The Ultimate Guide to Internet Usage Statistics in India (2025 Edition)
India is a burgeoning digital economy with internet usage growing exponentially year after year. As one of the largest online markets in the world, understanding India’s internet usage patterns, statistics, and trends is crucial for businesses, policymakers, and researchers alike. This comprehensive article dives deep into the statistics surrounding internet users in India, breaking down urban vs. rural adoption, broadband penetration, mobile data consumption, and more.
Table of Contents
Overview of Internet Users in India
Urban vs. Rural Internet Usage
Mobile Internet Usage
Broadband Penetration and Growth
State-Wise Internet Penetration
Demographics of Internet Users in India
E-Commerce and Internet Usage
Challenges in Rural Connectivity
Future Trends and Projections
1. Overview of Internet Users in India
India boasts the second-largest population of internet users globally, with over 900 million internet users as of 2025. This number has grown significantly from just 100 million in 2010, showcasing a remarkable digital transformation.
Internet penetration rate: 65% of India’s population.
Annual growth: Internet users have grown at a rate of 8–10% annually over the last five years.
India is expected to cross the 1 billion internet users milestone by 2027, according to industry projections.
Key drivers of this growth include affordable mobile data, increased smartphone penetration, and government initiatives like Digital India.
2. Urban vs. Rural Internet Usage
The internet landscape in India is starkly divided between urban and rural areas.
Urban internet users: Account for approximately 55% of total internet users, with penetration rates as high as 88% in Tier-1 cities.
Rural internet users: Comprise around 45% of the user base, growing rapidly at a 16% annual rate.
Rural penetration: Currently stands at 37%, up from just 10% in 2015.
Despite urban areas dominating usage, rural India represents a massive growth opportunity, with government programs and private sector investments driving increased connectivity.
3. Mobile Internet Usage
Mobile phones dominate how Indians access the internet, thanks to affordable smartphones and cheap data plans.
Mobile internet users: Over 750 million, accounting for 83% of total internet users.
Data consumption: India is the world’s largest consumer of mobile data, with users averaging 20 GB per month per user in 2025.
Key enablers: Reliance Jio’s disruptive pricing and widespread availability of 4G networks have fueled this growth.
The introduction of 5G services in 2022 has further accelerated mobile data adoption, especially in metropolitan areas.
4. Broadband Penetration and Growth
While mobile dominates, broadband internet has also seen significant growth.
Broadband connections: Crossed 300 million subscriptions in 2025, a 20% year-on-year increase.
Fixed broadband penetration: Remains low at around 10% but is growing steadily due to fiber optic expansion by companies like JioFiber, Airtel Xstream, and BSNL.
Top cities for broadband: Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai lead broadband adoption, with penetration rates exceeding 50% in urban households.
5. State-Wise Internet Penetration
Internet usage is not evenly distributed across India, with some states showing significantly higher adoption rates than others.
Highest penetration: Kerala (82%), Delhi NCR (80%), and Goa (78%) lead in internet penetration.
Lowest penetration: States like Bihar (25%) and Uttar Pradesh (30%) lag due to lower literacy rates and infrastructure challenges.
Fastest growth: Northeastern states such as Assam and Meghalaya have shown the highest annual growth rates, exceeding 20% per year.
6. Demographics of Internet Users in India
Understanding the demographics of Indian internet users provides insights into usage patterns.
Gender divide:
Male users: 58%
Female users: 42%, a significant improvement from the 25% share a decade ago.
Age groups:
18–34 years: Largest segment, making up 65% of users.
35–54 years: Account for 25% of users.
55+ years: Smallest segment but growing steadily due to user-friendly apps and devices.
Education level: Internet usage is highest among individuals with a college degree or higher.
7. E-Commerce and Internet Usage
India’s thriving e-commerce sector is directly linked to internet growth.
Online shoppers: Over 400 million Indians made online purchases in 2025, a 30% increase from 2023.
