India aims to double its 5G user base to one billion by 2030, up from the current 550 million, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced at the 10th edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026 in New Delhi.
Scindia said India has become one of the world’s fastest adopters of 5G technology. The country is now shifting its focus towards developing next-generation telecom technologies and taking a leading role in global 6G development.
The minister highlighted the progress of the Bharat 6G Alliance, which brings together 90 institutions and has established 7,700 patents, including 4,400 international patents.
India’s broadband customer base has grown from 60 million in 2017 to more than 1.1 billion, while the country now has around 1.35 billion mobile customers.
Scindia also noted the sharp decline in mobile data costs. The price of 1GB of data has fallen from ₹268 in 2014 to around ₹8, making internet access more affordable.
The government is also expanding digital connectivity through initiatives such as BharatNet, which aims to improve broadband access in rural areas.
With its one-billion-user target and growing focus on indigenous telecom innovation, India aims to strengthen its position in the global telecommunications industry and lead the next phase of 6G development.
