The internet penetration rate in India rose over 55 percent in 2025, from about 14 percent in 2014. Although these figures seem relatively low, it meant that more than half of the population of 1.4 billion people had internet access that year. This also ranked the country second in the world in terms of active internet users. Internet availability and accessibility By 2021, the number of internet connections across the country tripled with urban areas accounting for a higher density of connections than rural regions. Despite incredibly low internet prices, internet usage in India has yet to reach its full potential. Lack of awareness and a tangible gender gap lie at the heart of the matter, with affordable mobile handsets and mobile internet connections presenting only a partial solution. Reliance Jio was the popular choice among Indian internet subscribers, offering them wider coverage at cheap rates. Digital living Home to one of the largest bases of netizens in the world, India is abuzz with internet activities being carried out every moment of every day. From information and research to shopping and entertainment to living in smart homes, Indians have welcomed digital living with open arms. Among these, social media usage was one of the most common reasons for accessing the internet.

The number of mobile internet users in India increased by 15.39 percent in 2020. A steady decline in new users is expected in the coming years with the growth rate for 2025 estimated at 5.14 percent.

As a country with a population of over *** billion, India had around *** million active internet users in 2022. It was estimated that in 2025, the number of active internet users would surpass *** million. Although there was a gap between the percentage of urban and rural active internet users, it has been narrowing with development.

As of February 2025, China ranked first among the countries with the most internet users worldwide. The world's most populated country had 1.11 billion internet users, more than triple the third-ranked United States, with just around 322 million internet users. Overall, all BRIC markets had over two billion internet users, accounting for four of the ten countries with more than 100 million internet users. Worldwide internet usage As of October 2024, there were more than five billion internet users worldwide. There are, however, stark differences in user distribution according to region. Eastern Asia is home to 1.34 billion internet users, while African and Middle Eastern regions had lower user figures. Moreover, the urban areas showed a higher percentage of internet access than rural areas. Internet use in China China ranks first in the list of countries with the most internet users. Due to its ongoing and fast-paced economic development and a cultural inclination towards technology, more than a billion of the estimated 1.4 billion population in China are online. As of the third quarter of 2023, around 87 percent of Chinese internet users stated using WeChat, the most popular social network in the country. On average, Chinese internet users spent five hours and 33 minutes online daily.

While Indians between 12 and 34 years dominated internet use from 2013 to 2019 with about 65 percent of the total market, this was projected to change by 2025. Between 2019 and 2025, it was estimated that age group 35 years and older would make up ** percent of internet usage in India. Gender and internet Among the total internet users in the country, it was found that only about ** percent were female users. While this was expected to change to ** percent male users and ** percent female users by 2020, it still showed a gender gap in internet accessibility in the south-Asian country. While several factors lead to this digital gender gap, economic and socio-cultural barriers stand out as the most compelling reasons. Older Indians part of digitalization The median age of India’s population was around 27 years in 2015, echoing the range of the country’s majority internet user base. The estimated shift, however, in the years to come would be the successful efforts towards digitalizing India. If done right, this would propel older adults to adopt and master new media technologies in their daily activities beyond social media and communication, including the use of financial services.

As of February 2025, 5.56 billion individuals worldwide were internet users, which amounted to 67.9 percent of the global population. Of this total, 5.24 billion, or 63.9 percent of the world's population, were social media users. Global internet usage Connecting billions of people worldwide, the internet is a core pillar of the modern information society. Northern Europe ranked first among worldwide regions by the share of the population using the internet in 20254. In The Netherlands, Norway and Saudi Arabia, 99 percent of the population used the internet as of February 2025. North Korea was at the opposite end of the spectrum, with virtually no internet usage penetration among the general population, ranking last worldwide. Eastern Asia was home to the largest number of online users worldwide – over 1.34 billion at the latest count. Southern Asia ranked second, with around 1.2 billion internet users. China, India, and the United States rank ahead of other countries worldwide by the number of internet users. Worldwide internet user demographics As of 2024, the share of female internet users worldwide was 65 percent, five percent less than that of men. Gender disparity in internet usage was bigger in African countries, with around a ten percent difference. Worldwide regions, like the Commonwealth of Independent States and Europe, showed a smaller usage gap between these two genders. As of 2024, global internet usage was higher among individuals between 15 and 24 years old across all regions, with young people in Europe representing the most significant usage penetration, 98 percent. In comparison, the worldwide average for the age group 15–24 years was 79 percent. The income level of the countries was also an essential factor for internet access, as 93 percent of the population of the countries with high income reportedly used the internet, as opposed to only 27 percent of the low-income markets.

