India may not reach a billion smartphone users by 2030: Report

NEW DELHI: In spite of having over a billion wireless subscribers, India may have just 887.4 million smartphone users at the end of 2030 due to concerns around affordability, lack of self-subsidized smartphones, and disinvestment out of the entry-level segment (Rs 5,000 and below) by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), Techarc said in a report on Wednesday.

From 2020 to 2030, the research firm estimates that India’s smartphone subscribers will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9%, and the advent of 5G can compel featurephone users to move to a smartphone.

Alongside, 5G smartphones will push existing 4G smartphone users to upgrade to enjoy the immersive experience of the existing use cases that are driving smartphone usage.