India’s Internet Data Usage Rises.. This State Ranks No. 1!

Smartphone and internet usage is expanding rapidly across India, with users spending more time watching reels, streaming videos and browsing social media platforms. Telecom sector data shows that the Bihar circle recorded around 49.1 petabytes of daily data consumption, placing it at the top among the listed telecom circles. Maharashtra followed with 48.7 petabytes, while Uttar Pradesh (East) recorded 42.31 petabytes. Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh were next with around 42.2 and 41.3 petabytes respectively.

Video and social media platforms are contributing significantly to mobile data consumption. YouTube accounted for about 24.3% of total internet data usage, followed by Instagram at 21.7% and Facebook at 17.5%. Google Search and other online activities accounted for around 5.2%, while WhatsApp contributed about 3.5%. An Ericsson mobility report estimates that an average smartphone user in India consumes around 37 GB of mobile data per month, with monthly usage projected to reach nearly 70 GB over the next five years. The expansion of 5G services and affordable data plans are expected to support continued growth in internet consumption.