Popular platforms: Flipkart, Amazon, and Myntra dominate, while new players like Meesho cater to rural and tier-2 cities.
Mobile commerce: Accounts for 70% of e-commerce transactions, thanks to seamless app experiences and UPI payment integration.
The rise of internet users in rural areas has opened new opportunities for e-commerce penetration.
8. Challenges in Rural Connectivity
Despite significant progress, several challenges persist in rural internet connectivity:
Infrastructure gaps: Lack of fiber optic networks and reliable electricity hampers connectivity.
Digital literacy: Only 27% of rural users are digitally literate, creating barriers to effective internet usage.
Affordability: While mobile data is cheap, smartphones and broadband services remain out of reach for many low-income households.
To address these challenges, the government has launched initiatives like BharatNet, aiming to connect 250,000 villages with high-speed internet.
9. Future Trends and Projections
The future of internet usage in India looks promising, with several trends shaping the digital landscape:
5G adoption: Expected to cover 70% of the population by 2027, driving innovations in AI, IoT, and cloud computing.
Digital payments: UPI transactions crossed 10 billion monthly in 2025, showcasing a shift towards a cashless economy.
Regional language content: Nearly 60% of internet content consumption happens in regional languages, catering to non-English-speaking users.
EdTech and HealthTech growth: Online education and telemedicine are expected to further increase rural internet adoption.
AI and automation: As businesses integrate AI-driven tools, demand for high-speed, low-latency internet will surge.
Conclusion
India’s internet revolution has reshaped the nation’s economy and society, bridging digital divides and opening up opportunities across demographics. With rapid advancements in connectivity, rural adoption, and digital services, India is poised to become a global leader in the digital economy.
For businesses, researchers, and policymakers, these statistics underline the immense potential of tapping into India’s vast and diverse online market. As we move towards a digitally inclusive future, the focus must remain on overcoming challenges and ensuring equitable internet access for all.
India, with its vast geography and diverse topography, faces a significant challenge in ensuring equitable internet access across all its regions. While the country has made tremendous strides in enhancing digital connectivity, a substantial number of villages still remain disconnected from the internet’s vast resources. This digital divide is more pronounced in certain states, particularly in remote and rural areas.
The Current State of Internet Connectivity in Indian Villages
Out of approximately 5.97 lakh villages in India, it’s estimated that around 25,067 villages lack mobile and internet connectivity. This situation highlights a significant gap in digital inclusion, impacting various aspects of life, from education to healthcare and economic opportunities.
Detailed State-Wise Data:
While comprehensive data for each Indian state is not readily available, here’s what we know about some states:
1. Odisha: Leads with the highest number of villages without internet access, totaling 6,099. 2. Arunachal Pradesh: A critical border state with 2,223 out of 3,035 villages lacking internet connectivity, which is over 73% of its villages. 3. Madhya Pradesh: 2,612 villages are yet to be connected to the internet. 4. Maharashtra: Has 2,328 villages without internet access. 5. Andhra Pradesh: Reports 1,787 villages without internet connectivity. 6. Jharkhand: Has 1,144 such villages. 7. Nagaland: Approximately 378 out of 1,400 villages lack high-speed mobile internet. 8. Mizoram: About 296 out of 704 villages are without high-speed mobile internet. 9. Ladakh: Of its 236 villages, 155 are still without high-speed internet. 10. Meghalaya: 2,418 out of 6,459 villages lack high-speed mobile internet.
States like Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Haryana have reported higher penetration of mobile services in their villages.
The Challenge Ahead
The figures indicate a significant digital divide, especially in rural areas. The Indian government, through various initiatives under the Universal Service Obligation Fund, is working to address this challenge. Projects like BharatNet aim to provide broadband connectivity to all gram panchayats, which could significantly improve the situation.
Moving Forward
Ensuring internet access in these unconnected villages is vital for achieving inclusive digital growth. It’s a large-scale endeavor that will require a multi-pronged approach, involving collaboration with government bodies, local communities, and organizations working towards digital inclusion.
