India’s broadband user base crosses 100 crore after six-fold growth since 2014

India has officially surpassed the 1 billion mark in broadband subscribers, according to the latest figures from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). This remarkable achievement reflects a six-fold growth over the past decade, escalating from 131.49 million (13.15 crore) subscribers in November 2015 to 1 billion (100.37 crore) by November 2025. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) recently released a Year-End Review, showcasing significant advancements in connectivity, digital infrastructure, and technology-driven governance throughout 2025. The launch of the National Broadband Mission (NBM) 2.0 on January 17, 2025, has been pivotal in accelerating India's digital transformation. Notably, the average monthly data consumption for wireless subscribers has skyrocketed by an astounding 399 times, reaching 24.01 GB in 2025, compared to just 61.66 MB in March 2014. This surge positions India among the countries with the highest data usage worldwide. Furthermore, median mobile broadband download speeds have surged from 10.71 Mbps in 2019 to an impressive 131.47 Mbps by October 2025. The report also highlights significant improvements in fixed broadband speeds, which increased from 29.25 Mbps in 2019 to 60.34 Mbps in 2025, as per Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index. The expansion of the Optical Fibre Cable (OFC) network has been remarkable, growing from 19.35 lakh route km in 2019 to 42.36 lakh route km by September 2025. Additionally, telephone connections have risen dramatically, with figures jumping from 933 million in March 2014 to 1,228.94 million by September 2025. The digital divide is narrowing, especially in rural areas, where connections increased by 42.9%, from 377.78 million to 539.83 million during the same period, nearly doubling the growth rate seen in urban areas. Another encouraging trend is the reduction in average mobile data costs per GB, which fell from $0.16 last year to $0.10 in 2025. On a related note, the DoT has also introduced the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2025, aimed at optimizing the management and allocation of radio-frequency spectrum in India, ensuring it aligns with global standards and is capable of meeting future demands.