Telecom: The country to have 77 crore 5 G consumers by 2028, people using an average of 40 GB of data every month
New Delhi| The number of 5 G consumers in the country will increase 2.65 times to around 77 crore in the next three years, that is, by 2028. Right now they number 29 crores. According to Nokia’s annual Mobile Broadband Index report, 2024 marked a three-fold year-on-year increase in the use of 5 G data across India. The average monthly 5 G data consumption per customer increased to 40 GB in December, 2024. Consumption of 4 G and 5 G data combined grew at an annual growth rate of 19.5 percent in five years to 27.5 GB in 2024, the report said.
According to the report, data consumption is increasing as 5 G fixed wireless access (FWA) continues to grow. FWA customers are now consuming 12 times more data than average users. This change is being due to new services in both residential and commercial sectors.
90 percent of phones to be replaced will be 5 G
The 5 G equipment landscape in India is changing rapidly. The number of active 5 G devices doubled to reach 27.1 crore in 2024. Of the number of older smartphones that will be replaced in 2025, 90 percent will be 5 G. The capabilities of 5 G Advanced will serve as the basis for the shift to 6 G.
Continued decline in consumption of 4 G data
Monthly consumption of 5 G data will be higher than 4 G by the first quarter of 2026 nationwide. This growth is being led by Category B and C circles. Consumption in these circles has increased by 3.4 times and 3.2 times respectively. 5 G data usage in metro circles now accounts for 43 per cent of total mobile broadband data, up from 20 per cent in 2023. The use of 4 G data is steadily decreasing.
Difference found in sales data and actual vehicle registration of Ola Electric, now investigation will be done
New Delhi. The government has directed an investigation against the company after finding a difference between the sales data given by electric two-wheeler manufacturer Ola Electric and the actual vehicle registration. Additionally, many consumers have also complained against the company.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries has directed the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) to investigate both the cases against the company and submit the report within 15 days, sources said on Thursday. Indeed, Ola Electric registered the total number of registrations for February on the vehicle portal at 8,652, while the company reported sales of more than 25,000 units during this time. The company’s registrations on the vehicle portal were 11,781 as of March 20. Ola is a beneficiary of FAME-2 and PM e-Drive schemes promoting electric EVs. Sources said, it is the responsibility of ARAI to ensure compliance with the instructions of PM e-Drive Scheme. At the same time, he will also investigate the discrepancy in the company’s sales figures and consumer complaints.
