and innovation.
• Digital India initiatives: Impact of rising data consumption on e-governance and digital services.
• Cybersecurity and data privacy: Increased usage demands robust cyber laws and regulatory frameworks.
• GS Paper 2 – Governance:
• Digital inclusion and connectivity: Role of affordable high-speed internet in bridging urban-rural divides. Government policies: Relevance of National Digital Communications Policy and spectrum management.
• Digital inclusion and connectivity: Role of affordable high-speed internet in bridging urban-rural divides.
• Government policies: Relevance of National Digital Communications Policy and spectrum management.