Individuals using the Internet (% of population) in India was reported at 55.9 % in 2022, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Individuals using the Internet (% of population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

Internet Subscribers (Urban vs Rural) refers to the distribution of internet users in India based on their geographic location. Urban subscribers are those living in cities and towns with relatively better network infrastructure, higher broadband penetration, and greater access to digital services. Rural subscribers are located in villages and remote areas, where connectivity often depends on mobile internet and may face challenges like limited network coverage, lower broadband speeds, and affordability issues. This classification helps assess how internet access is spread across different regions of the country. The urban–rural internet subscriber ratio is a critical indicator of the digital divide in India. A higher concentration of urban subscribers reflects the disparity in infrastructure, affordability, and digital literacy between urban and rural areas. Closing this gap is essential for ensuring inclusive growth, enabling rural populations to benefit from e-governance, digital payments, telemedicine, online education, and market access. Tracking these figures helps policymakers and telecom operators design targeted interventions—such as BharatNet and rural 4G/5G rollouts—to improve connectivity in underserved areas. Balanced internet penetration supports socio-economic development, bridges inequalities, and strengthens India’s vision of a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

The number of internet users in India was forecast to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by in total ***** million users (+***** percent). After the fifteenth consecutive increasing year, the number of users is estimated to reach *** billion users and therefore a new peak in 2029. Notably, the number of internet users of was continuously increasing over the past years.Depicted is the estimated number of individuals in the country or region at hand, that use the internet. As the datasource clarifies, connection quality and usage frequency are distinct aspects, not taken into account here.The shown data are an excerpt of Statista's Key Market Indicators (KMI). The KMI are a collection of primary and secondary indicators on the macro-economic, demographic and technological environment in up to *** countries and regions worldwide. All indicators are sourced from international and national statistical offices, trade associations and the trade press and they are processed to generate comparable data sets (see supplementary notes under details for more information).Find more key insights for the number of internet users in countries like Nepal and Pakistan.

Fixed broadband subscriptions in India was reported at 39480000 in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. India - Fixed broadband Internet subscribers - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

India Internet Usage: Search Engine Market Share: Desktop: PrivacyWall data was reported at 0.030 % in 16 May 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.030 % for 15 May 2025. India Internet Usage: Search Engine Market Share: Desktop: PrivacyWall data is updated daily, averaging 0.010 % from Jul 2024 (Median) to 16 May 2025, with 307 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.050 % in 04 May 2025 and a record low of 0.000 % in 12 Mar 2025. India Internet Usage: Search Engine Market Share: Desktop: PrivacyWall data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statcounter Global Stats. The data is categorized under Global Database’s India – Table IN.SC.IU: Internet Usage: Search Engine Market Share.

India Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Tablet: Kobo data was reported at 0.000 % in 05 Feb 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 0.000 % for 04 Feb 2025. India Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Tablet: Kobo data is updated daily, averaging 0.000 % from Jan 2025 (Median) to 05 Feb 2025, with 9 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 0.060 % in 01 Feb 2025 and a record low of 0.000 % in 05 Feb 2025. India Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share: Tablet: Kobo data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Statcounter Global Stats. The data is categorized under Global Database’s India – Table IN.SC.IU: Internet Usage: Device Vendor Market Share.

