India targets one billion 5G users by 2030, eyes global 6G leadership

Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia outlined an ambitious roadmap for India's digital future on Thursday, announcing plans to expand the country's 5G user base from the current 550 million to one billion by 2030. Speaking at the inauguration of the 10th India Mobile Congress in 2026, Scindia highlighted India's rapid adoption of 5G technology, describing it as the fastest-adopted 5G rollout globally. "We have 550 million users on 5G today, but we will not rest here," the minister said, emphasising the government's commitment to universal coverage.

India's trajectory in telecom technology has markedly improved since its experience with 4G, when the nation lagged behind global standards. Scindia noted that India kept pace with international progress during 5G deployment and is now poised to take a leadership position in 6G development. "We were behind the world in 4G. We marched with the world on 5G. But it is our resolve that we will lead the world on 6G," he stated.

The government's 6G ambitions are being advanced through the Bharat 6G Alliance, a consortium comprising 90 institutions that has already generated significant intellectual property. The alliance has established 7,700 patents to date, with 4,400 having international recognition. This patent portfolio underscores India's growing technological capacity in next-generation telecommunications infrastructure.