As efforts continue to bridge this digital gap, it’s hoped that soon every village in India will be able to harness the power of the internet, opening up new avenues for growth and development across the nation.
This summary provides a glimpse into the current state of internet connectivity in rural India. For a more detailed understanding and latest updates, direct engagement with governmental sources and ongoing digital inclusion projects is recommended.
In today’s digital age, access to the internet and digital technologies has become increasingly crucial for personal, educational, and professional growth. However, India, despite its rapid technological advancements, continues to grapple with a significant digital divide. This digital divide, characterized by unequal access to technology and the internet, poses substantial challenges to the country’s development and socio-economic progress. In this blog post, we will delve into the factors contributing to the digital divide in India and explore the potential solutions to bridge this gap and foster inclusive connectivity.
Infrastructure Challenges:
One of the primary contributors to the digital divide in India is inadequate infrastructure, particularly in rural and remote areas. While major cities enjoy robust internet connectivity, the same cannot be said for many rural regions. Limited or nonexistent broadband infrastructure, lack of reliable electricity, and poor network coverage hinder access to the internet, leaving a significant portion of the population disconnected from the digital world.
Affordability and Accessibility:
Another key factor perpetuating the digital divide is the affordability and accessibility of digital devices and internet services. While the cost of smartphones and data plans has significantly reduced over the years, they still remain out of reach for many low-income households. Moreover, the lack of digital literacy and technical skills further exacerbates the accessibility challenge, making it difficult for individuals to take full advantage of the internet and digital technologies.
Gender Disparity:
Gender disparity is a significant dimension of the digital divide in India. Women, particularly in rural areas, face additional barriers due to societal and cultural norms, resulting in limited access to education and technological resources. Empowering women through digital literacy programs and ensuring their equal participation in the digital sphere is crucial to bridging the gender gap and fostering inclusive connectivity.
Government Initiatives:
Recognizing the importance of bridging the digital divide, the Indian government has taken several initiatives to promote digital inclusion. The Digital India campaign, launched in 2015, aims to provide digital infrastructure, affordable internet access, and digital literacy programs across the country. Additionally, initiatives like BharatNet, aiming to connect rural areas with high-speed internet, and Skill India, focusing on enhancing digital skills, are steps in the right direction.
Public-Private Partnerships:
Collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society organizations is vital to accelerate the efforts in bridging the digital divide. By fostering partnerships, innovative models can be developed to address infrastructure challenges, increase affordability, and provide digital literacy training. Corporate social responsibility initiatives from tech companies can also play a crucial role in narrowing the gap and ensuring access to digital resources for marginalized communities.
Conclusion:
The digital divide in India represents a significant obstacle to achieving an inclusive and equitable society. However, with concerted efforts and comprehensive strategies, it is possible to bridge this gap. By investing in robust infrastructure, promoting affordability, fostering digital literacy, and empowering marginalized groups, India can harness the power of technology to drive socio-economic growth and improve the quality of life for all its citizens. It is only through collective action and inclusive policies that India can truly realize its digital potential and pave the way for a digitally empowered nation.
Economic justice is the idea that the economy will be more successful if it is fairer, and that prosperity and justice go hand-in-hand rather than in opposition to one another. The goal is to create opportunities for all to thrive.
The idea strives to eliminate the inequality created by capitalism by creating equal opportunities for all members of the economy. Proponents argue that giving everyone a chance to earn a decent, fair income is good for the economy, as putting more money in pockets leads to greater spending on goods and services.
The digital divide is a term that refers to the gap between demographics and regions that have access to modern information and communications technology (ICT), and those that don’t or have restricted access. This technology can include the telephone, television, personal computers and internet connectivity.
To alleviate poverty and misery from this country – we have to ensure equal opportunity to access information for all. This means, connecting every last village with broadband Internet access. We are one of the youngest countries in the world with tremendous potential to not just uplift ourselves but to also raise the standards for this entire sub-continent. We rise despite our government, not because of it.
