India – Internet

Who are the major internet service providers in India?

India’s broadband market is both highly competitive and constantly evolving, with a wide range of Internet Service Providers (ISPs) vying for customers. As of 30 June 2025, the five largest ISPs by subscriber count are Jio (497.06 million), Airtel (316.99 million), Vodafone Idea (134.77 million), BSNL (36.77 million), and ACT (2.33 million).

Reliance JioFiber holds the leading position in the home broadband segment. Reliance Jio fundamentally transformed India’s mobile and broadband landscape, and its JioFiber service has built considerable momentum by delivering high-speed connectivity at accessible price points across major cities and towns. JioFiber plans cover speeds from 30 Mbps up to 1 Gbps, beginning at ₹399 per month, and include free voice calls, a smart set-top box with television bundles, and access to OTT platforms such as Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and Amazon Prime on qualifying plans. Visit jio.com/fiber for current availability and pricing.

Airtel Xstream Fiber is broadly recognised as the strongest overall broadband experience. Airtel has long been one of India’s most trusted telecommunications names, and its Xstream Fiber offering is widely regarded as a leading broadband choice, valued for its speed consistency and reliable service. Plans range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps, making it well suited for HD streaming, online gaming, and video calls. Visit airtel.in/wifi-plans for the latest plans.

BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited) is the government-owned operator offering the broadest geographic reach of any provider. BSNL’s Bharat Fiber service extends fibre connectivity to remote parts of the country, making high-speed internet reachable across India, and its affordable pricing and extensive reach make it a practical choice for customers in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Visit bsnl.co.in for plan details.

ACT Fibernet (Atria Convergence Technologies) is a prominent regional operator. Across South India, ACT Broadband is a well-established provider offering packages for users whose needs range from casual browsing to gaming and streaming. ACT’s Bengaluru-based plans deliver speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Visit actcorp.in for city-specific plans.

Excitel is a fast-expanding provider with a focus on urban markets. Excitel has built a reputation for flexible, contract-free fibre plans and offers genuinely unlimited high-speed internet with no Fair Usage Policy (FUP) restrictions, making it an appealing option for heavy users. Visit excitel.com for availability.

Other notable providers include Hathway (cable and fibre services primarily in larger cities), Kerala Vision Broadband (a dominant provider in Kerala with a broad fibre network and affordable plans often bundled with cable television), Tata Play Fiber (an urban-focused fibre service), and YOU Broadband (a Vodafone Idea subsidiary). In March 2025, SpaceX’s Starlink entered into agreements with both Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel to roll out satellite internet services across the country, with the aim of improving connectivity in remote and underserved communities.

What types of internet connection are available in India?

A range of broadband technologies — including fibre-optic, DSL, cable, and wireless — are deployed across India, each with its own characteristics in terms of speed, reach, and consistency. The technology available to you will depend considerably on your location within the country.

Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) is the predominant and most rapidly growing technology in India’s cities. Fibre internet adoption has surged as India’s broadband market has expanded, driven by its advantages in speed, stability, and value, with the number of fibre broadband subscribers now surpassing 42 million. Fibre optic connections are forecast to account for 94% of all broadband subscriptions by 2029, underpinned by sustained government investment in digital infrastructure and aggressive FTTH deployments by major operators.

Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) via 4G/5G is growing quickly, particularly in locations where laying physical cables is impractical. As of March 2025, Jio reported an eightfold increase in 5G FWA connections between March 2024 and March 2025, reaching 5.6 million connections, with an ambition to connect 100 million homes in India. This technology is especially valuable for newly developed residential neighbourhoods and smaller towns.

Cable broadband delivered over existing cable television infrastructure remains available in many urban and semi-urban areas, primarily through operators such as Hathway. Hathway employs advanced FiberMAX technology to deliver ultra-fast broadband speeds of up to 300 Mbps.

DSL connections, though declining in relevance, are still found in some areas via BSNL and a small number of older local operators. These connections are generally restricted to lower speeds and are progressively being replaced by fibre.

Satellite broadband is an emerging technology in India. Satellite internet is positioned to reshape India’s broadband landscape, particularly in remote and underserved regions, with SpaceX-owned Starlink on the verge of securing regulatory approval to launch its satellite broadband services in India. This option will be especially pertinent for those moving to isolated or rural parts of the country.

In contrast to countries such as South Korea or Singapore where near-universal fibre deployment has been achieved, India’s coverage is still uneven. Major metros including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Chennai have strong fibre availability, while rural and semi-rural areas are being served progressively through the government’s BharatNet programme and the expansion of mobile broadband.

How fast and reliable is the internet in India?

