Nearly a year ago, India marked a significant milestone in mobile communications with the launch of 5G-enabled telecom services. The renowned Pragati Maidan, hosting the annual India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2022, became one of the country’s first sites for widespread public use of 5G telecom services. Fast forward a year, and Pragati Maidan has undergone substantial changes, including a new convention center and an overall makeover. Within this short span, over 7,000 cities and towns, covering almost all key urban areas, have embraced 5G, thanks to the efforts of two prominent telecom operators.
According to TRAI’s estimates, these operators exceeded their three-year network rollout targets within just six months. Both are poised to extend 5G coverage across the entire country in the next six months, with two additional operators potentially joining the fray. The government’s active role in facilitating the 5G launch and ensuring a smooth spectrum allocation process deserves commendation.
While the geographical coverage for 5G is encouraging, there is a need for greater user adoption. Airtel, for instance, with around 375 million wireless customers, has only 50 million unique 5G users. Addressing this requires a surge in 5G handset adoption, considering that the cheapest internet-enabled smartphones in India cost over 35% of the average monthly income, compared to below 5% in developed countries.
To promote digital inclusion, TRAI is conducting a consultation, seeking recommendations for addressing these challenges. Resolving concerns such as reallocating underutilized spectrum bands and ensuring efficient backhaul allocation will further benefit the industry.
Financial viability is a critical aspect of implementing 5G at scale, considering the recent financial challenges faced by the telecom sector. Expanding 5G technology to untapped rural subscribers and exploring revenue streams like value-added services will enhance the sector’s growth. The government’s focus on local manufacturing of telecom and networking products, supported by initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive scheme, will contribute to faster and more cost-effective 5G adoption.
For end-users, 5G promises improved and faster connectivity, accommodating a multitude of connected devices. The potential applications go beyond mobile communications, extending to areas like healthcare, smart factories, automation, and advancements in the energy and automotive sectors. Globally, 5G has already made significant strides in these domains.
India’s forward-looking approach extends to the realm of 6G technology. With ambitions to be a global supplier of 6G solutions and participate in 6G standards setting, India has secured over 200 patents in the field. The establishment of a 6G Technology Innovation Group and the Prime Minister’s inauguration of ITU’s first office in Delhi underscore India’s commitment to leading developments in the 6G space.
The “6G Vision Document,” introduced earlier this year, outlines India’s strategy for 6G development until 2030. It reflects the government’s proactive roadmap, including exploring 6G technology ideas, development, and eventual commercialization. While the adoption of 6G is projected for around 2030, India’s bold steps and strategic vision position it for a promising future in the evolution of communication technologies.