Digital Divide in India: Causes, Consequences and Solutions The digital divide is the gap between those who have access to and use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as the internet and mobile phones, and those who do not. The digital divide can have significant implications for social and economic development, as well as for individual empowerment and participation.
In this blog post, we will explore the digital divide in India, one of the world’s largest and fastest-growing online markets, but also one of the most unequal and diverse. We will look at the causes, consequences and solutions of the digital divide in India, based on various sources of data and research.
Causes of the digital divide in India:
The digital divide in India is influenced by multiple factors, such as:
Geography: India is a vast country with diverse terrain and climatic conditions, which pose challenges for building and maintaining ICT infrastructure. Rural areas, especially in remote or hilly regions, often lack adequate connectivity, electricity, and network coverage. According to the National Family Health Survey 2019–21 (NFHS), only 36.5% of rural households had access to the internet, compared to 62.4% of urban households.
Gender: Women in India face various socio-cultural barriers that limit their access to and use of ICTs, such as lack of education, mobility, decision-making power, safety, and privacy. The NFHS reported that only 33.3% of women had ever used the internet, compared to 57.1% of men. The gender gap was present across all states and was wider in rural areas than in urban areas.
Income: Affordability is a major constraint for accessing and using ICTs in India, where a large proportion of the population lives below the poverty line or on low incomes. The cost of devices, data plans, and other services can be prohibitive for many people, especially in rural areas where incomes are lower and livelihoods are more vulnerable. According to the World Bank, only 14% of the poorest 20% of households in India had internet access in 2017, compared to 72% of the richest 20%.
Literacy: Digital literacy is the ability to use ICTs effectively and safely for various purposes. It requires basic literacy skills as well as technical skills and awareness. In India, where the literacy rate is 77.7%, according to the 2021 census, many people lack the necessary skills and knowledge to access and use ICTs. Moreover, language is another barrier, as most online content and services are in English or other dominant languages, while many people speak regional or local languages. Consequences of the digital divide in India The digital divide in India has serious implications for various aspects of development and well-being, such as:
Education: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of online education as a mode of learning and teaching during lockdowns and school closures. However, many students and teachers in India lack access to online platforms or devices, or face issues such as low bandwidth, frequent power cuts, or poor quality content. This affects their learning outcomes and opportunities, especially for disadvantaged groups such as girls, Dalits, Adivasis, and minorities.
Health: ICTs can play a vital role in improving health outcomes and services by providing information, awareness, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, and telemedicine. However, many people in India are unable to access or use these benefits due to lack of connectivity, affordability, or digital literacy. This affects their health status and access to quality care, especially for rural populations, women, children, elderly, and people with disabilities.
Economy: ICTs can boost economic growth and productivity by enabling innovation, entrepreneurship, e-commerce, e-governance, and financial inclusion. However, many people in India are excluded from these opportunities due to lack of access or use of ICTs. This affects their income generation and employment prospects, especially for informal workers, small businesses, farmers, and artisans.
Society: ICTs can enhance social inclusion and participation by enabling communication, information sharing, networking, advocacy, and civic engagement. However, many people in India are marginalized or silenced due to lack of access or use of ICTs. This affects their voice and agency, especially for women, minorities, activists, and journalists. Solutions for the digital divide in India The digital divide in India is a complex and multidimensional problem that requires concerted and collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, such as:
Government: The government has a key role in creating an enabling policy and regulatory environment for ICT development and diffusion, as well as providing public infrastructure, services, and subsidies to ensure universal and affordable access and use of ICTs. Some of the government initiatives in this regard include the BharatNet project, the Digital India programme, the National Digital Literacy Mission, and the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan.
Private sector: The private sector has a crucial role in innovating and investing in ICT products, solutions, and platforms that cater to the diverse and dynamic needs and preferences of the Indian market, as well as ensuring quality, reliability, and security of their offerings. Some of the private sector initiatives in this regard include the Jio network, the Google Internet Saathi programme, the Facebook Express Wi-Fi project, and the Microsoft Project ReWeave.
