India’s massive online population keeps growing, looks set to hit 243-million

Cheaper internet plans and devices made 2013 a catalyst year in terms of increasing internet penetration and number of web users in India. Internet users exhibited a year on year growth of 39% in 2013, whereas in 2012 it was 28%.

This growth has resulted in substantial boost in various other digital industries such as e-commerce and digital advertising as well.

Northward trend

According to a recent report by the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), the number of web users in India is expected to hit 243-million by June 2014. Out of the vast number, 192-million users are expected to be active. The number of internet users in December 2013 was 213-million, while the number of active users was 169-million.

Mobile internet users witnessed humongous growth too. Mobile internet grew 111% in 2012 and 63% in 2013.

Impact on digital industries

The impact of internet penetration has seen a considerable spurt in the digital commerce industry. The digital commerce market that stood at INR 8 146 crore (US$1.3-billion) in December 2007, reached a whooping INR 47 349 crore (US$7.5-billion) by December 2012. The number then rose to INR 62 967 crore (US$9.9-billion) in 2013.

Between December 2011 and December 2012, the segment witnessed 35% growth, and 33% growth between December 2012 and December 2013.

Digital advertising also managed to display steady growth. The online advertising market in India is projected to reach INR 2 938 crore (US$496-million) by March 2014. The year on year growth in 2012 was 40%, while in 2013, it stood at 30%.

These numbers — which will only grow by the day — demonstrate that India is on the path to becoming one of the biggest internet populations across the globe.

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This article by Saloni Surti originally appeared on e27, a Burn Media publishing partner.