As of February 2025, around 322 million people in the United States accessed the internet, making it one of the largest online markets worldwide. The country currently ranks third after China and India by the online audience size. Overview of internet usage in the United States The digital population in the United States has constantly increased in recent years. Among the most common reasons is the growing accessibility of broadband internet. A big part of the country's digital audience accesses the web via mobile phones. In 2024, the country saw an estimated 97.1 percent mobile internet user penetration. According to a 2024 survey, over 51 percent of U.S. women and 43 percent of men said it is important to them to have mobile internet access anywhere, at any time. Another 41 percent of respondents could not imagine their everyday life without the internet. Google and YouTube are the most visited websites in the country, while music, food, and drinks were the most discussed online topics. Internet usage demographics in the United States While some users can no longer imagine their life without the internet, others do not use it at all. According to 2021 data, 25 percent of U.S. adults 65 and older reported not using the internet. Despite this, online usage was strong across other age groups, especially young adults aged 18 to 49. This age group also reported the highest percentage of smartphone usage in the country as of 2023. Due to a persistent lack of connectivity in rural areas, more online users were based in urban areas of the U.S. than in the countryside.

In order to gauge consumer usage trends and revenue efficiency, the telecommunications sector uses key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Monthly Wireless ARPU, Minutes per Subscriber per Month, and Internet Telephony Minutes. For telecom carriers, ARPU (Average income Per User), which represents the average monthly income generated per wireless subscriber, is a crucial indicator of profitability and long-term viability. Minutes per Subscriber per Month provides information about customer engagement, dependence on traditional voice services, and overall service utilization by showing the average number of voice minutes used by each subscriber over the course of a month. The degree to which customers are switching from traditional voice calls to VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) services is captured by Internet Telephony Minutes, which is crucial for comprehending how communication habits are evolving due to internet penetration and app-based calling platforms. Because these indicators assist telecom firms in assessing income streams, detecting changes in customer preferences (from traditional phone to data-based services), optimizing pricing strategies, and making well-informed decisions regarding network investments, tracking them is extremely significant. Policymakers and regulators also keep an eye on these indicators to evaluate the state of the industry, service affordability, and the general trends in an economy's use of digital technology.

The Indian internet backbone market is poised for significant growth through 2029, driven by increasing internet penetration, rising smartphone adoption, and the expanding digital economy. The market's Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2025-2033, while not explicitly stated, is likely to be robust, mirroring global trends and India's unique digital landscape. Factors such as government initiatives promoting digital infrastructure, increasing investments in 5G technology, and the surge in data consumption across both urban and rural areas will fuel this expansion. While challenges remain, such as infrastructure gaps in remote areas and cybersecurity concerns, the overall trajectory points to substantial market expansion. Competition among infrastructure providers, including both domestic and international players, is expected to intensify, leading to increased efficiency and affordability for consumers. The segment breakdown will likely show strong growth in applications related to streaming services, e-commerce, and online education, while the types of infrastructure will see a continued shift towards higher-capacity fiber optic networks and cloud-based solutions. By 2029, the market is projected to reach a considerable size, reflecting India's position as a rapidly developing digital market. The growth will be regionally diverse, with major metropolitan areas witnessing faster adoption and consequently higher market penetration than rural areas. However, government initiatives focusing on bridging the digital divide will significantly impact the growth trajectory in less developed regions. Specific segments within the market, such as data center infrastructure and network security solutions, will experience above-average growth, fueled by the increasing demand for secure and reliable internet connectivity. Understanding these market dynamics is crucial for businesses and investors looking to capitalize on the immense potential of the Indian internet backbone market. Successful strategies will require agility, adaptation to changing technologies, and a focus on meeting the unique needs of the Indian market.

Internet Service Market Outlook

The global Internet Service Market is poised for significant growth, with a market size expected to reach approximately USD 1.5 trillion by 2032, up from USD 800 billion in 2023, reflecting a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 7%. This growth is driven by several factors, including the increasing demand for high-speed internet connections, the proliferation of smart devices, and the rising popularity of cloud-based applications and services. As digital transformation continues to sweep across industries and consumer behaviors evolve, the need for reliable and fast internet services is more critical than ever, precipitating a surge in market demand.

The expansion of digital infrastructure is a significant growth factor for the Internet Service Market. Governments and private entities worldwide are making substantial investments to upgrade and expand internet infrastructure, such as laying down fiber optics and enhancing satellite capabilities, to achieve broader coverage and higher speeds. These investments are particularly vital in emerging economies, where internet penetration is still growing. The rollout of 5G technology is another major factor, as it promises to revolutionize connectivity by offering unprecedented speeds and low latency, enabling new applications and services that were previously not feasible. The increasing demand for internet services in rural and underserved areas further fuels market growth, as service providers strive to cater to untapped markets.

