The mobile internet users in India is expected to reach 213 million by June this year on the back of growing smartphone penetration, according to a report by the Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) and IMRB International.
The ‘Mobile Internet in India 2014’ report released on Tuesday said there were 173 million mobile internet users in India in December, 2014.
While number mobile Internet users in rural India are likely to grow to 53 million by June 2015, urban India will continue to account for the larger percentage with 160 million users.
The report states average monthly mobile bill has increased by 13 per cent to Rs 439. The proportion of this amount spend on mobile Internet was 45 per cent last year and has increased to 54 per cent this year.
As compared to last year, the average monthly spend on mobile Internet has gone up by 36 per cent to reach Rs. 235, it added.
More than half of the Mobile Internet users spend more than Rs 100 but less than or equal to Rs 500 in availing the mobile Internet services and nearly 30 per cent spend more than Rs 500 on the mobile Internet connection, it said, adding while 33 per cent of the mobile Internet users avail rental plans with limited downloads, 21 per cent subscribe to unlimited rental plans.
The total Internet user base stood at 278 million at the end of October 2014 quarter and is estimated to grow to 354 million by June 2015