RT team
In India, more than 95% of villages now enjoy internet access through 3G or 4G mobile networks. According to recent figures released by the Ministry of Communication, of approximately 644,000 villages across the country, around 613,000 are connected to the internet as of April this year. The data also highlights that, out of India’s total internet population of 954.4 million users, rural areas contribute over 398.3 million.
The Ministry further reported a significant growth in the total number of internet subscribers, which has increased at a compounded annual growth rate of 14.26% over the past decade. This increase spans across villages as well as tier-2 and tier-3 cities. In addition, India has seen a dramatic improvement in its global ranking for average internet download speed. From a rank of 130 in 2014, India now stands at 16th place, boasting an average download speed of 105.85 Mbps.
To support this growth, the Ministry of Communication is investing in various technology-driven initiatives and innovation schemes, including TIDE 2.0, GENESIS, and the Centres of Excellence, along with the Next Generation Incubation Scheme. These efforts are aimed at further enhancing connectivity and fostering technological advancements throughout the country.
