In India, digital transformation has already become a tangible reality for millions of people. The latest TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) report, published in the spring of 2025, demonstrates record figures for the amount of time the country’s residents spend online. Why do these indicators attract analysts’ attention, and what do they reveal about the future of Indian society?
Record Figures
In March 2025, the average time an Indian spent online reached 16.6 hours per month. The TRAI study highlights that compared to the previous year, this figure increased by 3.91%, when the average time was 963 minutes. Now it has reached 1,000 minutes per user per month. The number of internet users also continues to grow and is estimated at 969 million people. To better understand the scale of digitalization, here are the key figures:
- 969 million internet users as of March 2025;
- 16.6 hours — average monthly time spent online;
- 3.91% — annual growth in usage time.
These data reflect not only quantitative changes but also shape new trends in digital activity within society. For example, an increasing number of residents are using social networks, food delivery services, or streaming platforms. The number of online gaming enthusiasts and, especially, iGaming sector entertainment fans is growing. According to an analysis of search queries, major international online casinos Pin Up and 1win are emerging as market leaders. According to the Melbet India website, Melbet is rapidly catching up with the leaders. All this points to great prospects for the digital entertainment market and the interest of major global brands in this sector.
City and Village: Who Is Connected to the Internet?
Internet penetration in India continues to show steady growth, but there remains a significant gap between urban and rural regions. According to TRAI, there are 68.63 subscribers with internet access per 100 inhabitants in the country. In cities, this figure is much higher and reaches 110.79 subscribers per 100 people. In rural areas, penetration is only 45.03 per 100 inhabitants.
Why does this gap remain so significant even against the backdrop of overall digitalization? Many experts associate the imbalance with infrastructural and socio-economic features. Networks are built faster in cities, and the levels of education and income are higher, while development in villages proceeds more slowly. This clearly illustrates how the digital divide poses new challenges for Indian society.
A study of regional indicators reveals interesting features. The highest rate of user growth in internet services was recorded in the state of Odisha, where annual growth amounted to 4.24%. In Karnataka, this figure reaches 2.98%. At the same time, the Kolkata service area faced a decrease in the number of subscribers by 3.78%. Such differences reflect the influence of economic, cultural, and technological factors. TRAI representatives emphasize that leading regions show interest not only in infrastructural investments but also in digital literacy initiatives for the population. In a number of states, the launch of new educational and business platforms has become a significant incentive for involving residents in the online space.
More About the Number of Subscribers
As of March 2025, the total subscriber base of the telecommunications sector reached 1.2 billion people, including users of mobile and fixed-line services. Private operators occupy a dominant position: their share is 91.47%, while state-owned companies control only 8.53% of the market. In terms of dynamics, the number of wireless access (SIM card) subscribers grew to 939 million, with an annual increase of 2.87%.
The number of fixed-line users is also increasing and amounts to 37 million, corresponding to a growth of 9.62%. For clarity of terminology, it should be noted that the MoU (Minutes of Usage) indicator reflects the average number of minutes spent online by a subscriber per month.
Changes in the Telecom Sector
Despite the overall growth of the subscriber base, the country’s teledensity slightly decreased: from 85.69% to 85.04% over the year. Experts associate this trend with market saturation and a shift in user interest towards mobile internet and digital platforms.
For businesses and educational institutions, these changes mean the need to implement new solutions focused on the online audience. In rural regions, the internet is becoming an essential tool for access to distance education, medical consultations, and electronic services. On the other hand, the growth of digitalization requires the development of infrastructure and improving digital literacy among the population.
How the Role of the Internet in India Is Changing
Against the backdrop of global trends, India demonstrates dynamics comparable to the largest countries in Asia. According to analysts, in the coming years, further growth in the number of users and an increase in time spent online can be expected. Along with this, new challenges arise related to data security, protection of personal information, and the need to reduce the digital divide. Indian experts believe that the development of the internet will become a catalyst for reforms in education, healthcare, and the economy. However, sustainable development will require a comprehensive approach.
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