Consumer behavior shifts are also playing a pivotal role in driving the Internet Service Market. With the rise of remote working, online education, and digital entertainment, the need for fast and reliable internet has become essential for daily life. Video conferencing, virtual events, and cloud computing have become commonplace, requiring robust internet connections to function effectively. Additionally, the boom in streaming services and online gaming has led to increased internet consumption, encouraging service providers to offer more data and higher speeds. As more people become reliant on digital platforms for communication, work, and entertainment, the demand for enhanced internet services is expected to continue its upward trajectory.

Technological advancements are another crucial driver of the Internet Service Market. Innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and machine learning are transforming how internet services are delivered and consumed. These technologies require high-speed, low-latency connections to operate optimally, leading to increased demand for advanced internet solutions. Moreover, the rise of smart cities initiatives, which aim to leverage digital technologies to improve urban living, is further propelling the market. As cities become more connected, the need for reliable internet services to support smart infrastructure and applications becomes increasingly urgent.

Regionally, North America leads the Internet Service Market, driven by high internet penetration rates, advanced technological infrastructure, and a significant base of tech-savvy consumers. However, other regions are quickly catching up. Asia Pacific, in particular, is experiencing rapid growth due to increasing internet adoption, especially in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations. The region's large population and burgeoning middle class present enormous opportunities for market expansion. Meanwhile, Europe continues to invest in digital infrastructure to enhance connectivity, while Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are focusing on expanding access to underserved areas to boost internet penetration and support economic development.

Connection Type Analysis

The Internet Service Market is segmented by connection type, comprising fiber, DSL, cable, satellite, and others. Fiber-optic connections are gaining prominence due to their ability to provide high-speed, reliable internet with low latency. This technology is particularly appealing in urban areas, where demand for fast internet is highest. The increasing availability of fiber infrastructure has led to its growing adoption, supported by government initiatives and private investments aimed at facilitating digital connectivity. The preference for fiber is expected to continue growing as more consumers and businesses require high-performance internet for data-intensive applications.

DSL, or Digital Subscriber Line, remains a popular choice, especially in areas where fiber deployment is not feasible due to geographical or economic constrai

As of February 2025, China ranked first with around 1.11 billion internet users, followed by India with 624 million internet users. China and India were not only leading within the Asia Pacific region, but had the highest number of internet users worldwide. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region had the largest number of internet users globally, however, internet penetration in Asia was still below the global average. Internet usage patterns in APAC The Philippines leads the region in average daily time spent using the internet in the Asia Pacific region, at around nine hours online each day. In emerging markets like Thailand, China, Indonesia, and the Philippines, over 60 percent of online time occurs on mobile devices. In contrast, users in more developed markets such as South Korea, Singapore, and Australia tend to have a more balanced distribution of internet time between mobile and desktop. In Japan, internet users reported spending around 57 percent of online time on computers, compared to around 43 percent on mobile devices. This contrast highlights the diversity of internet usage behaviors across the Asia-Pacific region, shaped by varying levels of digital infrastructure, economic development, and consumer preferences. Mobile internet development in APAC Mobile internet has experienced significant growth worldwide and in the Asia-Pacific region throughout recent years. Since 2015, the number of mobile internet subscribers in APAC has doubled. At the same time, mobile internet download speeds in APAC have improved markedly, with countries like South Korea, China, and Singapore leading the region in performance. As a result, mobile internet user penetration across APAC was forecasted to increase steadily through 2030.

Social Networking Market Outlook

The global social networking market size is anticipated to expand significantly from USD 88.8 billion in 2023 to USD 177.3 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.0% over the forecast period. This remarkable growth trajectory is propelled by the ever-increasing penetration of smartphones, the proliferation of internet access, and a heightened focus on digital social interactions. The integration of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Augmented Reality (AR) into social networking platforms is also enhancing user engagement levels, thus fostering market expansion. As the world becomes more digital, individuals and enterprises alike are increasingly seeking platforms that offer seamless communication, real-time updates, and personalized experiences.

