India Joins Top 50 in Network Readiness Index 2024

The Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024 report, released on November 21, 2024, marks a significant milestone for India, as it climbs 11 spots to secure 49th position globally. The NRI ranks 133 economies based on their readiness to leverage networks for economic growth, technological innovation, and digital transformation. India’s impressive rise from 60th rank in 2023 to 49th in 2024 underscores the country’s progress in network infrastructure, digital capabilities, and technological advancements. 

Key Findings

India’s Ranking: India climbed 11 positions from 60th in 2023 to 49th in 2024.

Score Improvement: India improved its score from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024.

Global Leaders

India ranked 1st in several key indicators,

• AI Scientific Publications
• AI Talent Concentration
• ICT Services Exports

Other Rankings

2nd in,

• FTTH/Building Internet Subscriptions
• Mobile Broadband Internet Traffic
• International Internet Bandwidth

3rd in Domestic Market Scale

4th in Annual Investment in Telecommunication Services,

• Regional Position: India ranked 2nd among lower-middle-income countries, after Vietnam.
• Digital Progress: India is recognized for significant digital progress, particularly in technological innovation and digital transformation.

Telecom Infrastructure Growth

• Tele Density: Increased from 75.2% to 84.69% over the last decade.
• Wireless Connections: Surged to 119 crore.
• Broadband Expansion: Rural broadband access expanded under Digital India initiative, leading to a rise in internet subscribers from 25.1 crore to 94.4 crore.
• 5G Launch: 5G services were launched in 2022, improving India’s mobile broadband speed ranking from 118th to 15th globally.
• Future Vision: India aims to be a leader in future telecom technologies through the Bharat 6G Vision.

Top 10 Countries

1. United States of America
2. Singapore
3. Finland
4. Sweden
5. Republic of Korea
6. Netherlands
7. Switzerland
8. United Kingdom
9. Germany
10. Denmark

India’s Neighbouring Countries

• China – 17th Rank
• India – 49th Rank
• Bangladesh – 89th
• Sri Lanka – 95th
• Pakistan – 97th

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	India ranks 49th in Global Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024
Overall Global Rank	49th (Improved from 60th in 2023)
NRI Score	53.63 (Improved from 49.93 in 2023)
Global Ranking in Key Indicators	– AI Scientific Publications – 1st – AI Talent Concentration – 1st – ICT Services Exports – 1st – FTTH/Building Internet Subscriptions – 2nd – Mobile Broadband Internet Traffic – 2nd – International Internet Bandwidth – 2nd – Domestic Market Scale – 3rd – Annual Investment in Telecom Services – 4th
Regional Rank	2nd (Among lower-middle-income countries, after Vietnam)
Telecom Infrastructure Growth	– Tele Density 84.69% (Increased from 75.2%) – Wireless Connections – 119 crore – Broadband Expansion – 94.4 crore (Increased from 25.1 crore)
5G Launch	2022 (Improved mobile broadband speed from 118th to 15th)
Future Vision	Bharat 6G Vision (Leadership in 6G telecom technologies)
Top 10 Countries	United States Singapore Finland Sweden Republic of Korea Netherlands Switzerland United Kingdom Germany Denmark
India’s Neighbouring Countries	– China – 17th – India – 49th – Bangladesh – 89th – Sri Lanka – 95th – Pakistan – 97th