Civil society: The civil society has a vital role in advocating and raising awareness about the importance and benefits of ICTs, as well as providing training, support, and resources to enhance digital literacy and skills among various segments of the population, especially the marginalized and vulnerable groups. Some of the civil society initiatives in this regard include the Digital Empowerment Foundation, the Internet Freedom Foundation, the Pratham Education Foundation, and the Barefoot College. Conclusion
The digital divide in India is a major challenge that needs to be addressed urgently and effectively. ICTs have the potential to transform India’s development and well-being, but only if they are accessible and usable by all. By bridging the digital divide, India can unleash its human and social capital, and achieve its vision of a digitally inclusive and empowered society.
In today’s interconnected world, access to the internet has become an essential tool for social, economic, and educational opportunities. These are what make our society and people flourish, grow, and expand their horizons. However, despite the significant advancements in technology and connectivity, a persistent gender gap in internet access continues to exist. This essay delves into the reasons behind this disparity and highlights the importance of bridging the gender gap in internet access to foster equality and empower women worldwide.
The Gender Gap in Internet Access: Across the globe, women face barriers and challenges that limit their access to the internet. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), women are on average 12% less likely to have internet access than men. This gender disparity is more prominent in developing countries and marginalized communities, where social, cultural, and economic factors intersect to create additional barriers.
Socio-cultural Factors: Deep-rooted gender norms and societal expectations often restrict women’s access to technology and the internet. Discriminatory social attitudes, such as cultural beliefs about women’s roles and responsibilities, contribute to the gender gap. In some cultures, women are expected to prioritize household duties over accessing the internet, limiting their digital literacy and participation.
Economic Disparities: Economic disparities play a significant role in limiting women’s access to the internet. In many societies, women face unequal employment opportunities and lower wages, making it challenging to afford internet-enabled devices and connectivity. Additionally, the lack of financial independence and control over resources further restricts women’s ability to access and utilize the internet.
Education and Digital Literacy:Limited access to education and digital literacy programs exacerbates the breach. Gender bias in educational opportunities, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, hampers women’s ability to acquire digital skills. This lack of technical proficiency prevents women from fully utilizing the internet’s potential, including online job opportunities, entrepreneurship, and educational resources.
Gender gap of Internet access in India
In India, there has been a significant gender gap in internet access, although the situation has been gradually improving. According to various reports, women in India have faced lower internet penetration rates and digital literacy levels compared to men.
One of the contributing factors to the gender gap in internet access in India is the imbalance in education and literacy rates. Historically, women in certain regions of India have been less literate, which can limit their ability to make good use of and benefit from internet services. Additionally, cultural and social norms, such as restricted mobility or limited access to digital devices, have also affected women’s internet access.
Efforts have been made to address these problems and bridge the gap in internet access in India. The government has launched initiatives like Digital India, which aims to provide affordable internet access and digital services to all citizens, including women. Non-profit organizations and community-based projects have also been working to improve digital literacy among women and provide them with the necessary skills to access and utilize the internet effectively.
Despite the efforts and advances made, this space between men and women’s net access is still grave. Ongoing endeavors to promote digital literacy, affordability, and gender balance in the digital space are crucial to ensuring that women have equal opportunities to access and benefit from this technology that is so vital in our times in India.
Digital India
Digital India is a government project commenced by the Government of India with the vision to transform the country into a digitally empowered society and a knowledge economy. Launched in 2015, it aims to provide digital infrastructure and literacy, as well as deliver various online services to the people of the nation.
The project focuses on three key areas: the creation of said infrastructure, including the provision of high-speed internet connectivity to rural areas; delivering government services digitally to enhance efficiency and transparency; and promoting digital literacy to empower citizens with digital skills.
