Image Credit: https://www.pmindia.gov.in/
1 GB Data Now Cheaper Than Tea, Says PM Modi
At the opening of India Mobile Congress 2025 in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that 1 GB of wireless data in India now costs less than a cup of tea. He used the remark to highlight India’s strides in making digital services more affordable and accessible.
Context of the Statement
Modi was inaugurating the 9th edition of IMC, where he also spotlighted the launch of India’s “Made in India 4G stack,” asserting that this indigenous innovation places the country among just a handful globally with such capability. He framed the low data cost as a marker of India’s digital transformation.
Affordability and Impact
Over the last decade, mobile data in India has seen dramatic price cuts. While the exact cost per GB varies by operator and region, PM Modi’s assertion underscores how drastically pricing has changed. The statement drew both praise and skepticism: proponents say it reflects policy successes, while critics caution that averages may hide disparities in rural or remote areas.
Broader Digital Goals
Modi said the government is intent on ensuring digital services for all, including in smaller towns and villages. He tied data affordability to economic inclusion, education access, and social equity. With growing emphasis on 5G rollout, strengthening infrastructure, and supporting domestic innovation, the government aims to deepen India’s position as a leading digital nation.
