India has officially surpassed the United States to become the second-largest market globally for 5G smartphones, trailing only behind China. This significant milestone, driven by a rapid surge in device adoption, solidifies India’s position as a dominant force in the global telecom race.
The achievement is primarily based on 5G smartphone shipment volumes in the first half of 2024 (H1 2024), where India’s market share climbed to 13% of global shipments, pushing the US, with a 10% share, into the third position. China remains the undisputed global leader with a 32% share.
India’s exponential growth is largely attributed to the “democratization” of 5G technology, fueled by the aggressive launch of affordable devices.
- Mass-Market Adoption: Brands like Xiaomi, Vivo, and Samsung have successfully flooded the market with budget-segment 5G handsets. This made 5G connectivity an accessible upgrade option for consumers in emerging markets.
- Record Shipment Growth: India registered a massive 60% year-on-year growth in 5G smartphone shipments in H1 2024—the fastest growth rate among all major global markets.
- 5G Network Expansion: The rapid and extensive rollout of 5G networks by major Indian telecom operators (Jio and Airtel) has provided the necessary infrastructure to support this massive increase in device usage.
While this data focuses on 5G smartphone shipments, the overall 5G subscriber base is also experiencing explosive growth. Government and industry estimates indicate that India’s total 5G user base is already in the hundreds of millions, underscoring the nation’s rapid transition from 4G dominance to next-generation connectivity.
The shift is a clear signal of India’s transformation into a major digital powerhouse, with fast and affordable internet access becoming an integral part of daily life for millions.