India has achieved remarkable improvements in internet performance over recent years, fuelled primarily by the pace of its 5G deployment. India now sits 26th in the world for average internet connection speed, recording a median download speed of 136.53 Mbps during April–June 2025 according to Ookla data — a rise of 93 positions from its ranking of 119th in September 2022, largely attributable to the 5G rollout that began in October 2022.

For fixed home broadband, performance differs by provider and city. In 2025, ACT Fibernet recorded the fastest broadband speeds in India, achieving an average download speed of 115.9 Mb/s and an upload speed of 107.5 Mb/s, with a lowest recorded ping of 23 milliseconds. At the national level, Airtel leads in four out of five broadband user experience categories, including Broadband Video Experience and all three speed metrics.

Across seven major Indian cities — Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kolkata — Jio, Airtel, Excitel, Hathway, and Alliance each lead in different performance categories, with Airtel topping the speed rankings in Ahmedabad and Mumbai, Hathway dominating in Bengaluru, Excitel standing out in Delhi and Hyderabad, and Jio leading for consistent service quality across all cities included.

Regional speed disparities remain pronounced. Median download speeds have varied from approximately 512 Mbps in Gujarat to around 19.2 Mbps in Uttar Pradesh in earlier data, highlighting the contrast between digitally advanced states and those still building out their infrastructure. Rural broadband speeds are on an improving trajectory but continue to trail major metropolitan areas by a considerable margin.

For the most up-to-date benchmarks, consult the Ookla Speedtest Global Index directly, since rankings and speeds shift from month to month. TRAI’s own data portal at trai.gov.in also publishes periodic performance reports.

How do I get an internet connection set up in India?

Arranging a home broadband connection in India is a straightforward process for most people, though foreign nationals should take note of documentation requirements that may differ slightly from those applying to local residents. The steps described below are applicable to most major providers.

1. Confirm coverage at your address. Use the provider’s website or app to verify that fibre or cable service reaches your building. Availability can vary considerably from one neighbourhood to the next, even within the same city. JioFiber, Airtel, and ACT Fibernet all offer online tools to check coverage at a specific address.
2. Select a plan and register online or in store. The majority of providers let you request a new connection through their website, mobile app, or by visiting a physical outlet. Since Indian telecoms operators use aggressive pricing and OTT content bundling to win customers, it is worth taking time to compare plans before making a commitment.
3. Provide identity and address verification documents. You will generally be required to submit proof of identity and proof of address. For foreign nationals, a valid passport and visa are typically accepted as identity proof. Demonstrating proof of address can be more challenging if you have only recently arrived: a tenancy agreement, a letter from your employer, or a utility bill in your name are usually acceptable. Some providers will also accept a signed letter from your landlord.
4. Secure a local mobile number first. Providers rely on a mobile number for OTP verification at sign-up, account management, and to coordinate the installation appointment. It is strongly advisable to obtain a local SIM before applying for broadband. A local bank account is useful for setting up recurring payments but is not always a strict requirement, as many providers accept UPI, debit cards, or credit cards.
5. Book and wait for the installation visit. A technician will come to your property to install the router and ONT equipment. Major providers such as Airtel, for example, aim to activate new connections within 48 hours. Most large operators target an installation window of one to three working days in urban areas; rural or newly developed locations may involve longer waits.
6. Setup and connection testing. The technician will fit the optical network terminal (for fibre connections), configure the router, and run tests on the line. In most cases, the router remains the property of the ISP and is collected when the service is permanently cancelled — though some providers include it in the plan cost. Confirm equipment arrangements with your chosen provider before signing up.

Foreign nationals holding short-stay visas may sometimes find that providers are reluctant to offer a 12-month contract. In these situations, month-to-month rolling plans (available from providers such as Excitel) or prepaid broadband packages offer a workable alternative. Some operators will also accept an employer’s letter or a local guarantor to facilitate the sign-up process.

Can I get internet access before my permanent connection is installed in India?

Given India’s strong mobile data coverage, getting online shortly after arriving in the country is very achievable, even before a fixed broadband line has been set up. The main options are described below.

Prepaid SIM cards are the quickest and most practical route to connectivity. Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone Idea all supply prepaid SIM cards with substantial mobile data allowances. In 2025, Jio delivered the fastest mobile internet in India, recording an average download speed of 109.4 Mb/s. SIM cards can be bought at official network outlets, authorised retailers, and airport kiosks. Foreign nationals must show a passport and a local address (a hotel address is frequently accepted) when registering a SIM, as this is a regulatory requirement.

5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) devices are an alternative for temporary use. Jio’s AirFiber and Airtel’s Xstream AirFiber are portable 5G/4G routers capable of delivering home-broadband-grade speeds without a physical line installation, and can be operational within minutes. These are particularly handy when you are waiting for a fibre connection to be set up.

