Affordable Internet and Wider 5G Access Transform India’s Digital Economy

Affordable Internet and Wider 5G Access Transform India’s Digital Economy

Mumbai, Sep 11: India’s digital journey has undergone a major transformation over the past decade, with affordable internet and wider connectivity bringing millions of people into the digital economy.

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia highlighted the scale of this change at the Global Fintech Fest, saying broadband access has grown from just around 6 crore people 10 years ago to more than 102 crore today.

At the same time, the cost of data has dropped sharply from about Rs 287 per GB to just Rs 9 per GB. The steep fall in data prices has made internet access more affordable for households and businesses and has helped India emerge as one of the most cost-effective digital markets globally.

The impact of this transformation goes beyond simply accessing the internet. Affordable connectivity is making it easier for people to use digital payments, online banking, e-commerce, education platforms and government services. For small businesses, entrepreneurs and startups, wider internet access is also creating new ways to reach customers and participate in the growing digital marketplace.

India’s rapid expansion of 5G connectivity has further strengthened this digital ecosystem. The country began rolling out 5G services in 2022, and within 26 months, 5G network capability had reached 99.9 per cent of India’s districts, covering around 85 per cent of the population. The rollout involved a capital expenditure of about Rs 4,500 crore.

The growing network is also taking digital opportunities beyond major cities. As villages and smaller communities become connected, more people are gaining the ability to participate in digital financial services, online commerce and other technology-driven activities.

For India’s fintech sector, wider and cheaper connectivity provides a stronger foundation for innovation and inclusion. It can help bring more consumers, merchants and rural communities into formal digital systems while giving businesses access to a much larger potential customer base.

The transformation also reflects a broader shift in India’s digital economy—from connectivity being available to a limited section of society to becoming an increasingly accessible tool for everyday life, financial services and economic opportunity.

As more villages and communities come online, the benefits of India’s digital growth are reaching a wider population, strengthening the foundation for a more connected and inclusive economy.