1 GB Internet Costs Less Than A Cup Of Tea: PM Modi Says

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made headlines on October 8, 2025, by declaring that the cost of 1 GB of wireless data in India is now cheaper than a cup of tea. Speaking at the inauguration of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2025 in New Delhi, Modi highlighted this as a testament to India's remarkable digital transformation over the past decade. The event, held at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, brought together over 1.5 lakh visitors from 150 countries, showcasing innovations in telecom, media, and technology under the theme 'Innovate to Transform'.

Changes in the cost of internet

Modi's statement underscores the dramatic plunge in data prices, from ₹287 per GB in 2014 to just ₹9-₹10 today, a reduction of nearly 98 percent. This affordability has propelled India to lead global per-user data consumption, with 1.2 billion mobile subscribers—20 percent of the world's total. Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia echoed this, noting the shift from viewing voice calls as a luxury to seamless broadband access for 944 million users. The Prime Minister quipped about the 'chai' reference, turning a past political jibe into a symbol of progress, and emphasized that digital connectivity is no longer a privilege but an essential part of daily life.

The backdrop to this achievement is India's aggressive push towards self-reliance in telecom. Modi announced the launch of the indigenous Made-in-India 4G stack, positioning India among just five countries worldwide with this capability, alongside Denmark, Sweden, South Korea, and China. On the launch day, nearly one lakh 4G towers were activated, connecting over two crore people in remote areas. He also touted the expansion of 5G to almost every district, a far cry from the 2G struggles of the past. Government initiatives like the Telecom Technology Development Fund and Digital Communications Innovations Square are fueling startups in quantum communication, 6G, and semiconductors.

Best time to invest, innovate, and make in India - Modi Says

Modi took a subtle dig at critics who mocked the 'Make in India' initiative a decade ago, pointing to exponential growth: electronics production up sixfold, mobile manufacturing 28 times higher, and exports surging 127 times since 2014. He highlighted global partnerships, such as Apple's ecosystem creating 3.5 lakh jobs through 45 local suppliers. Calling this the 'best time to invest, innovate, and make in India,' Modi urged companies to view India as a reliable partner for telecom equipment design and manufacturing. The IMC also features a Startup World Cup with 550 companies vying for funding, reinforcing India's burgeoning tech ecosystem.

This digital leap extends beyond affordability. Enhanced cybersecurity laws and improved grievance mechanisms are curbing frauds, while massive skill training for India's youth—the world's largest demographic—prepares them for the digital economy.

As Modi envisions '6G Vision 2030,' India's story of turning challenges into opportunities positions it as a global digital powerhouse, ensuring inclusive growth and innovation for all.