India Rises to 49th Position in Network Readiness Index 2024

India has made a significant leap in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024, climbing 11 places to secure the 49th rank globally, as announced by the government on Wednesday.

The country's performance in the NRI, which evaluates 133 economies, reflects its growing strength in digital infrastructure, technological innovation, and telecommunications.

The index, published by the Portulans Institute, a Washington, DC-based independent non-profit research organization, highlights India's progress in the network readiness landscape. India's score rose from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024, marking a substantial improvement.

Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024

India’s Leadership in Key Indicators

According to the Ministry of Communications, India has excelled in various parameters of the NRI:

• Ranked 1st in:

  • AI scientific publications.

  • AI talent concentration.

  • ICT services exports.

• Ranked 2nd in:

  • FTTH (Fiber to the Home)/Building Internet subscriptions.

  • Mobile broadband internet traffic within the country.

  • International internet bandwidth.

• Ranked 3rd in domestic market scale.

• Ranked 4th in annual investment in telecommunication services.

This stellar performance underscores India's rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), broadband connectivity, and telecommunication services.

Key Insights from the Network Readiness Index 2024

The Network Readiness Index 2024 assesses economies across four pillars—technology, people, governance, and impact—using 54 variables. India's strong performance in the index is a testament to its focus on digital transformation and technological innovation.

India's Digital Transformation: A Decade of Progress

Over the past decade, India has witnessed remarkable strides in the telecommunications sector:

• Teledensity Growth: Increased from 75.2% to 84.69%.

• Wireless Connections: Reached a staggering 119 crore subscribers.

• Internet Subscribers: Surged from 25.1 crore to 94.4 crore.

The Digital India initiative has played a pivotal role in expanding broadband access, particularly in rural areas, through partnerships with technology companies. These efforts have resulted in a significant rise in wireless internet usage and overall connectivity.

5G Revolution: Boosting India’s Global Standing

The launch of 5G services in 2022 has been instrumental in transforming India's mobile broadband landscape. This development elevated the nation’s global mobile broadband speed ranking from 118th to 15th position.

India’s Bharat 6G Vision aims to maintain this momentum, positioning the country as a global leader in next-generation telecom technologies.

Conclusion: A Digital-Ready India

India's performance in the Network Readiness Index 2024 reflects its commitment to building a robust digital infrastructure. With initiatives like Digital India, 5G deployment, and ambitious goals under the Bharat 6G Vision, the nation is poised to lead the way in telecommunication advancements and digital innovation.

About Portulans Institute

The Portulans Institute is an independent, non-profit research and educational organization based in Washington, D.C. Established to provide data-driven insights into innovation, technology, and education, the institute is globally recognized for its authoritative research on the network economy and digital transformation.

Key Focus Areas

The Portulans Institute's work revolves around:

1. Network Readiness and Digital Economy

   • It publishes the Network Readiness Index (NRI) annually, a comprehensive report assessing how countries leverage digital technologies for economic and social development.

2. Innovation

   • Examining how nations can foster innovation ecosystems to drive economic progress.

3. Education and Talent Development

   • Exploring how education systems can prepare workforces for technological advancements.

Flagship Reports and Initiatives

Network Readiness Index (NRI):

• The NRI evaluates the technological and societal readiness of 133 economies based on four pillars: technology, people, governance, and impact.

• It provides insights into how nations are positioned to adopt and leverage new technologies effectively.

Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI):

• Produced in collaboration with partners, this report focuses on the relationship between talent and competitiveness across the world.

Mission and Vision

The institute aims to:

• Foster inclusive growth by leveraging technology and innovation.

• Support policymakers, businesses, and civil society in making data-driven decisions.

• Create a global dialogue around network-based readiness and the digital economy.

Notable Contributions

• Pioneering global rankings like the NRI, which serve as benchmarks for governments and organizations.

• Promoting collaboration between academia, industry, and policymakers to bridge digital divides and encourage sustainable development.