The rollout of fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks has rapidly accelerated in India over the last four months, as stated by a senior executive of GSMA, the London-based telco association. This acceleration has led to the revision of GSMA Intelligence’s global forecast for 5G subscriptions by the end of the decade. Julian Gorman, Head of Asia Pacific (APAC) at GSMA, noted that due to India’s swift rollout of 5G, the forecast for 5G subscriptions by the end of the decade has been significantly revised upwards. He highlighted that as of the end of 2023, over 5.6 billion people worldwide are using mobile services, with 58% using mobile broadband and 18% already utilizing 5G. While the usage gap is narrowing globally, Gorman emphasized the necessity for further efforts in this regard.
India’s leading telecom operators, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, have completed the pan-India rollout of their 5G networks. However, Vodafone Idea (Vi), the third-ranked operator, is yet to commercially launch its 5G network, although Vi recently announced the completion of the minimum rollout obligation for 5G in four circles with four vendors. Collectively, Jio and Airtel have amassed over 100 million 5G customers to date.
Gorman made these remarks during the seventh edition of the ETTelecom 5G | 6G Congress 2024, which was organized on Thursday. The event witnessed the participation of nearly 400 delegates, including 40 speakers who shared insights on various aspects such as 5G, network transformation, device ecosystem, and the next generation of technology.
Highlighting the role of telecom as a platform for distributing economic growth, Gorman observed its tangible impact in India and its potential to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals. According to GSMA, the Asia Pacific region is experiencing exponential growth in average data usage per consumer, with India already showcasing substantial daily consumption. Gorman emphasized that infrastructure investment is an ongoing journey rather than a destination.
Simultaneously, he stressed the importance of building trust in an increasingly digitalized world, advocating for a comprehensive approach to secure digital trust across society. Gorman emphasized the collective responsibility to protect, nurture, and curate digital trust for consumers, industry, and society as a whole.
Who is Julian Gorman?
Julian serves as the Head of Asia Pacific for the GSMA, where he leads a proficient cross-functional team dedicated to advancing the impact, growth, and sustainability of digital economies through collaboration among the mobile industry, policymakers, and the broader ecosystem.
With over two decades of experience in the global telecommunications sector, Julian brings a wealth of expertise in commercial and marketing domains, spanning Wholesale, Business, Regulatory, Policy, and Digital Transformation. He has played pivotal roles in pioneering new digital partnerships and establishing business units across diverse markets in Africa, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Julian has collaborated with industry giants such as Vodafone, MTN, and Ooredoo, contributing to the development and execution of innovative strategies.
Julian’s role extends to advising management executive teams and Boards, leveraging his extensive insight and relationships to facilitate collaboration and drive industry alignment. His broad experience and strategic acumen position him as a valuable asset in navigating the complexities of the telecommunications landscape and driving impactful initiatives for the advancement of digital economies.