Despite its ambitious goals, Digital India has faced several criticisms. Some critics argue that the project primarily benefits urban areas, leaving rural and marginalized communities behind in terms of access to the aforementioned infrastructure and services. The digital divide, the gap between those who have access to digital technologies and those who do not, remains a pressing perturbation.
Privacy and data safety have also been raised as concerns. The increasing digitization of services poses questions about the collection, storage, and usage of citizens’ personal information. Commentators argue that the government needs to ensure robust data protection laws and mechanisms to protect the people’s privacy.
Moreover, skeptics question the efficacy and implementation of various digital enterprises under Digital India. They highlight issues such as lack of internet connectivity in remote areas, inadequate digital literacy programs, and technological challenges faced by the population, particularly older individuals and those with limited resources.
While Digital India has made significant progress in improving access to digital services and infrastructure, addressing these criticisms is crucial to ensure inclusive and equitable digital transformation across the nation.
How can Internet access aid women?
Internet access can be tremendously helpful to women in various ways; it can bring about new chances, knowledge, people, connectivity, and even something as simple as a discount. Here are some ways in which internet access can be beneficent to women:
Education: The internet provides access to a fountain of educational resources, including online courses, tutorials, and research materials. Women can use the internet to enhance their knowledge, pursue distance learning, acquire new skills, and overcome barriers to education. It offers opportunities for lifelong learning and personal development.
Employment and Entrepreneurship: The internet has opened up avenues for remote work, freelance opportunities, and online entrepreneurship. Women can leverage internet platforms to find jobs, build professional networks, and create their own businesses. With the plethora of ways to market them on the net, these businesses can enlarge their audience and spread. It also provides them with flexible work options and financial independence.
Information and Awareness: The internet serves as a valuable source of information on various topics, including health, legal rights, financial literacy, and social issues. Women can access critical information and resources to make informed decisions about their health, well-being, and rights. Online platforms and communities also facilitate sharing experiences, raising awareness, and advocating for gender equality and women’s rights.
Social Connections and Support: Internet access enables women to connect with others, fostering social networks and support systems. Online platforms, social media, and discussion forums offer spaces for women to engage, share experiences, seek advice, and find solidarity with others facing similar challenges. It can combat isolation and provide emotional support.
Access to Services: The internet can facilitate access to essential services, especially in areas where they may be limited. Women can get reach to healthcare information, telemedicine services, and connect with doctors remotely. Online banking and financial services enable access to financial resources and empower women to manage their finances more independently.
Civic Engagement and Activism: Internet access provides a platform for women to engage in civic participation, express their opinions, and advocate for social and political causes. Women can use social media, online petitions, and digital platforms to raise awareness, mobilize communities, and influence change. It amplifies their voices and enables collective action.
Personal Development and Entertainment: The internet offers a wide range of resources for personal growth, hobbies, and entertainment. Women can view content related to their interests, explore creative outlets, and find inspiration through online communities, blogs, videos, and podcasts, as well as give that inspiration to others.
Internet access can bridge gaps, break down barriers, and empower women to participate more fully in society. It plays a crucial role in promoting gender equality, enabling women to access information, resources, and opportunities that were previously inaccessible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bridging the gender gap in internet access is crucial for empowering women and promoting gender equality. The internet provides women with valuable tools, resources, and opportunities that can transform their lives. Through improved digital literacy, enhanced infrastructure, affordable access, and efforts to address cultural barriers, we can create a more inclusive digital society.
The availability of internet resources enables women to access education, employment, and entrepreneurial opportunities. It provides them with information, awareness, and support on critical issues. Women can connect with others, foster social networks, and engage in civic participation. The internet empowers women to make informed decisions, pursue personal development, and access essential services.
However, achieving meaningful progress requires collective action. Governments, organizations, communities, and individuals must work together to promote digital literacy, affordability, and gender equality. By ensuring that women have equal opportunities to access and benefit from the internet, we can unlock their potential, amplify their voices, and create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
