India Mobile Subscriptions
Mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 people IT.CEL.SETS.P2
India's mobile subscriptions was 78.80 in 2025, ranked 169th globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
India's mobile subscriptions stood at 78.80 in 2025, a decline of +1.76 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 78.80 by 2025. India ranked 169th globally.
India's mobile subscription coverage has shown a steady increase over the past five decades, from a negligible 0.00 in 1960 to an all-time peak of 85.97 in 2017. However, the country's mobile penetration rate declined to 78.80 in 2025, ranking it 169th globally. This represents a significant drop from its peak, with India now lagging behind several peer countries, including Pakistan, which boasts a higher mobile subscription rate of 81.82. Cuba ranks closely behind India with 79.30 mobile subscriptions. The decline in India's mobile subscription rate is a concerning trend, particularly given the country's large and growing youth population, which could potentially drive mobile adoption. A significant improvement in internet connectivity and digital infrastructure in rural areas is crucial to reverse this trend and propel India's mobile subscription rate back towards its peak levels.
Data & projection
| Year | Mobile Subscriptions | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 78.13 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 78.80 | - | - |
| 2025 | 78.80 | −1.76 | #169 |
| 2023 | 80.56 | +0.38 | #136 |
| 2022 | 80.18 | −1.42 | #168 |
| 2021 | 81.60 | −0.65 | #167 |
| 2020 | 82.25 | −0.64 | #164 |
| 2019 | 82.90 | −2.65 | #163 |
| 2018 | 85.55 | −0.42 | #149 |
| 2017 | 85.97 | +2.05 | #151 |
| 2016 | 83.92 | +8.54 | #150 |
| 2015 | 75.38 | +3.44 | #164 |
| 2014 | 71.94 | +3.54 | #158 |
| 2013 | 68.40 | +0.77 | #159 |
| 2012 | 67.63 | −3.25 | #157 |
| 2011 | 70.87 | +10.38 | #143 |
| 2010 | 60.49 | +17.64 | #150 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
India matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2010. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw mobile subscriptions improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
India's mobile subscriptions was 78.80 in 2025. Ranked 169th globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from the previous year.
India's mobile subscriptions peaked at 85.97 in 2017.
The lowest mobile subscriptions in India was 0.00 in 1960.
India ranks 169th globally in mobile subscriptions as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.CEL.SETS.P2. Data sourced from World Bank.
India's mobile subscriptions is projected to reach 78.80 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The mobile subscriptions of India in 2025 was 78.80. This ranks 169th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_india_mobile-subscriptions,
title = {India Mobile Subscriptions},
url = {https://historysaid.com/india/mobile-subscriptions/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}