India has improved its digital infrastructure, which led to a four-position increase in its global Network Readiness Index 2025 (NRI 2025) ranking that now places the country at 45th out of 127 nations.
Report highlights technological, human, and government advancements
The report, published by Portulans Institute as an independent research organisation based in Washington, DC, showed that India has expanded its digital capabilities through technological development, human resources and government operations and their resulting effects.
The country’s score increased from 53.63 in 2024 to 54.43 in 2025 because the country made real progress in building better infrastructure and creating better access solutions, and developing more effective regulations.
India leads in key digital indicators globally
The report ranks India as a global leader in several key indicators. The country has achieved first place in annual investment for telecommunication services and scientific publications about artificial intelligence, and exports of information and communication technology services and its laws for e-commerce.
The country holds second place for fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) subscriptions and mobile broadband internet traffic and international internet bandwidth, while it holds third place for domestic market scale and income equality, IANS reported.
The rankings show that India has made progress in improving its digital connectivity, while the country now excels in critical digital economic sectors.
According to Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, India possesses the lowest data costs worldwide while its citizens use the most data because of its strong infrastructure and widespread mobile phone usage.
BSNL powers 4G and 5G network expansion nationwide
India currently has more than 120 million mobile users, which leads to the fast growth of digital networks throughout the country. The government will provide 4G internet service to all villages by June 2026 because it wants to reduce the digital gap between rural and urban areas.
BSNL, India’s state-run telecom operator, has played a critical role in this expansion. The company has built 97068 4G sites, and currently 93511 of these sites are functioning.
The upcoming months will see all 4G towers being transformed into 5G infrastructure. The network will experience improved speed and reliable operation through this upgrade, which will allow citizens and businesses to access contemporary digital services.
The 5G service deployment process has achieved remarkable success. The 5G network provides coverage to all states and union territories, which includes 99.9 per cent of districts.
Telecom service providers have established more than 5.08 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) throughout both rural and urban regions to deliver high-speed internet, low-latency solutions and advanced technologies such as AI, IoT and cloud computing.
Digital transformation spurs economic growth and innovation
Experts identify these advancements as drivers of India’s digital transformation. Higher network readiness means better access to online education, e-governance, digital healthcare, and financial services.
The startup ecosystem and tech industry, together with MSMEs, now have fresh chances to develop groundbreaking solutions that will help them connect with worldwide markets.
The report also highlights India’s performance relative to its income level. India ranks second in network readiness among lower-middle-income countries because its digital infrastructure exceeds performance expectations.
The achievement results from effective policy support, which enables intelligent technology investment and rising digital competency among the population.
The Indian government aims to achieve digital empowerment through its NRI 2025 program, which demonstrates its dedication to this goal.
The combination of expanding 4G and 5G networks, low-cost internet access, and increasing use of AI and ICT services will enable India to become a global digital leader. This advancement will benefit millions of citizens while creating new economic development prospects.
With inputs from the agency.
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