India has climbed 11 places to secure the 49th position in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024, improving from its 60th rank in 2023. The annual report, released by the Portulans Institute, evaluates 133 economies on their performance in Technology, People, Governance, and Impact, using 54 variables.
India’s NRI score rose from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024. The country excelled in several areas, ranking 1st in AI scientific publications, 2nd in mobile broadband internet traffic, and 3rd in domestic market scale. India also achieved the 2nd spot among lower-middle-income countries, following Vietnam.
The Digital India initiative has driven this progress. Tele-density rose to 84.69%, while wireless connections reached 119 crore. Internet subscribers grew from 25.1 crore to 94.4 crore, with rural areas gaining improved broadband access.
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With the launch of 5G in 2022, India improved its mobile broadband speed ranking globally from 118th to 15th. The government’s Bharat 6G Vision and focus on emerging technologies highlight its commitment to digital innovation.
India’s advancements reflect significant strides in telecom infrastructure, digital transformation, and global competitiveness.