The Digital Divide in India: Why This Mission Matters
Despite India’s rapid digital progress, millions of people remain disconnected from the internet, limiting their access to education, jobs, and healthcare. The numbers paint a stark picture:
Over 400 million people in India still lack access to the internet.
70% of rural India has no reliable broadband connectivity.
85% of jobs now require digital skills, but millions in villages are left behind.
Farmers with internet access earn up to 30% more than those without.
Telemedicine could reduce rural healthcare costs by 50%, yet remains inaccessible to most remote communities.
For many, the internet is more than a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Yet, in India’s most isolated villages, connectivity is still a dream.
That’s where Muft Internet comes in.
For the past 10 years, Muft Internet has been on a mission to connect the unconnected, working in some of India’s most challenging socio-economic terrains, from the rugged landscapes of Ladakh to the dense forests of Northeast India.
With a bold vision to bring connectivity to the country’s most remote corners, Muft Internet has already linked over 200 villages to the world wide web—often becoming the first-ever internet provider in these communities.
Now, the company is setting its sights higher: connecting 25,000 villages by 2030.
This ambitious expansion will be powered by a unique, community-driven model—training local micro-entrepreneurs to build, run, and manage their own internet networks. By empowering locals with skills, resources, and ownership, Muft Internet is ensuring that rural connectivity is not just introduced but sustained for generations to come.
From Isolation to Innovation: The Story of Sangti Village, Arunachal Pradesh
Nestled in the remote mountains of Arunachal Pradesh, Sangti Village was, until recently, completely cut off from the digital world. With no reliable internet, students had no access to online education, farmers struggled to get real-time weather updates and market prices, and healthcare remained a challenge due to limited access to telemedicine.
That changed when Muft Internet arrived and started training locals. Within weeks, Sangti became one of the first digitally connected villages in the region.
Education: Students, who previously had to rely on limited school resources, now access online courses, digital libraries, and virtual classrooms, leveling the playing field with urban learners.
Livelihoods: Farmers now use the internet to check crop prices, learn modern farming techniques, and connect with buyers directly, improving their incomes.
Healthcare: Telemedicine has made it possible for villagers to consult doctors online, reducing the need for long and expensive trips to distant hospitals.
“We never imagined we could have internet here in the mountains. Now, our children are learning from YouTube, and we can sell our crops at the right price,” says Dorjee Thapa, a local farmer.
But perhaps the most remarkable impact is how the network is run. Muft Internet trained a local entrepreneur, Tsonam, to manage the community’s internet service. Tsonam now earns a stable income while ensuring his village stays connected—a sustainable model that empowers locals while expanding digital access.
Across 200+ villages, similar transformations are taking place—young entrepreneurs are launching online businesses, communities are gaining digital literacy, and villages once isolated are now part of India’s growing digital economy.
Beyond Villages: Connecting the Most Remote Corners of India
While Muft Internet is transforming villages like Sangti, its mission extends far beyond rural heartlands—it’s bringing connectivity to some of the most extreme and isolated locations in the world, including Hanle and Stok in Ladakh.
Hanle: Bringing Internet to One of the World’s Highest Astronomical Observatories
Hanle, a remote village in Ladakh at an altitude of 4,500 meters (14,700 feet), is home to the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO), one of the highest observatories in the world. Despite its scientific importance, internet access was almost non-existent—making research collaboration and data sharing incredibly difficult.
Muft Internet stepped in to bridge this digital gap, bringing high-speed internet to Hanle. Today, researchers at the IAO can communicate with global scientific communities in real time, transfer massive astronomical data files seamlessly, and collaborate on space research like never before.
But the impact of connectivity extends beyond the observatory—Hanle’s local communities, students, and businesses now have access to the digital world, enabling better education, online commerce, and telehealth services.
“For years, our research was slowed down by poor connectivity. Now, we can collaborate globally without limitations,” says a scientist from the Indian Astronomical Observatory.
Stok: Enabling Education and Sustainable Tourism in a High-Altitude Desert
Stok, another breathtaking yet isolated region in Ladakh, faced significant challenges due to its remoteness. The local school lacked digital learning resources, businesses struggled without online visibility, and medical consultations were nearly impossible.
Muft Internet brought high-speed internet to Stok, unlocking new opportunities for the community:
Education: Students now have access to online courses, digital libraries, and e-learning platforms, bridging the education gap between urban and rural areas.
Tourism: Stok is a major trekking destination, and internet access has helped local homestays, trekking guides, and small businesses attract more visitors through online bookings and reviews.
Healthcare: Residents now have access to telemedicine, allowing them to consult doctors remotely without traveling long distances.
“Our students can now dream bigger, learn more, and stay connected to the world outside our valley,” shares a teacher from Stok village.
By connecting Hanle, Stok, and other high-altitude regions, Muft Internet is proving that no place is too remote for digital transformation.
The Future: 25,000 Villages, Thousands of Micro-ISP Entrepreneurs
By 2030, Muft Internet plans to connect 25,000 villages, but they aren’t doing it alone. Instead of simply installing networks, they are building a new generation of rural digital entrepreneurs.
Training Local Micro-Entrepreneurs: Muft Internet teaches locals how to set up, manage, and maintain their own internet networks—turning them into business owners and digital enablers.
Creating Sustainable Connectivity: By making local entrepreneurs responsible for their networks, Muft Internet ensures long-term affordability and maintenance without dependency on external providers.
Scaling Impact Beyond Internet Access: These micro-entrepreneurs generate income, provide employment, and strengthen local economies while expanding digital access.
