Data Costs Fall 97 Per Cent Since 2014, Internet Users Rise Four-Fold

India’s internet ecosystem has changed significantly over the past 12 years, with the cost of mobile data dropping by about 97 per cent and the number of internet users increasing more than four times. According to an official document released on Wednesday to mark 12 years of the Narendra Modi government, the cost of 1 GB of data has fallen to around Rs 8-10 in 2026 from Rs 269 in 2014, contributing to higher internet usage across the country, particularly in rural areas.

The document also cited the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s report, titled Estimation and Measurement of India’s Digital Economy, which tracks the sector’s contribution to the economy.

The document has mentioned that internet subscriptions have increased to 103 crore as of December 2025 from around 25 crore in 2014. Broadband connections have also expanded sharply, rising from about six crore to nearly 100 crore during the same period.

Internet Access Expands

The drop in data costs has helped promote internet access throughout regions. The document has stated that lower costs have led to more data consumption in rural areas compared to urban centres, thereby leading to the improvement in accessing information, online services, and digital platforms in rural areas.

It mentioned that the presence of 103 crore internet connections reflects deeper digital reach and more affordable connectivity. Higher internet penetration has supported communication, education, entertainment and online transactions.

Broadband connections have also grown significantly, rising from six crore in 2014 to nearly 100 crore in 2025, indicating a sharp expansion in high-speed internet availability.

Digital Economy Expands Sharply

The increasing internet usage has helped to drive the digital economy by providing growth in e-commerce, digital services and online platforms. These developments have contributed to economic activity and employment generation, according to the document.

Citing the report, the document presented that India’s digital economy was estimated at Rs 31.64 lakh crore, or around $402 billion, in 2022-23. It accounted for 11.74 per cent of national income in that period.

The report further projected that the digital economy could grow nearly twice as fast as the overall economy and may contribute close to one-fifth of national income by 2030.

Mobile phone exports have also grown significantly, rising to Rs 2.6 lakh crore from Rs 0.016 lakh crore in 2014.

Aadhaar Enrolment Crosses 144 Crore

The document also noted a sharp rise in Aadhaar enrolments. The total number of Aadhaar cards generated has crossed 144 crore, compared to 61.01 crore in 2014.

It has been added that the expansion of digital identity systems, along with wider internet access and growing digital services, reflects increased adoption of technology-driven platforms across the country over the past decade.