# More than 95 percent villages in India have 3G/4G internet access with mobile connectivity
New Delhi: In a landmark achievement for digital connectivity in India, the Ministry of Communication has announced that more than 95 percent of the country’s villages now have access to the internet through 3G or 4G mobile networks. As of April 2024, out of approximately 644,000 villages across the nation, nearly 613,000 are equipped with internet connectivity.
This extensive coverage reflects a significant boost in rural internet access. Out of the total 954 million internet subscribers in India, over 398 million are from rural regions, underscoring the growing digital inclusion in these areas.
The surge in internet subscriptions in India has been remarkable. Over the past decade, the number of internet users has increased at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 14.26 percent.
This growth is evident from the rise in subscriptions from approximately 251 million ten years ago to the current total of 954 million, which includes users in both rural areas and tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
In addition to improved connectivity, India has made significant strides in internet speed. The country’s ranking in average internet download speed has jumped 114 positions, moving from 130th place in 2014 to 16th place this year.
The average download speed now stands at 105.85 megabits per second, highlighting the enhanced quality of internet services available.
The Ministry of Communication attributes these advancements to various technology-led initiatives and innovation schemes. These include TIDE 2.0 (Technology Incubation and Development of Entrepreneurs), GENESIS (Generating Employment and Start-ups in the New Economy), and the Next Generation Incubation Scheme.
These programs are designed to support technological innovation and foster the growth of startups, further driving digital progress across the country.
