NEW DELHI: The growth of 5G mobile subscriptions in India has been remarkable, with projections indicating a staggering number of 700 million subscriptions by the end of 2028. This surge in subscriptions signifies a significant milestone, accounting for approximately 57 percent of the country's total mobile subscriptions. The Ericsson Mobility Report unveiled these promising statistics, shedding light on the transformative power of 5G technology in the Indian telecommunications landscape.

Rapid Growth in Data Consumption: As 5G networks become more pervasive, the average data traffic per smartphone is projected to witness substantial growth. From 26GB per month in 2022, data consumption is estimated to surge to around 62GB per month by 2028. This staggering increase in data usage underscores the evolving needs of Indian consumers and their reliance on smartphones for various aspects of their lives.

The report further highlights the anticipated transformation in India's mobile subscription landscape. Smartphone subscriptions are expected to witness significant growth, representing a larger percentage of total mobile subscriptions. Starting at 76 percent in the previous year, this figure is projected to climb to 93 percent by 2028. This shift exemplifies the increasing popularity of smartphones and their integral role in the lives of Indian mobile users.

While 5G subscriptions flourish, the report predicts a decline in 4G subscriptions. From 820 million in 2022, the number of 4G subscriptions is expected to decrease to 500 million by 2028. This decline can be attributed to the widespread adoption of 5G technology, with users seeking to leverage its advanced capabilities and faster connectivity.
The growth of mobile networks plays a crucial role in driving social and economic inclusion in India. With the robust digital infrastructure being established, the country is poised to bridge the digital divide, create job opportunities, stimulate entrepreneurship, and boost the overall economy. Nitin Bansal, Head of Ericsson India and Head of Network Solutions for Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India, expressed confidence in India's digital future, emphasizing the transformative power of the nation's digital ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the number of smartphone subscriptions in India is projected to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5 percent. This growth trajectory is expected to lead to a remarkable milestone of over 1.14 billion smartphone subscriptions by 2028, a substantial increase from the 840 million recorded at the end of the previous year. The report highlights the immense potential of the Indian market and its pivotal role in shaping the global telecommunications landscape.

With the proliferation of 5G and the surge in smartphone usage, the overall mobile data traffic in India is expected to skyrocket. Estimates indicate that total mobile data traffic will grow from 18 exabytes (EB) per month in 2022 to a staggering 58 EB per month in 2028. This represents a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22 percent, underscoring the exponential rise in data consumption.

The growth of 5G subscriptions extends beyond India, as the report highlights the global trend of rising adoption. Forecasts indicate that 5G subscriptions are expected to reach 1.5 billion worldwide by the end of 2023. This widespread adoption has paved the way for positive revenue growth for communication service providers in leading 5G markets.