India mobile services industry is on the brink of unprecedented growth, with revenue projections painting a picture of digital transformation that will reshape how millions of Indians connect, work, and live. The numbers tell an extraordinary story of technological evolution powered by 5G adoption and increasing data consumption.
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The $39.3 Billion Growth Story
According to GlobalData, mobile services revenue is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4 percent, rising from $30.2 billion in 2023 to $39.3 billion by 2029. This remarkable growth trajectory reflects India’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic telecommunications markets.
The driving force behind this surge isn’t just population growth—it’s a fundamental shift in how Indians consume digital services. Data revenue is forecast to grow at a robust CAGR of 9.3 percent between 2024 and 2029, buoyed by expanded 4G and 5G network availability and increasing uptake of higher-value 5G plans.
5G: The Game Changer
The transition to 5G technology represents more than just faster internet speeds—it’s unlocking entirely new revenue streams for telecom operators. Mobile data service revenue will increase at a healthy CAGR of 9.3% between 2024 and 2029, driven by the growing availability of 4G/5G networks across the country, and increasing consumption of mobile data services, especially with rising adoption of higher-ARPU yielding-5G plans.
Currently, there were two telecom providers offering 5G services in India: Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. Jio was the first to introduce 5G services, beginning at the end of 2022. These two companies provided coverage to nearly ten thousand cities and towns across the country.
Explosive Data Consumption Growth
The data consumption patterns of Indian consumers are changing dramatically. The average monthly data consumption in India is expected to more than double from 23.9GB in 2024 to 51.5GB by 2029. This isn’t just about entertainment—it reflects a fundamental shift toward digital-first lifestyles encompassing work, education, healthcare, and commerce.
This surge in data usage is creating new opportunities for telecom operators to offer premium services and higher-value plans that cater to evolving consumer needs.
Rural India: The Untapped Goldmine
This growth is underpinned by increasing mobile service penetration, especially in underserved rural areas. Rural markets represent the next frontier for growth, with telecom operators recognizing that connecting India’s vast rural population isn’t just about social responsibility—it’s smart business.
As 4G and 5G networks expand into previously underserved regions, millions of new users are gaining access to high-speed internet for the first time, creating fresh demand for mobile services and digital applications.
The Smartphone Revolution Fuels Growth
The hardware ecosystem is evolving rapidly to support this growth. 5G smartphone shipment penetration reached 78% in 2024, thanks to the availability of 5G chipsets in entry-level smartphones. This democratization of 5G-capable devices means that advanced connectivity is no longer limited to premium users.
120 million 5G smartphones were shipped in the year. The share of 5G smartphone shipments increased to 79%, up from 55% in 2023, while 5G smartphone ASPs declined by 19% YoY to US$303. This price reduction makes 5G technology accessible to a broader segment of Indian consumers.
Enterprise Opportunities Drive Additional Revenue
Beyond consumer services, enterprise applications represent a significant growth opportunity. According to an Ericsson-Arthur D Little study, 5G will enable Indian mobile service providers to generate USD 17 billion in incremental revenue from enterprises by 2030.
This enterprise revenue will come from applications like IoT connectivity, smart manufacturing, autonomous systems, and advanced analytics—all enabled by 5G’s low-latency, high-reliability characteristics.
Broader Telecom Ecosystem Growth
The mobile services growth is part of a larger transformation in India’s telecommunications landscape. The total telecom and pay-TV services revenue in India is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5% from $44.9 billion in 2024 to $50.7 billion in 2029, primarily driven by mobile data and fixed broadband segment.
What This Means for Consumers
For ordinary Indians, this growth translates to better connectivity, more affordable data plans, and access to advanced digital services that were previously unavailable or prohibitively expensive. The competition between telecom operators to capture this growing market typically results in improved service quality and competitive pricing.
The Road to 2029
India’s journey toward becoming a $39.3 billion mobile services market reflects broader economic and social transformations. As digital infrastructure improves and 5G adoption accelerates, the country is positioning itself as a global leader in mobile technology adoption and innovation.
This growth story isn’t just about revenue numbers—it’s about connecting a billion people to opportunities, enabling digital entrepreneurship, and building the foundation for India’s continued economic growth in the digital age. The mobile services revolution is just beginning, and the next five years promise to be transformative for both the industry and the millions of Indians it serves.
