Hyderabad: Telangana has outpaced the national average in smartphone adoption, with youth in the state registering higher connectivity levels than elsewhere in India. According to the Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom 2025, conducted by the National Sample Survey Office, smartphone penetration among those aged 15–29 in Telangana is above the all-India average of 96.4%. The figures indicate that nearly every young person in the state is now digitally connected.
Officials said the high adoption rates are linked to Telangana’s rapid urbanisation, strong IT presence, and robust telecom infrastructure. Smartphones are used by young people for multiple purposes, including education, job searches, online banking, financial transactions, and entertainment. The survey confirmed that smartphones have become essential tools in both urban and rural communities.
Telangana smartphone adoption raises focus on digital literacy
Despite near-universal access, experts cautioned that gaps remain in digital literacy. Skills such as cyber safety, document preparation, and secure financial transactions are not uniformly distributed. Authorities said that the next step must be building training programmes that convert access into meaningful opportunities.
The survey also reported progress in reducing the gender gap. Young women in Telangana are now almost equal to men in smartphone use, a marked improvement from earlier years. This development is attributed to government inclusion campaigns and the affordability of data.
Industry observers said Hyderabad’s position as a technology hub has influenced adoption across semi-urban and rural areas. With IT parks and start-ups shaping digital habits, the effects have spread beyond the city. Platforms in e-commerce, fintech, and online learning are now expanding quickly.
Analysts concluded that Telangana’s success in smartphone adoption is significant, but the state must now focus on building advanced digital skills to ensure inclusive participation in the digital economy.
