India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in 5G deployment, with over 4.6 lakh base transceiver stations (BTS) installed across 779 districts since October 2022. The rollout aims to cover 95% of the population with mid-band 5G, positioning India among the top 15 nations for 5G media download speeds. According to the Ericsson Mobility Report 2024, India is projected to reach 970 million 5G subscriptions by 2030, accounting for 74% of mobile users.
In an interview with Outlook Business, Nitin Bansal, Managing Director of Ericsson India, highlighted 5G’s transformative impact on industries and consumer experiences, enabling advancements in AR/VR shopping, cloud gaming, and 360-degree live streaming. Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is also playing a key role in expanding high-speed internet to rural and semi-urban areas, enhancing digital inclusion.
Local Manufacturing & R&D
Ericsson is heavily investing in research and development, focusing on AI, Generative AI, and Network APIs. Bansal revealed that the company’s R&D centers in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Gurugram are hiring engineers to drive innovation in areas such as device management, security, and fraud detection. The company’s Aduna platform is also supporting startups by providing access to advanced network APIs.
5G Expansion in Rural & Semi-Urban Areas
Bansal emphasized the crucial role of 5G in bridging the digital divide in rural and semi-urban regions, with FWA providing cost-effective, high-speed internet where fiber infrastructure is limited. Beyond connectivity, 5G is driving advancements in healthcare, education, and infrastructure, creating new opportunities for growth and digital inclusion.
A new Telecom revolution with 6G development for India. pic.twitter.com/hPxQHMFD6M
— DoT India (@DoT_India) August 30, 2024
India’s 6G Vision & Global Leadership
With the Bharat 6G Vision, India is laying the groundwork to become a global leader in 6G technology. Ericsson anticipates 6G rollouts to begin by 2030 and is actively contributing through its India 6G program, supported by a dedicated research team at its Chennai R&D center.
Satcom Integration for Wider Connectivity
Bansal highlighted the complementary role of satellite communication in extending network coverage to remote and disaster-prone areas. Emerging 3GPP standards are paving the way for seamless satellite-terrestrial integration, ensuring reliable connectivity in challenging terrains.
Also Read:
5G Standalone is a Must for 6G
The Road Ahead
Globally, 5G adoption is accelerating, with projections indicating 6.3 billion 5G subscriptions by 2030, covering 67% of all mobile connections. While India’s 5G journey is still in its early stages, rapid deployment and innovation efforts position the country as a future leader in 6G technology.
