India Wireless Data Usage Surges to 77,953 PB as 5G Accounts for 42.75%; ARPU Rises to Rs 196

Why It Matters

The surge in 5G traffic and rising ARPU signal stronger monetisation of data services, reshaping revenue dynamics for Indian telcos. Faster data adoption accelerates investment cycles and positions India as a key growth market for network equipment vendors and digital services.

Key Takeaways

• Data usage hit 77,953 PB, up 6.3% QoQ
• 5G contributed 42.75% of traffic, overtaking 4G share
• Wireless ARPU rose to Rs 196 (~$2.36), YoY 7.15%
• Private operators' ARPU stayed above Rs 204 (~$2.46), higher than public
• Data services now account for 85.6% of telecom revenue

Pulse Analysis

India’s telecom landscape is undergoing a rapid data‑driven transformation, as evidenced by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s latest figures. Total wireless data usage climbed to 77,953 petabytes, a 6.3% increase from the previous quarter, while the subscriber base edged past the 1.02 billion mark. The most striking development is the rise of 5G, now responsible for 42.75% of all mobile traffic, narrowing the gap with 4G’s 57.09% share. This shift reflects aggressive spectrum allocations and aggressive rollout strategies by both private and state‑run operators, positioning India among the world’s fastest‑adopting 5G markets.

Revenue dynamics are evolving in tandem with traffic patterns. The average revenue per user (ARPU) rose to Rs 196 per month—approximately $2.36—up 7.15% year‑on‑year, driven primarily by data consumption. Private operators continue to out‑perform public sector players, posting an ARPU of roughly Rs 204 (~$2.47) versus the public average of Rs 92 (~$1.11). Nonetheless, public operators posted a higher growth rate, indicating a narrowing revenue gap as they expand 5G footprints and bundle value‑added services. The prepaid segment still dominates the subscriber mix, though its share slipped marginally to 90.14%.

The broader implication for the industry is clear: data services now account for 85.6% of total wireless revenue, relegating voice and SMS to peripheral roles. This reallocation of revenue streams encourages operators to invest further in high‑speed broadband, edge computing, and digital ecosystems. For equipment manufacturers, cloud providers, and fintech firms, India’s accelerating 5G adoption offers a fertile ground for partnerships and new product rollouts. As consumer appetite for mobile video, gaming, and enterprise connectivity grows, the market is poised for sustained ARPU growth and deeper monetisation of the data‑heavy user base.