“We are not just bringing the internet; we are bringing self-reliance and economic empowerment. When a village gets online, a micro-entrepreneur benefits, jobs are created, and a local economy grows,” explains Jinesh Parekh
About MuftInternet
Muft Internet is India’s fastest-growing rural broadband provider, pioneering internet access in the country’s most remote villages for the past 10 years. By leveraging innovative technology and community-driven solutions, the company is committed to making connectivity a reality for all.
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.
In 2024, the internet has become far more than a mere convenience—it is the gateway to knowledge, opportunity, and advancement. Yet, in the remote reaches of India, countless children are being raised in a digital vacuum, their classrooms disconnected from the vast global network that their urban counterparts navigate daily. This is not just a failure in technological infrastructure; it is a profound social crisis that threatens to widen the already deep chasm between the privileged and the marginalized.
Consider a school where the internet is a concept rather than a reality—where students are aware of the limitless resources available online, yet remain confined to outdated textbooks and narrow perspectives. In urban centers, children immerse themselves in virtual classrooms, accessing the latest information and global dialogues with a click. Meanwhile, in these isolated regions, students are left behind, their potential stifled by circumstances they cannot control. The tragedy lies not only in the absence of technology but in the futures that are being quietly extinguished, the aspirations that are being systematically suffocated.
The lack of internet access in these schools is more than a simple infrastructure gap—it is a deliberate denial of opportunity, a force that quietly perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality. It robs an entire generation of their right to education, their right to compete, and their right to imagine a better future. As we explore the social repercussions of this exclusion, the real question emerges: How can a society hope to progress when so many of its children are left in the shadows? This is not merely a technological issue; it is a matter of justice, equality, and the fundamental right to a brighter future.
Children’s Education: A World of Missed Opportunities
For children in remote Indian schools, the absence of internet access translates into a world of missed educational opportunities. In urban areas, students have the luxury of supplementing their traditional education with online resources, e-learning tools, and virtual classrooms. They can access the latest information, engage with interactive content, and connect with peers and experts from around the world. However, their rural counterparts, constrained by outdated textbooks and limited resources, remain disconnected from this vast world of knowledge.
Without internet access, students in these remote areas miss out on the chance to explore a broader curriculum, access diverse learning materials, and engage in activities that could ignite their creativity and curiosity. The internet provides a platform for interactive learning, where students can watch educational videos, participate in global discussions, and even learn new skills through online courses. The lack of these opportunities not only puts them at a disadvantage academically but also limits their ability to develop critical thinking skills and adaptability—qualities that are essential in today’s fast-evolving world.
Teachers: Struggling to Stay Current and Effective
The challenges posed by the lack of internet access extend beyond the students to their teachers. In today’s educational landscape, continuous professional development is crucial for teachers to stay updated with the latest teaching methods, tools, and resources. The internet offers a wealth of opportunities for teachers to enhance their skills, whether through online training courses, webinars, or collaborative platforms where they can share ideas and best practices with their peers.
In remote Indian schools, however, teachers are often left isolated, unable to participate in these opportunities for professional growth. They lack access to online teaching resources that could help them bring more creativity and engagement into their classrooms. Furthermore, without internet access, teachers cannot easily stay informed about the latest educational trends or tailor their teaching strategies to meet the diverse needs of their students.
The result is a growing disparity between the quality of education provided in urban and rural schools. While urban teachers benefit from continuous access to new ideas and methodologies, their rural counterparts struggle to keep pace, often relying on traditional and outdated teaching methods. This gap in teacher training and effectiveness directly impacts the students, who are deprived of the innovative and dynamic learning environments that could better prepare them for the future.
Administrative Challenges: Inefficiency and Inequality
The absence of internet access also has significant implications for the administrative side of education. School administrators in remote areas face numerous challenges in managing their institutions effectively. From maintaining records to communicating with education departments and managing resources, the lack of digital tools makes these tasks cumbersome and time-consuming.
In urban areas, digital platforms streamline administrative work, making it easier for schools to track student progress, manage finances, and ensure compliance with educational policies. However, in rural schools, administrators are often forced to rely on manual processes, which are not only inefficient but also prone to errors. This inefficiency can lead to delays in crucial areas such as the distribution of resources, implementation of educational programs, and even the timely disbursement of funds.
Moreover, the lack of connectivity means that rural schools are often left out of the loop when it comes to important announcements, policy updates, and new initiatives from education authorities. This further exacerbates the inequalities between urban and rural schools, as the latter struggle to stay informed and comply with the latest regulations and standards.
The Urgent Need for Connectivity
Addressing the lack of internet access in remote Indian schools is not just a matter of improving educational outcomes—it is a matter of equity and social justice. The digital divide is creating a two-tiered education system, where the opportunities available to students, teachers, and administrators are heavily influenced by geography. Without intervention, this divide will continue to widen, entrenching inequality and limiting the potential of millions of children.
To bridge this gap, a concerted effort is needed from all stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and local communities. Investments in digital infrastructure are crucial to ensure that even the most remote schools are connected to the internet. Public-private partnerships could play a key role in providing affordable internet access and equipping schools with the necessary digital tools.
For teachers, access to online training and resources could transform their ability to deliver high-quality education, even in challenging environments. For administrators, digital platforms could streamline their work, allowing them to focus more on improving educational outcomes rather than being bogged down by paperwork.
In 2024, the lack of internet access in remote Indian schools remains a significant hindrance to educational progress. It is a barrier that affects not just students, but also teachers and administrators, perpetuating a cycle of inequality that threatens the future of these communities. By taking decisive action to address this issue, we can ensure that every child, regardless of where they live, has the opportunity to benefit from the wealth of knowledge and resources available online. The time to bridge the digital divide is now—before it leaves a lasting scar on the fabric of Indian society.
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.
