Internet Subscriptions Saw Nearly 280% Growth Within A Decade In India: MoS Communications

The number of telephone connections expanded as well, from 933 million as of March 31, 2014, to approximately 1.198 billion by March 31, 2024.

Between 2014 and 2024, the telecom sector attracted FDI worth $25.16 billion, a substantial increase from $12 billion in the preceding decade.

Source : ABPLIVE AI

The Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani on Wednesday disclosed substantial growth in telephone, mobile, Internet, and broadband connections over the past ten years. Responding to a query raised by Lok Sabha members Krishna Prasad Tenneti and Y.S. Avinash Reddy, Pemmasani detailed the surge in connectivity across the country.

The members had inquired about the increase in telephone and mobile connections, as well as the growth in Internet and broadband usage over the decade from 2014 to 2024. Additionally, they sought information on the rise in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the telecom sector during this period.

Significant Growth In Connections

As per Pemmasani's response, the number of telephone connections expanded from 933 million as of March 31, 2014, to approximately 1.198 billion by March 31, 2024. This represents a growth rate of 28.48 per cent, based on data from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) quarterly reports on telecom service performance indicators.

Similarly, mobile connections in the country witnessed a notable increase. From 904.5 million in 2014, the number rose to 1.165 billion by 2024, marking a 28.90 per cent growth rate over the decade.

Soaring Internet Subscriptions

The expansion in Internet usage has been even more remarkable. Internet subscriptions soared from 251.6 million in March 2014 to 954.4 million by March 2024, translating to a staggering 279.33 per cent growth rate.

Broadband subscriptions experienced an unprecedented surge, growing from 60.9 million to 924.1 million in the same period, reflecting a phenomenal growth rate of 1417.41 per cent.

FDI Inflows Into Telecom Sector

Highlighting the robust investment climate, Pemmasani also pointed out that the telecom sector has been a significant recipient of foreign direct investment. Between 2014 and 2024, the sector attracted FDI worth $25.16 billion, a substantial increase from $12 billion in the preceding decade.

This data underscores the rapid digital transformation occurring in India, driven by a substantial increase in connectivity and significant investment in the telecom infrastructure.