Co-working spaces and cafés are plentiful in Indian cities and generally offer dependable Wi-Fi. Major urban centres such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and Hyderabad host a wide variety of co-working spaces operated by providers including WeWork India, Awfis, and IndiQube. Most major café chains also provide free Wi-Fi, though if you are handling sensitive work on public networks, using a VPN is a sensible precaution.

International roaming on a home-country SIM can bridge the gap during your first few days, but data charges tend to be steep. Switching to a local prepaid SIM as soon as possible after arrival is almost invariably the more cost-effective approach.

What does internet service typically cost in India?

India is consistently counted among the most affordable countries in the world for both mobile data and home broadband. The market is highly competitive, offering a wide spread of services tailored to varying needs and budgets. The figures below are indicative as of 2025; always verify current pricing on the provider’s official website, as plans are updated frequently.

Jio’s ₹999/month broadband plan provides 150 Mbps speeds along with access to 15 major streaming platforms. Airtel’s ₹899/month plan delivers 100 Mbps unlimited internet together with approximately 350 television channels and OTT content access. Plans in the ₹999 to ₹1,199 per month bracket offer 100 Mbps speeds with OTT subscriptions covering Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and Google One, while the ₹1,599/month plan provides 300 Mbps speeds with combined OTT and television content packages.

Installation and activation fees: At Airtel, the cost of a new broadband connection is ₹1,500 inclusive of GST, covering hardware and installation (as of 2025), with a cashback arrangement that progressively offsets this outlay. Many providers waive the installation fee on annual plans. Always clarify any one-off charges before committing.

Contract norms: Monthly, quarterly, and annual plans are all widely available. Paying annually typically attracts a worthwhile discount. Excitel is particularly noted for its flexible, contract-free fibre plans, which is a useful feature for newcomers who prefer to try a service before locking in.

Mobile data tariffs are extremely competitive. Entry-level prepaid plans from Jio and Airtel include daily data allowances and calls, starting from around ₹299 per month as of 2025. Consult the TRAI website and individual provider websites for the most current tariff information.

Are there any restrictions or censorship affecting internet use in India?

India operates an internet regulatory framework that incorporates some content controls, though the environment differs substantially from the heavily restricted systems found in countries such as China or Iran. The legal basis for blocking content derives primarily from the Information Technology Act 2000 and subsequent amendments, which empower the government and courts to instruct ISPs to restrict access to specific websites or online material.

Content that is commonly blocked includes websites associated with gambling, pornography, and material deemed illegal by court order. There have also been periodic, localised suspensions of internet services in particular regions during periods of civil unrest or security operations — India has historically recorded one of the highest numbers of regional internet shutdowns in the world, though these are confined to specific areas rather than affecting the country as a whole.

Widely used global platforms including Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter/X, and Netflix are all freely accessible in India. Unlike the platform-level filtering found in some other Asian countries, mainstream social media and streaming services operate without restriction.

VPN use: Using a VPN for personal privacy purposes is not explicitly prohibited in India, though the government has issued directives requiring VPN providers with a presence in the country to retain user logs. A number of international VPN services have responded by withdrawing their Indian servers. Expats using VPNs for legitimate purposes — such as connecting to work systems or safeguarding personal data — should be aware of this regulatory backdrop.

TRAI (the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) has authority to intervene where consumer interests are at risk. The regulator also oversees net neutrality rules that broadly prohibit ISPs from discriminating between different types of internet traffic, an approach broadly comparable to net neutrality frameworks in place within the European Union.

What should I know about mobile data and SIM cards in India?

India achieved the world’s fastest 5G rollout, blanketing more than 99% of districts by deploying 4.62 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) as of December 2024. 5G mobile data is therefore accessible in virtually every district, though actual performance in any given location depends on the density of local infrastructure.

The three principal consumer mobile networks are Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea (Vi). BSNL also runs a mobile network with solid coverage in rural areas. Jio and Airtel are the leading options for urban users seeking the best 5G performance, while BSNL’s mobile network is a reliable fallback in remote areas where private operators have limited presence.

SIM registration for foreign nationals: Purchasing a SIM card in India requires foreign nationals to present a valid passport and visa and supply a local address. Most operators also request a passport-sized photograph. SIM cards are obtainable at official network stores, authorised retailers, and at major airports immediately after landing (though airport kiosks can be busy and tend to charge more). Once bought, SIMs are generally activated within a few hours, though some foreign registrations may take up to 24 hours.

eSIM availability: Both Jio and Airtel support eSIM activation on compatible handsets, which simplifies switching to a local plan without requiring a physical SIM swap. This is particularly convenient on arrival, as activation can sometimes be completed through the provider’s app using passport verification.

International roaming: While using a home-country SIM on roaming is feasible for the first day or two, data costs are typically far higher than on a local prepaid plan. Most new arrivals find it much more economical to purchase a local SIM on arrival. Check your home-country operator’s roaming rates before you travel, and treat roaming as a short-term bridge rather than a sustained solution.

