Neha BaruahIndia has demonstrated significant strides in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024, climbing 11 positions to secure the 49th rank among 133 economies. This marks a notable improvement from its 60th rank in 2023. The NRI evaluates countries based on four pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact.
Key Pillars of Assessment
The NRI framework assesses performance across four core areas:
- Technology
- People
- Governance
- Impact
These pillars are measured using 54 distinct indicators, providing a comprehensive view of a country’s digital readiness.
India’s Enhanced Score
India’s overall score improved from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024, reflecting advancements in its digital infrastructure and services.
India’s Leading Indicators
India excels in several key areas:
- 1st place: AI scientific publications, AI talent concentration, ICT services exports
- 2nd place: FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions, Mobile broadband internet traffic, International Internet bandwidth
- 3rd place: Domestic market scale
- 4th place: Annual investment in telecommunication services
Performance Among Peer Economies
In the lower-middle-income group, India ranks 2nd, trailing only Vietnam. This highlights its growing leadership in digital innovation and technology adoption.
Driving Digital Transformation
India’s digital transformation journey has accelerated, spearheaded by initiatives from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT):
- Tele density increased from 75.2% to 84.69%.
- Wireless connections reached 1.19 billion.
Impact of the Digital India Initiative
The Digital India initiative has significantly expanded broadband access, particularly in rural areas:
- Internet subscribers grew from 251 million to 944 million.
- Wireless internet usage surged, driven by affordable data and improved connectivity.
Reforms in spectrum management, business regulations, and consumer protection have further strengthened the telecom ecosystem.
Advancements in 5G and Future Goals
India’s launch of 5G services in 2022 has propelled its global mobile broadband speed ranking from 118th to 15th. This achievement underscores the country’s commitment to enhancing its telecom capabilities.
Looking ahead, India is advancing the Bharat 6G Vision, aiming to lead in next-generation telecom technologies. Investments in emerging technologies and robust data infrastructure will play a critical role in achieving this vision.
Neha Baruah
