At a time when the Centre is pushing for Digital India, a nationwide study found that Delhi and Maharashtra are the most “Internet-ready” states in the country. This index, which studies Internet penetration and usage in Indian states, is measured using four indicators – e-infrastructure, citizens’ e-participation, the information technology sector, and e-governance services offered.

The study conducted by the Internet and Mobile Association of India and Indicus Analytics also found that the number of mobile subscriptions in Delhi was twice its population. The national capital ranked the highest among small states with a score of 1 on the index, while Puducherry came in second with 0.20 and Goa, third with 0.14. Delhi also topped the tele-density category at 221 connections per 100 persons.

Maharashtra ranked first in the large states category with a score of 1. Karnataka took the second spot with 0.73, while Gujarat ranked third with 0.71. Odisha, Assam and Jharkhand ranked the lowest on this Internet-readiness index among large states. The report found that network tools and government e-services need improvements in the lower-ranking states.

The report is based on data from a number of government agencies, Cellular Operators Association of India, and IMAI’s own records from earlier surveys, among other sources.