A report released by research and advisory firm Gartner has said that the spending on mobile services in the country will reach $21.4 billion in 2015, a growth of 4 per cent over the amount spent in 2014. The same would be driven by increased use of cellular services on data-centric devices, such as tablets and notebooks, through either embedded cellular modems or USB sticks. The spending on data services is expected to grow by 15 per cent to reach $6.5 million in 2015.

According to the report, the rise in spending on data-only connections in the country will be driven by two user scenarios. First, these connections would provide a way to the consumers to complement their fixed broadband connectivity, allowing them to use their larger-screen data-centric devices on the go. Second, these would enable the consumers to access broadband connectivity in the absence of a fixed network. Further, advent of newer and faster networks, rise in number of users of these networks, and increasing affordability of smartphones will help to increase spending on data services.