India is leading the charge in 5G adoption and generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) use, according to the 2024 Ericsson ConsumerLab Report, “Elevating 5G with Differentiated Connectivity.” The study, based on a survey of over 2,000 active 5G users across India’s Tier 1-3 cities, highlights the nation’s rapid digital transformation and readiness to embrace next-generation technologies.
Representing a massive 180 million urban consumers, the report underscores India’s growing influence in the global tech landscape.
India’s 5G adoption continues to grow, with satisfaction rates among users climbing from 48 per cent in 2023 to 57 per cent in 2024. This rise is especially pronounced in Tier 3 cities, where user experiences now rival global benchmarks for fixed wireless access and fibre internet. Enhanced availability and performance have helped close connectivity gaps in less-penetrated areas, making high-quality 5G more accessible to users nationwide.
The report also notes a significant appetite for premium connectivity services. With the live events sector booming, many users highlight issues with network quality in crowded venues like cricket matches and tourist hotspots. Interestingly, one in six users is willing to pay 20 per cent more on their monthly bills for assured connectivity in such environments, opening opportunities for telecom operators to introduce premium subscription plans.
The study reveals India’s global leadership in generative AI adoption, with twice as many Indian users engaging with daily GenAI applications compared to the US. Around 21 per cent of respondents use four or more AI-powered apps, ranging from writing tools and personalised shopping assistants to advanced photo and video editors. This trend reflects India’s evolving consumer demands for smarter, more responsive digital tools.
AI-powered features are now a key priority for Indian smartphone users. Nearly a third (32 per cent) of respondents prioritise AI capabilities over traditional features like camera quality when selecting their next 5G-enabled device. This shift indicates a growing preference for intelligent technology that enhances everyday tasks.
The rise of GenAI apps, wearable devices, and applications like real-time 3D content generation is expected to reshape India’s mobile traffic patterns. Uplink traffic is set to surge, pushing the need for robust 5G infrastructure. To manage the growing data demands, the report forecasts the adoption of semantic compression technologies, particularly as AR glasses and hybrid computing devices gain popularity.
Additionally, Indian consumers are increasingly willing to pay for connectivity with performance guarantees. Around 40 per cent of respondents expressed interest in reallocating 12 per cent of their app spending toward enhanced connectivity services, creating opportunities for telecom providers to offer premium features like low-latency and high-reliability network tiers.
With its thriving 5G ecosystem and rapid GenAI adoption, India is well-positioned to shape the future of global connectivity and digital innovation.
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India leads the world in 5G users and genAI adoption, finds Ericsson study
