India, one of the most populous countries in the world, is seeing an exponential rise in the number of active internet users. According to a report published by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), India is projected to have around 900 million active internet users by 2025.

Current Internet Usage in India

Currently, India has a total of 692 million active internet users, out of which 351 million are from rural areas and 341 million from urban areas. The report estimates that by 2025, the number of active internet users in India will increase by over 200 million.

The Covid-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for the growth of the internet in India. In the last two years, there has been a 51% increase in digital transactions, including e-commerce and digital payments, with about 346 million online transactions happening in the country.

Gender Disparities in Internet Usage

The report highlights that there is still a gender disparity in internet usage in India, with more male users than females in both rural and urban areas. This gap needs to be addressed to ensure equal access to opportunities for all genders.

Top Internet Activities and Regional Differences

Social media, entertainment, and communications are the top three activities of internet users in India. The report also states that the usage of over-the-top (OTT) platforms is comparable in rural and urban areas. However, there are regional differences in internet usage. Goa has the highest internet penetration, while Bihar fares the worst.

Lack of Access to the Internet

Despite the impressive growth in internet usage, the report also highlights that about 762 million Indians are still out of reach of the internet, with 63% of them residing in rural areas. Lack of awareness about the benefits of the internet in rural areas is a major roadblock that needs to be addressed.

About IAMAI

The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is a not-for-profit industry organization established in 2004. It represents over 500 Indian and multinational corporations in the digital services industry. IAMAI’s mandate is to expand and enhance the online and mobile value-added services sectors. It presents a unified voice of the businesses to the government, investors, consumers, and other stakeholders. IAMAI covers a wide range of sectors, including digital advertising, digital entertainment, traveltech, online gaming, digital payments, fintech, digital commerce, edtech, healthtech, agritech, big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and logistics-tech.

Important Points:

🌍 India is projected to have around 900 million active internet users by 2025, up from the current 692 million.

📊 Social media, entertainment, and communications are the top three internet activities in India.

👥 Gender disparity in internet usage still exists, with more male users than females in both rural and urban areas.

💸 The Covid-19 pandemic has led to a 51% increase in digital transactions, including e-commerce and digital payments, in the last two years.

📍 Goa has the highest internet penetration, while Bihar has the lowest.

🚫 Around 762 million Indians still do not have access to the internet, with 63% of them residing in rural areas.

💼 The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) is a not-for-profit industry organization that represents over 500 Indian and multinational corporations in the digital services industry.

🌐 IAMAI is mandated to expand and enhance the online and mobile value-added services sectors and presents a unified voice of businesses to the government, investors, consumers, and other stakeholders.

🎓 IAMAI covers a wide range of sectors, including digital advertising, digital entertainment, traveltech, online gaming, digital payments, fintech, digital commerce, edtech, healthtech, agritech, big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, and logistics-tech.

💡 Bridging the gap in internet access between rural and urban areas and addressing gender disparities in internet usage are essential for ensuring equal access to opportunities for all.

Why In News

India Poised for Massive Growth in Internet Users: IAMAI Report Forecasts 900 Million by 2025. As the world’s second most populous country, India’s rapidly expanding internet penetration has significant implications for its economy, society, and global digital landscape.

MCQs about Internet and Mobile Association of India

  1. What is the main factor that has led to an increase in digital transactions in India?
    A. Government subsidies
    B. The growth of e-commerce
    C. The Covid-19 pandemic
    D. Improved internet infrastructure
    Correct Answer: C. The Covid-19 pandemic
    Explanation: According to the IAMAI report, the Covid-19 pandemic sparked a 51% increase in digital transactions in the last two years.
  2. What is the main reason for lack of internet access in rural areas?
    A. High cost of internet services
    B. Lack of infrastructure
    C. Lack of awareness
    D. Government restrictions
    Correct Answer: C. Lack of awareness
    Explanation: Lack of awareness in rural India is still a major roadblock in providing internet access to the population.
  3. Which state has the maximum internet penetration in India?
    A. Maharashtra
    B. Uttar Pradesh
    C. Goa
    D. Tamil Nadu
    Correct Answer: C. Goa
    Explanation: Goa has the maximum internet penetration in India.

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