On July 31, 1995, India took a historic leap into the future of telecommunications when the country’s first mobile phone call was made. Thirty years later, as we celebrate this milestone, it’s remarkable to reflect on how a single call marked the beginning of a digital revolution that transformed the nation’s socio-economic landscape.
The Historic Moment
The first mobile call in India was made by then-West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu to Union Telecom Minister Sukh Ram in New Delhi, using a Nokia handset on a network provided by Modi Telstra (a joint venture between Australia’s Telstra and India’s Modi Group). This call, placed over a 2G network, was the foundation of India’s mobile telephony journey. At the time, mobile phones were a luxury, with handsets costing upwards of ₹25,000 (a small fortune in the 1990s) and call rates as high as ₹16 per minute.
From Luxury to Necessity
In the early years, mobile phones were status symbols, owned only by the elite. However, with the liberalization of the telecom sector, private players like Bharti Airtel, Vodafone (now Vi), and Reliance entered the market, driving competition and affordability. The introduction of prepaid connections in the late 1990s made mobile services accessible to the masses.
The real game-changer came in the 2000s with the advent of low-cost handsets and Reliance’s disruptive “Monsoon Hungama” offer in 2003, which made mobile ownership possible for millions. By 2010, India had become one of the fastest-growing telecom markets in the world.
The Smartphone and Internet Boom
The launch of 3G and later 4G services, combined with affordable smartphones, turned mobile phones into multi-functional devices. Today, India has over 1.2 billion mobile subscribers, with more than 800 million smartphone users. Mobile internet has revolutionized industries—from digital payments (UPI) to e-commerce, education, and healthcare.
5G and the Future
As India embraces 5G, the telecom sector is set to redefine connectivity once again. With ultra-fast speeds, IoT (Internet of Things), and AI-driven applications, the next decade promises even greater transformation.
The Way Ahead
Thirty years ago, a single mobile call symbolized India’s entry into the digital age. Today, mobile technology is the backbone of the nation’s progress, empowering millions and bridging the digital divide. As we celebrate this anniversary, we recognize not just a technological milestone, but a revolution that reshaped India’s destiny.
Here’s to 30 years of connectivity—and to an even more connected future!
As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of India’s first mobile phone call on 31st July 2025—the historic call made from Kolkata in 1995, here is how industry leaders are reflecting on the journey so far and future ahead.
Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI)
“India’s telecom sector has witnessed a phenomenal transformation since the country’s first cellular call in 1995. Today, India stands as the world’s second-largest telecom market, boasting over 1.2 billion subscribers and some of the most affordable tariff rates globally. This affordability has connected millions, fueling the Digital India movement and stimulating growth across every sector. An Indian subscriber now uses over 21 GB of data each month on an average, which is a testament to the world-class infrastructure developed by leading Indian telecom operators. The introduction of 4G empowered millions with fast, reliable data to connect, create and thrive in the digital age, and the launch of 5G has taken this experience even further. Relentless efforts from the Government and the industry have ensured the reach of digital connectivity, even to villages that once remained off the digital grid. Moreover, India’s fastest rollout of 5G in the world has been nothing short of transformative. Today, over 85% of India’s population and over 99% of the districts in India enjoy access to 5G services, powering innovations from remote education to real-time city management and telemedicine to smart agriculture.. India is not just a participant in this global revolution, it is further actively shaping the conversation around the future of 6G, setting benchmarks for digital inclusivity, innovation and leadership.”
Tarun Chhabra, Sr. Vice President and Country Head, Nokia India
“We’ve played a pivotal role in India’s remarkable strides in technology and connectivity in recent decades. Our journey has witnessed several milestones, including first ever GSM call in India in 1995 on a Nokia phone over a Nokia supplied network, bringing 3G services in 2011, pioneering 4G/LTE technology in 2012, and introducing 5G to India in 2022. We stand as a major equipment supplier and technology partner for leading private and public operators, enterprises, and utility firms.
Mahendra Nahata, Managing Director, HFCL
“As we mark three decades since India’s first mobile phone call, we take immense pride in the remarkable transformation of the nation’s telecom landscape. What began as a modest service has evolved into one of the world’s most robust and dynamic telecom infrastructures. HFCL is privileged to be part of this journey, contributing innovative, reliable and indigenous solutions that empower connectivity across the nation. The visionary push towards ‘Made-in-India’ by the government has been pivotal in accelerating the rise of homegrown telecom equipment manufacturers. This initiative not only strengthens India’s self-reliance but also opens doors for global leadership in telecom technology. We remain committed to supporting India’s digital ambitions by driving innovation, quality and sustainability in every aspect of our operations. As industry pioneers, we believe India is poised to set new benchmarks in next-generation communications; built by Indian minds, for Indian needs and for the world.”
Rajesh Chandiramani, CEO, Comviva
“As we commemorate 30 years of the first mobile phone call in India, it’s a moment of pride and reflection for Comviva. We were among the pioneers in value-added services (VAS) at a time when such offerings played a critical role in enhancing the early mobile experience; be it through SMS alerts, ringtones, or voice-based services. These innovations were the first step in transforming mobile phones from mere communication devices into powerful engagement tools. Since then, customer expectations have radically evolved, and so has the technology. From basic VAS to today’s hyper-personalized, AI-driven digital experiences, the journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. What once added value is now central to the customer journey. Personalization, immediacy, omni-channel presence and seamless integration have become the cornerstones of customer engagement in the digital age. Comviva has consistently stayed at the forefront of this evolution, enabling telecom operators and enterprises to deliver intelligent, scalable, and meaningful customer interactions. From digital services and financial solutions to customer value management and real-time engagement platforms, we continue to shape how users experience mobile today. We are proud to have played a foundational role and remain committed to building the future of digital engagement.”
Anku Jain, Managing Director, MediaTek India
“Since the first phone call made in 1995 on a feature phone, India has evolved into the world’s second-largest 5G smartphone market. In recent years, the landscape has transformed dramatically, with approximately 85.5% of Indian households now owning at least one smartphone as of early 2025. India’s swift adoption of advanced networks, from extensive 4G coverage to an accelerating 5G rollout projected to reach 980 million subscriptions by 2030, truly underscores the nation’s digital ambition and commitment to inclusive connectivity. The smartphone itself has evolved remarkably, advancing from basic 2G devices to today’s 5G enabled, AI-powered handsets that drive innovation and empowerment across every segment. At MediaTek, our journey in India began by building a robust ecosystem for feature phones fuelled by our chipsets to now powering smartphones across all network generations and every price segment, making high-performance, reliable devices accessible to all. As India embraces its next wave of digital growth, MediaTek remains deeply committed to powering consistent connectivity, value and innovation for every user.”
Picture Courtesy: Pixabay.com
