**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 471, addressed on July 23, 2025, the Ministry of Communications provides details regarding internet connectivity in India. As of March 2025, the number of rural internet subscribers in the country stands at 40.77 crores. Over the preceding five years (March 2020 to March 2025), the total number of internet subscribers has increased from 74.32 crores to 96.91 crores, representing a growth of 22.59 crores. The Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, provided this information.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Communications: The Indian government ministry responsible for telecommunications and postal services.
Department of Telecommunications: A department under the Ministry of Communications responsible for telecom policy, licensing and regulation in India.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
SHRI RAJESH NARANBHAI CHUDASAMA: Member of Parliament who asked the question related to the increase in internet users.
DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR: Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development who provided the answer to the question.
March 2025: Reference date for the number of rural internet subscribers (40.77 crores).
March 2020: Start date for calculating the increase in internet subscribers over the last five years.
Rural Development: Associated with the role of Minister of State. Indicates focus on internet connectivity in rural areas.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
DEPARTMENT OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 471
ANSWERED ON 23RD JULY, 2025
INCREASE NUMBER OF INTERNET USERS
471. SHRI RAJESH NARANBHAI CHUDASAMA:
Will the Minister of COMMUNICATION be pleased to state:
(a) the details of the present status of internet connections in villages; and
(b) the increase in the number of internet users during the last five years, the details thereof
along with the figures?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(DR. PEMMASANI CHANDRA SEKHAR)
(a) The rural internet subscribers in the country as on March 2025 is 40.77 crores.
(b) The total number of internet subscribers have increased from 74.32 crores in March 2020 to
96.91 crores in March 2025, thereby registering an increase in 22.59 crores in last five years.
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