India’s digital landscape has reached a new milestone as the country’s average monthly data consumption per user skyrockets to an astonishing 27.5 GB in 2025. This figure, which places India among the top data-consuming nations globally, is a testament to the country’s rapid digital transformation, widespread 5G adoption, and the insatiable appetite for streaming, gaming, and social media.
According to the latest report from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the average Indian mobile user now consumes 27.5 GB of data every month nearly double the global average. This sharp increase is a dramatic leap from just a few years ago, when monthly usage hovered around 14-15 GB in 2022.
Several key factors are fueling this unprecedented growth in data consumption:
5G Rollout: The rapid expansion of 5G networks across urban and rural India has made high-speed, low-latency internet accessible to millions, enabling seamless streaming, gaming, and video calls.
Affordable Data Plans: India’s fiercely competitive telecom market, led by giants like Jio, Airtel, and Vi, continues to offer some of the world’s lowest data tariffs, making heavy data usage affordable for all.
Streaming Revolution: The popularity of OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and local players like JioCinema has led to an explosion in video streaming, which accounts for over 70% of total data traffic.
Mobile Gaming: India’s booming mobile gaming industry, with titles like BGMI, Free Fire, and Call of Duty Mobile, is driving up data usage, especially among younger users.
Remote Work and Education: Hybrid work models and online learning platforms have become the norm, further increasing data dependency in households across the country.
Social Media and Short Videos: Apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and the rise of short video platforms continue to engage users for hours each day.
This data consumption surge is reshaping the Indian telecom sector and society at large:
Network Upgrades: Telecom operators are investing heavily in expanding 5G infrastructure and upgrading existing 4G networks to handle the explosive demand.
Digital Inclusion: Affordable data is bridging the urban-rural divide, empowering millions in remote areas with access to information, e-governance, and digital services.
Economic Growth: The digital economy is thriving, with new opportunities in e-commerce, fintech, content creation, and app development.
India’s data consumption story is far from over. With the continued rollout of 5G, the rise of AI-powered apps, and an ever-growing digital ecosystem, experts predict that average monthly usage could surpass 35 GB by 2027.
