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India's mobile data usage rises 8.3% as average cost per GB falls

India's mobile data usage increased by 8.3% to 84,424 petabytes in the April–June 2026 quarter, up from 77,953 petabytes in the previous quarter, according…

India's mobile data usage increased by 8.3% to 84,424 petabytes in the April–June 2026 quarter, up from 77,953 petabytes in the previous quarter, according to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). During the same period, the average cost per gigabyte of wireless data dropped 5.1% to Rs 7.13 from Rs 7.51, TRAI's latest report shows.

The rise in data consumption coincided with a steady decline in data prices, reflecting increased affordability for mobile users. The average mobile data subscriber used 28.39 GB per month in the June quarter, a 6.3% increase from 26.70 GB in the January–March quarter. Since September 2024, total mobile data usage has grown from 56,174 petabytes to 84,424 petabytes, while the average amount paid per GB fell from Rs 9.08 to Rs 7.13, according to TRAI's Indian Telecom Services Performance Indicators report for April–June 2026.

This trend highlights growing mobile internet penetration and data consumption in India, driven by competitive pricing and expanding network coverage. The decline in average data prices contrasts with rising usage, indicating improved value for consumers. Jio and Airtel remain the top providers in this expanding market, which is witnessing broadband connections surpassing 1.10 billion, according to recent TRAI data.

TRAI's report for the first quarter of fiscal year 2027 confirms these figures, underscoring the ongoing growth in India's digital connectivity. The average monthly data usage per subscriber has steadily climbed over the last two years, marking a significant shift in mobile internet consumption patterns.

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