Who regulates internet and telecoms services in India?

The principal regulatory authority for telecommunications and internet services in India is the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Founded in 1997, TRAI is responsible for setting tariffs, establishing service quality standards, making spectrum management policy recommendations, and protecting consumers in the telecoms sector. Its official website is trai.gov.in.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India defines broadband as “an always-on data connection that offers a minimum downlink and uplink speed of 2 Mbit/s”. TRAI publishes regular reports on broadband speeds, subscriber figures, and service quality, making it a valuable resource for comparing providers and gaining a clear picture of the market before you arrive.

For expats, TRAI’s resources are particularly useful for:

• Reviewing the latest broadband and mobile speed benchmarks broken down by provider
• Understanding your rights as a telecoms consumer in India
• Lodging formal complaints if a provider fails to deliver the contracted service
• Consulting published tariff orders to understand the charges operators are permitted to levy

Alongside TRAI, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications handles licensing and broader policy matters, including the government’s ambitious drive to expand digital connectivity under the Digital India Mission, which aims to connect all 600,000 villages with optical fibre. The DoT’s website is dot.gov.in.

If you have a service problem that your provider has failed to resolve, TRAI’s consumer portal provides a channel for escalating complaints. The Sanchar Saathi portal (sancharsaathi.gov.in) also handles telecoms-related grievances. For independent speed testing and performance comparisons, Ookla’s Speedtest and the Opensignal platform are both widely used and trusted resources.

Frequently asked questions about internet access in India

Can I get a broadband connection in India as a foreign national?

Yes. Residential broadband is available to foreign nationals in India. You will generally need to present a valid passport, your visa or residency permit, and a proof of address such as a tenancy agreement or a letter from your employer. Some providers may additionally request a passport-sized photograph. Having a local mobile number is highly recommended, as it is used for account verification and to coordinate the installation visit.

How long does it take to get a home broadband connection installed in India?

In most urban areas, installation typically takes between 24 and 72 hours from the point at which you have submitted your documents and chosen a plan. Airtel, for example, states that new connections are activated within 48 hours. In rural or peri-urban areas, timelines can extend depending on infrastructure availability. Delays are more likely when fibre cabling needs to be laid to your building for the first time.

Is mobile data in India fast enough to use as a home internet replacement?

For many users, yes. India’s 5G rollout has been exceptionally swift, and mobile download speeds in many urban areas now exceed 100 Mbps. Jio’s AirFiber and Airtel’s Xstream AirFiber devices harness 5G Fixed Wireless Access technology to deliver home-broadband-grade speeds without the need for a fixed line. These are a practical interim solution while a fibre installation is pending, or for those in locations not yet served by fibre.

Which mobile network has the best coverage for foreign nationals arriving in India?

Both Jio and Airtel provide strong nationwide 4G and 5G coverage and are the most popular choices for newcomers to the country. Jio leads for mobile data speeds in several cities and offers some of the most competitively priced prepaid plans. Airtel is generally seen as slightly more consistent for voice call quality and overall service reliability. SIM cards from both networks are available at major airports on arrival.

Are popular streaming services and social media platforms accessible in India?

Yes. Platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Spotify, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter/X are all freely accessible in India without restriction. India does not operate the kind of broad platform-level filtering found in some other countries. While certain specific websites — those linked to gambling, piracy, or material ruled unlawful by courts — may be blocked by ISPs, this has no bearing on the mainstream services used by the overwhelming majority of expats.

Is it legal to use a VPN in India?

Using a VPN for personal purposes is not illegal in India. However, since 2022 the government has mandated that VPN service providers operating within India must retain user data logs for a minimum of five years. Several major VPN operators have responded by removing their Indian servers. Using a VPN for legitimate activities such as remote working or protecting personal privacy is widely practised and carries no legal risk, but users should keep the regulatory context in mind.

How do I compare broadband providers in India before choosing one?

The TRAI website (trai.gov.in) publishes regular telecom performance reports and subscriber data. For real-world speed comparisons, both the Ookla Speedtest platform and Opensignal offer city-level and provider-level data for India. It is also worth checking individual provider websites for the most recent plan pricing and address-level availability, since coverage and costs can differ substantially between cities and even between neighbourhoods.

What is BharatNet and does it affect where I can get internet in India?

BharatNet is a government initiative designed to bring optical fibre broadband infrastructure to all of India’s approximately 600,000 villages, forming part of the wider Digital India programme. For expats, BharatNet is most pertinent if you are moving to a smaller town or rural location — it is progressively making fibre-based connectivity available in areas that would previously have been confined to mobile data or satellite connections. Consult local providers about availability in any rural area you are considering.