Internet in India is much cheaper compared to neighboring countries like China and Pakistan. Even though telecom companies now have the option to increase recharge plan prices, the internet in India remains more affordable than in many other countries. The government has now explained why this is the case.
Minister of State for Communications Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on December 18, 2025, said that the low prices are due to government policies and TRAI regulations. He explained that the telecom policies and rules set by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have helped keep mobile service prices very low, benefiting Indian consumers.
India among countries with the cheapest Internet
According to a Telecom Talk report, citing 2024 data from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), India is one of the cheapest countries in terms of mobile service costs. The Communications Minister highlighted that India’s prices are much lower than those of neighboring and other countries. This shows that mobile data and call services in India are very affordable. Several reports also rank India among the countries with the lowest data prices in the world.
10 countries with the cheapest mobile data rates are
- Israel: $0.04
- Italy: $0.12
- India: $0.17
- France: $0.23
- Uruguay: $0.27
- Bangladesh: $0.32
- Pakistan: $0.36
- Turkey: $0.39
- China: $0.41
- Denmark: $0.43
India poised to become the World’s Data Hub
The Communications Minister explained that under the TRAI Act of 1997, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is the independent body responsible for regulating telecom prices in the country. While most telecom service prices are market-driven, TRAI regulates certain services such as national roaming, rural fixed lines, and mobile number portability. The Minister also stated that affordable data and broadband could help India become the world’s data center within the next four to five years.
Companies set prices based on market conditions
Telecom companies can design plans according to market conditions and business needs, while following TRAI regulations. Companies consider factors like input costs, competition, and customer requirements when setting prices. They can offer different rates for calls, SMS, and data, along with various recharge values and validity options. This approach allows customers to choose from a wide range of affordable plans.
