Mobile internet usage in India grew by 74%, driven by 3G traffic, which more than doubled last year, according to a study by Nokia Networks."There has been huge growth momentum of data usage in India on wireless networks driven by 3G traffic. The data usage grew by 74% and 3G usage was up by114% at end of 2014, compared to 2013," Nokia Networks' Vice-President and Head of India Region Sandeep Girotra said.
"On an average a 3G subscriber in India consumed three times more data than a 2G subscriber. 3G is driving the data growth but 2G growth is stabilising. Based on ecosystem, I feel 2G is going to be there in India. Now operators need to further strengthen their 3G network," Girotra said.
The 2G mobile Internet usage grew by 41% in 2014, as per Nokia Network's MBitIndex study. In terms of actual quantum, the total mobile Internet traffic grew to 85 petabyte (PB) at the end of 2014 from 49 PB in 2013.
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The 3G usage in these service areas increased by 129% in 2014compared to previous year. Eight category B circles accounted for second highest data consumption at 30 percent. The 3G usage in these circles grew by 107%. Metros - Delhi,Mumbai and Kolkata - followed category B service areas in terms of dataconsumption. "In 2014, as per industry study, 258 million devices were shipped in India. Out of this 22% were 3G smartphones, 70% were feature phones, 7% 2G smartphones and 1% 4G smartphones," Girotra said.