India’s digital wellbeing ranking declines with the biggest setback in internet quality

19 February 2025: Digital Quality of Life Index is an annual study that ranks 121 countries by their digital wellbeing based on 5 core pillars: internet quality, internet affordability, e-security, e-infrastructure and e-government.

Surfshark’s Digital Quality of Life Index (DQL) 2024 ranks India 60th in the world. The study indicates how well the country is performing in terms of overall digital wellbeing compared to other nations. India drops by eight places from last year, which reflects a lack of commitment to developing the digital landscape and positioning the country as a leader in leveraging technological advancements to improve citizens’ quality of life.

“In an election year like 2024, where the digital realm shaped political discourse and societal values, prioritizing digital quality of life proved to be more important than ever. It helps to ensure informed citizens, protects democratic processes, and fosters innovation. Our annual project helps to better understand where each county stands in terms of digital divide, highlighting where a nation’s digital quality of life excels and where further focus is required,” says Tomas Stamulis, Chief Security Officer at Surfshark.

Out of the Index’s five pillars, India performed best in internet affordability, claiming 23rd place, but faced challenges in e-infrastructure, ranking 96th. The nation ranks 37th in e-government, 60th in e-security, and 65th in internet quality. In the overall Index, India surpasses Bangladesh (83rd), but lags behind China (45th). In Asia, India takes 18th place, with Japan the leader in the region.

India’s internet quality is 6% lower than the global average
– India’s fixed internet averages 88Mbps. To put that into perspective, the world’s fastest fixed internet – Singapore’s – is 347Mbps. Meanwhile, the slowest fixed internet in the world – Tunisia’s – is 14Mbps.
– India’s mobile internet averages 181Mbps. The fastest mobile internet – the UAE’s – is 430Mbps, while the world’s slowest mobile internet – Yemen’s is 12Mbps. Compared to Bangladesh, India’s mobile internet is 502% faster, while fixed broadband is 41% faster. Since last year, mobile internet speed in India has improved by 144%, while fixed broadband speed has grown by 16%.

Internet is affordable in India compared to other countries
– Indians have to work 1 hour 32 minutes a month to afford fixed broadband internet. While this is less than average, it is 6 times more than in Bulgaria, which has the world’s most affordable fixed internet (Bulgarians have to work 14 minutes a month to afford it).
– Indians have to work 36 minutes 37 seconds a month to afford mobile internet. This is 3 times more than in Angola, which has the world’s most affordable mobile internet (Angolans have to work 9 minutes a month to afford it).

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