India's Digital Revolution: How 1GB Data Costs Less Than Tea and PM Modi's Vision for Tech Manufacturing

"This is the best time to invest, innovate, and make in India," declared Prime Minister Narendra Modi while highlighting India's digital transformation.

New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Wednesday that one gigabyte of wireless data in India now costs less than a cup of tea, showcasing the nation's remarkable digital progress to strengthen his Make in India campaign across multiple sectors including mobile technology, semiconductors, and electronics manufacturing.

During his address at the India Mobile Congress inauguration, Modi emphasized that India's democratic framework, the government's welcoming policies, and improvements in ease of doing business have collectively established the country as an attractive destination for global investors.

"Our success in digital public infrastructure is a testament to how committed the government is to a digital-first mindset," the Prime Minister stated. "This is the best time to invest, innovate, and make in India." He highlighted India's position as the world's second-largest telecom market and second-largest 5G market, noting that the country possesses the necessary talent, mobility, and mindset to lead globally.

Modi proudly announced India's recent launch of an indigenously developed 4G Stack, which places the nation among just five countries worldwide with this technological capability.

Regarding data consumption, India ranks among the world's leading countries. "This means that digital connectivity in India is no longer a privilege or a luxury; it is an integral part of Indian life," Modi observed.

Detailing India's digital advancement over the past decade, he stated, "1 GB of wireless data in India is cheaper than the cost of one cup of tea." He added, "The country that once struggled with 2G, today has 5G reaching almost every district."

The Prime Minister briefly touched on data sovereignty, noting that with unprecedented global data generation, issues of storage, security, and sovereignty have become critically important.

Referencing his August 15 announcement that this year would bring "big changes and big reforms," Modi confirmed, "We are increasing the pace of reforms," though he did not provide specific details.

He mentioned the recent rationalization of Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates last month, which reduced prices on everyday items from shampoo to television sets.

Modi emphasized that India offers tremendous opportunities in semiconductor manufacturing, mobile technology, and electronics, calling on industry leaders, innovators, and startups to capitalize on these possibilities.

Discussing government initiatives supporting the digital push, Modi highlighted programs like the Telecom Technology Development Fund and Digital Communications Innovations Square that bolster the startup ecosystem. He noted that the government is financing test beds for cutting-edge technologies including 5G, 6G, advanced optical communications, and tera-hertz to facilitate product development.

"India Mobile Congress and India's success in the telecom sector reflect the strength of the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision," Modi stated, recalling how the 'Make in India' initiative was initially met with skepticism from those who doubted India's capacity to produce advanced technology products, citing decades-long delays in adopting new technologies under previous administrations.

The Prime Minister pointed out that electronics production has increased sixfold since 2014, while mobile phone manufacturing has grown twenty-eight times, with exports surging by 127 times.

Over the past decade, mobile phone manufacturing has generated millions of direct jobs in India. Modi cited recent data from a major smartphone company showing that 45 Indian firms now participate in its supply chain, creating approximately 350,000 jobs from this single company alone.

"India recently launched its Made-in-India 4G stack, marking a major indigenous achievement. With this, India has now joined the list of five countries globally with this capability," he stated, describing it as a significant step toward digital self-reliance and technological independence.

Modi explained that through the indigenous 4G and 5G stack, India will ensure not only seamless connectivity but also deliver high-speed internet and reliable services to its citizens.

On the day of the 4G stack launch, nearly 100,000 4G towers were simultaneously activated across the country, enabling over 20 million people to join India's digital movement. Modi emphasized that many previously underserved remote areas now have internet access.

The Prime Minister affirmed that cyber security receives equal priority in India. Laws against cyber fraud have been strengthened, accountability enhanced, and grievance redressal mechanisms improved.

"India leads with a mindset focused on expanding industry and investment," Modi stated, emphasizing how the country's democratic setup, welcoming approach, and business-friendly policies have established India as an investor-friendly destination.

He cited India's successful digital public infrastructure as evidence of the government's digital-first mindset, declaring, "This is the best time to invest, innovate and make in India." "From manufacturing to semiconductors, mobiles to electronics, and startups across sectors, India is brimming with possibilities and energy."

Modi highlighted global supply chain disruptions affecting mobile technology, telecommunications, electronics, and the broader technology ecosystem, stating that wherever global bottlenecks exist, India has the opportunity to provide solutions.

He referenced semiconductor manufacturing, previously concentrated in a few countries, noting that as the world seeks diversification, India has taken significant steps with work underway on 10 semiconductor manufacturing units across the country.

The Prime Minister noted that in electronics manufacturing, global companies are seeking trusted partners who can deliver both scale and reliability. The world also needs dependable partners for designing and manufacturing telecom network equipment, prompting Modi to ask why Indian companies cannot become reliable global suppliers and design partners.

Modi emphasized that components such as chipsets, batteries, displays, and sensors for mobile manufacturing must increasingly be produced within India itself.