How to Get Mobile Internet in India for Travelers: What Option to Choose?

Jessica Taylor

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Latest update: May 2024

This article is for travelers to India who want to get mobile internet to stay connected while traveling to India. It will provide a basic understanding of mobile internet in India, how much it costs, and the best options to get mobile internet for travelers.

By reading this guide, travelers will have all the information they need to stay fully connected during their trip to India without unexpected high bills on their phones.

I. Mobile Internet in India – Coverage and Speed

When you go to India, it’s important to know about the mobile internet situation there. This section talks about where you can get mobile internet in India and how fast it is.

1. India Mobile Internet Coverage

India’s vast terrain and dynamic demographics offer a challenging landscape for mobile operators, nevertheless, the four leading players – Airtel, BSNL, Jio, and Vi (Vodafone Idea) – have made significant strides in expanding their network coverage:

• Airtel: 2nd largest mobile network in India, covers over 2/3rd of the population. Leading in LTE-based 4G since 2012, with 4G in most urban areas. Started 5G trials but not commercially launched yet.
• BSNL: Wide coverage (90% of land) but slower network speed. Limited 4G in cities due to slow rollout. Mainly offers 2G/3G services, not in the 5G market.
• Jio: Extensive 4G network from Jio across urban and rural areas, serving 95% of the population. All-4G network, fiber optics support. 5G trials are ongoing in select cities.
• Vi: Formerly Vodafone Idea, a nationwide network. 4G coverage smaller than Airtel and Jio, focuses on towns and major cities. 5G services in a trial phase.

2. India Mobile Internet Speed

India has made big progress in mobile internet speed. According to Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index report for August 2023, India now ranks 47th globally for mobile internet speed, jumping up 72 spots. 

The median speed for mobile downloads in India has shot up to 50.21 Mbps from 13.87 Mbps in September 2022, a whopping 3.59 times increase in just a year.

This improvement is thanks to 5G services launched nationwide by Jio and Airtel in October 2022. 5G is delivering super-fast speeds over 240 Mbps across India, making customers happier than with 4G.

Some highlights in India:

• City rank: As per the report, Kolkata recorded the highest median download speed in India at 385.50 Mbps. 
• Neighboring countries: India has faster speeds than its South Asian neighbors like Bangladesh (118), Sri Lanka (126), and Pakistan (127). It also fares better than some G20 nations including Mexico (90), Turkey (68), the UK (62), Japan (58), Brazil (50), and South Africa (48).

This boost in India’s mobile internet speed is a game-changer, but there’s still room for growth, especially in rural areas. Jio stands out for delivering the fastest download speeds at 52.9 Mbps. Overall, 5G has given India’s mobile internet a solid upgrade.

II. What are Connectivity Options for Tourists to India?

After discussing the mobile internet in India, let’s explore the top choices for temporary internet access. Travelers in India can choose from four main methods to get mobile broadband.

For short-term visitors, both local SIM cards and eSIM data plans are the top picks for affordable and flexible internet access.

If you’re a tourist seeking hassle-free internet and don’t want to deal with physical SIM cards, go for a GIGAGO India eSIM. It brings all the local connectivity benefits right to your phone’s screen with a tap. 

III. Internet Rates in India

When looking at prepaid data options from Indian carriers, tourists will find very reasonable mobile broadband rates. Both data SIM cards and eSIM plans offer affordable prices. Here’s an overview:

IV. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in India

When opting for an India local SIM card, consider choosing a prepaid SIM that includes a data package from Airtel, Jio, Vi, and BSNL. These SIM cards are designed for foreign tourists in India, offering affordable rates for data usage. Check out the available India SIM card options:

1. Airtel

2. Jio

3. Vodafone idea (Vi)

4. BSNL

V. Data eSIM for India – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists

As more travelers embrace the digital nomad lifestyle, the advantages of eSIMs become increasingly apparent, especially when compared to traditional SIM cards.

With no physical card to swap, eSIMs offer seamless connectivity and the convenience of setting up mobile internet before arriving at your destination. Tourists heading to India can obtain an eSIM either directly from local operators or through global eSIM providers.

1. Buy eSIM from India Operators

Upon arriving in India, tourists have the option to buy an eSIM from various local telecommunication operators. Some of the notable operators offering eSIM services include:

• Reliance Jio
• Bharti Airtel
• Vodafone Idea (Vi)

How to Buy: To purchase an eSIM from these operators, customers typically need to:

• Visit a physical store
• Authenticate their identity with a valid passport or ID card
• Undergo a registration process

It is this in-person verification that adds a layer of security to the acquisition of eSIM services.

Pros:

• Local Rates: Enjoy local calling/data rates without international premiums.
• Regional Coverage: Operators offer extensive coverage across India, even in remote areas.
• Customer Support: Access customer service in local languages for swift issue resolution.

Cons:

• Registration Required: In-store registration is time-consuming, and needs physical documentation.
• Language Barrier: Non-English speakers may find registration and support challenging.
• Limited Flexibility: Switching plans/operators are less flexible with local operators.

2. Buy eSIM from Gigago

Purchasing an India eSIM Gigago is the epitome of convenience for travelers to India, as it eliminates the need for physical interaction or documentation like a passport or ID card. 

For India, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 3GB for 30 days with $14.50 . What is great about Gigago’s India eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $14.50 – $29.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in India, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

The process is entirely digital, making it a sought-after solution among tourists who value efficiency and speed. With Gigago, you can have your mobile internet set up and ready to use the moment you touch down in India.

Steps to Purchase a Gigago eSIM for India:

1. Visit the Gigago website: Navigate to the Gigago home page.  
2. Search for India: Use the search function to find the eSIM options for India.
3. Select a Plan: Review the available plans and choose one that fits your needs, budget, and travel duration.
4. Make Payment: Complete the transaction securely online.
5. Email Confirmation: Receive an email with a QR code or manual activation code.
6. Activate eSIM: Scan the QR code with your phone or enter the activation code manually.
7. Enable Data Roaming: Turn on data roaming in your phone settings to start using the internet.

By following these simple steps, you’re connected to a local carrier in India without any of the traditional SIM card hassles.

VI. FAQs about Mobile Internet in India

VII. Conclusion

Mobile internet in India is super important for life in India. High smartphone use and good 4G coverage mean mobile data is essential for communication, entertainment, work, and more. When you visit, you can buy SIM cards or eSIM plans easily to stay connected. Get the India eSIM from GIGAGO for fast 4G from the beginning of your trip.