India now has more than 1 billion mobile phone users, according to data released by the telecom regulator on Wednesday. From 996.7 million at the end of September, the total wireless subscribers in the country rose to more than 1 billion at October-end, making it the only nation after China to cross the mark, according to Reuters. This surge in user base can be attributed to the launch of cheaper smartphones and low call rates countrywide, experts said.

Communications and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said, “It shows an empowered India and an engaged India and a tech savvy India. It will mean more data, more government-to-government connectivity, more broadband. It will give a further boost to Digital India.”