A key growth factor of the social networking market is the continuous rise in internet adoption rates across the globe. As more regions gain access to the internet, the potential user base for social networking platforms expands correspondingly. Internet penetration has especially surged in developing countries, fueled by affordable smartphone availability and government initiatives aimed at improving digital infrastructure. This has allowed social networking platforms to tap into previously inaccessible markets, thereby driving user growth and engagement. Furthermore, as the digital economy grows, social networking sites are increasingly seen as essential tools for marketing, branding, and customer engagement, prompting businesses to invest heavily in these platforms to reach their target audiences effectively.

The evolution of user preferences towards visual and real-time content is another significant growth driver. Platforms that offer video sharing, live streaming, and ephemeral content have seen substantial increases in user engagement. This shift is largely driven by younger demographics who favor interactive and dynamic content over static text-based updates. Social networking platforms are capitalizing on this trend by incorporating features such as stories, reels, and live broadcasts, which not only enhance the user experience but also open up new revenue streams through advertising and partnerships. The ability of these platforms to innovate and adapt to changing user preferences is pivotal in maintaining user interest and ensuring long-term growth.

The increasing importance of data analytics and targeted advertising also plays a vital role in market growth. Social networking platforms provide businesses with unprecedented access to consumer data, allowing for highly personalized advertising strategies. This capability for precise targeting makes social networking advertising an attractive option for companies looking to maximize their marketing ROI. Moreover, advancements in AI and machine learning are further refining these targeting capabilities, enabling platforms to offer even more sophisticated and effective advertising solutions. As a result, advertising revenues for social networking platforms continue to rise, contributing significantly to overall market growth.

Regionally, North America and Asia Pacific are leading the charge in social networking market expansion. North America, with its technology-savvy population and high internet penetration rates, remains a dominant force, driven by continuous innovation and strategic partnerships within the industry. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific is witnessing rapid growth, fueled by the increasing number of internet users and the widespread adoption of smartphones. Emerging economies in this region, particularly China and India, are becoming key markets for social networking platforms looking to capitalize on vast, untapped user bases. Europe also presents substantial opportunities, with a focus on privacy and data protection driving innovation and compliance in social networking applications. In contrast, the Middle East & Africa and Latin America are gradually catching up, with improvements in digital infrastructure and connectivity.

Platform Type Analysis

The social networking market is segmented into various platform types, including social media, professional networking, dating, and others. Each platform type plays a crucial role in the overall market landscape, catering to different user needs and preferences. Social media platforms remain the most popular segment, driven by their ability to connect people across the globe and facilitate the sharing of personal experiences through text, photos, and videos. These platforms have evolved significantly over the years, incorporating features such as live streamin

India Internet Statistics: Number of Subscribers: Wired: More than or Equal to 512 Kbps: Broadband data was reported at 41,390,000.000 Unit in Mar 2025. This records an increase from the previous number of 41,190,000.000 Unit for Dec 2024. India Internet Statistics: Number of Subscribers: Wired: More than or Equal to 512 Kbps: Broadband data is updated quarterly, averaging 18,715,000.000 Unit from Dec 2013 (Median) to Mar 2025, with 46 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 43,620,000.000 Unit in Sep 2024 and a record low of 14,540,000.000 Unit in Dec 2013. India Internet Statistics: Number of Subscribers: Wired: More than or Equal to 512 Kbps: Broadband data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Transportation, Post and Telecom Sector – Table IN.TE040: Internet Statistics: Number of Subscribers.

People who have an active high-speed internet connection that satisfies the minimum speed requirements set by the regulatory body are referred to as broadband subscribers. In India, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) defines broadband as an internet connection with a download speed of 512 kbps or higher. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), cable modem, fibre-optic, wireless, satellite, and mobile broadband (3G, 4G, and 5G) are some of the technologies that can be used to deliver broadband services. One of the most important metrics for evaluating the penetration of digital infrastructure is the number of subscribers, which can be expressed in terms of landline and wireless users.