New Delhi, February 7 – India’s telecom industry has witnessed a massive drop in calling and data costs over the past decade, with calling rates plummeting by 94% since 2014, according to Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Scindia highlighted that in 2014, the cost of making a one-minute phone call was 50 paise, whereas today, it has dropped to just 3 paise per minute. This dramatic reduction in tariffs is largely due to industry-wide restructuring, particularly after Reliance Jio’s disruptive entry into the market with free calling and affordable data plans.
📉 Internet & Mobile Penetration Surges
Scindia further emphasized the unprecedented growth in mobile and internet users over the past decade:
📱 Mobile Subscribers:
✔️ 2014: 90 crore (900 million)
✔️ 2024: 116 crore (1.16 billion)
🌐 Internet Users:
✔️ 2014: 25 crore (250 million)
✔️ 2024: 97.44 crore (974 million)
The four-fold rise in internet subscribers showcases India’s rapid digital expansion, driven by affordable data plans and increasing smartphone adoption.
📉 Data Costs Drop by 93% Since 2014
📊 Cost of 1GB Data:
✔️ 2014: ₹270 per GB
✔️ 2024: ₹9.70 per GB
This 93% reduction has played a crucial role in India’s digital transformation, making internet access more affordable for millions.
📡 5G Deployment & Tariff Adjustments
While telecom costs have drastically fallen, Scindia acknowledged a recent 10% hike in tariffs, attributing it to the ₹4.5 lakh crore (₹4.5 trillion) investment in 5G infrastructure. He stressed that telecom operators need a reasonable return on their investment to continue advancing India’s digital connectivity.
Despite the slight increase in tariffs, India still boasts some of the world’s most affordable mobile and data services.
📢 Final Thoughts: India’s Telecom Revolution Continues
The Indian telecom sector has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. The sharp decline in mobile and data costs, coupled with exponential internet growth, has accelerated digital inclusion across the country.
With the expansion of 5G and continuous technological advancements, India’s telecom industry is set to scale even greater heights in the coming years.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
