India Sets Benchmark in 5G Adoption and Digital Infrastructure, Says GSMA Chair
GSMA Chair Gopal Vittal highlights Indias rapid 5G adoption and digital infrastructure as a model for global connectivity growth.
New Delhi, October 14 (Daily Kiran) : Gopal Vittal, Chair of the GSMA, stated on Wednesday that India’s swift adoption of 5G technology and its deployment of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) exemplify how inclusive development can be driven by scale, talent, and ambition. He emphasized that working under global standards and enhancing collaboration among various markets can accelerate innovation, build trust, and ensure that the benefits of connectivity extend worldwide.
The GSMA board convened last week in New Delhi to set priorities for the next phase of connectivity. According to a statement, India is currently a leader in mobile connectivity, boasting 1.2 billion active connections, including 450 million 5G connections. These advancements are bolstering India’s growing digital economy. The GSMA board also had the opportunity to meet with key leaders from the government and industry, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Globally, mobile technologies and services generated an economic value of $6 trillion in 2025, accounting for 6.4% of global GDP. This contribution is projected to rise to $11.3 trillion by 2030.
As discussions continue around the rapid adoption of 5G across various markets, focus has shifted to how sustainable market structures can support investments in new technologies. Advanced capabilities, such as network slicing, are also being explored for their potential to create value in the broader economy.
It is estimated that by 2030, 57% of all mobile connections will be based on 5G technology. Operators are expected to invest $1.2 trillion in network expansion and upgrades between 2025 and 2030.
The GSMA noted that India’s accelerated rollout of 5G is a significant example of progress made possible through continuous investment and a clear market vision. Vivek Badrinath, the GSMA’s Director General, remarked, “India is a solid example of the benefits that arise when policy reforms enable greater investment in mobile infrastructure. Mobile connectivity is creating new opportunities for businesses, communities, and economies in India and worldwide.”
He further stated that the next priority is to translate the rapid expansion of 5G into real value while ensuring that more individuals can access and benefit from the digital economy. Achieving this will require ongoing investment, collaborative policies, and better coordination within a broader ecosystem.
The board also discussed the rising global threat of online fraud, prompting the GSMA to prioritize fraud prevention across the industry under its “United Against Scams” initiative.
