In recent years, India has witnessed a remarkable technological transformation, with the mobile data revolution leading the charge. Mr. Mukesh Ambani aptly compared data to the new oil, emphasizing its pivotal role in the digital economy. India’s ascent from 155th place in mobile broadband penetration to becoming the world’s largest mobile data consumer in just one year has been nothing short of extraordinary. This rapid growth sets the stage for the next phase of India’s tech journey – the advent of 5G technology in India.
What is 5G Technology in India?
5G, the fifth-generation wireless access technology, promises not only higher data capacity but also speeds exceeding 10 gigabytes per second. Its true potential, however, lies in its ability to connect billions of devices simultaneously. Unlike its predecessors, 3G and 4G, which primarily improved smartphone data transfer speeds, 5G opens up a universe of possibilities, allowing diverse industries such as transport, healthcare, and logistics to redefine their operations.
The most notable feature of 5G is its remarkably low latency of less than 1 millisecond, a dramatic improvement from the current 50ms. With speeds of up to 10 gigabytes per second and a significant increase in the number of connections, 5G will enable applications previously inconceivable due to longer response times. For instance, remote robotic surgeries can become a reality, bridging the gap between specialists and patients in remote areas.
Education, too, stands to benefit greatly from 5G technology in India. Virtual reality technology can bring classrooms to students in underserved areas, allowing them to interact with teachers and conduct experiments in virtual laboratories. To achieve this, a throughput of 300 Mbps or higher is required, nearly 100 times greater than the current throughput for supporting HD video services.
Empowering Diverse Industries
Unlike its predecessors, 5G is set to transcend the realm of smartphones, catalyzing transformative changes in industries like transportation, healthcare, and logistics. The most striking feature of 5G is its minuscule latency of less than 1 millisecond, an exponential leap from the current 50ms. This, coupled with speeds of up to 10 gigabytes per second, paves the way for applications previously unimaginable.
India: Land of Opportunities
India’s unique combination of favorable demographics, massive 4G adoption, and an exponential surge in data usage positions it as a hotbed for rapid telecom consumption growth. As India approaches the USD 2,000 per capita GDP mark, its population of over 1.3 billion people offers immense market opportunities. India’s sheer size means that its states individually rival entire countries in terms of population.
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Massive Data Adoption Driving Digital Expansion
Currently, India boasts 322 million wireless broadband subscribers, a number expected to soar to 1 billion by 2025. The market is witnessing a swift transition to 4G technology, as operators phase out 2G and 3G networks. A commercial 5G launch is anticipated by 2022, especially in urban areas, to meet the surging data demand. The evolution of 5G technology in India, fueled by China’s earlier launch in 2019 and subsequent investments, is expected to reduce the cost of 5G devices and network equipment in India.
Exponential Surge in Data Usage
While increasing internet speed is crucial, the affordability of high-speed data is a catalyst for driving data consumption. Data prices in India have significantly decreased, thanks to fierce competition sparked by the entry of RJIO. This trend is expected to further boost data consumption, making digital services more accessible to all.
Overcoming Bottlenecks
To fully leverage 5G’s potential as India’s growth backbone, critical infrastructure upgrades are essential. Unlike the US and China, where most towers are backhauled using fiber, India still relies on legacy microwave transmission systems for more than 75% of its towers. This legacy infrastructure poses challenges, particularly in rural areas, where the massive fiber requirements make 5G deployment uneconomical for low-data demand regions. Moreover, 5G’s high-frequency bands necessitate dense networks, requiring more than double the number of towers compared to today’s infrastructure. Addressing the stressed finances of the telecom sector is equally crucial for a seamless 5G rollout.
In conclusion, India’s journey towards 5G technology in India is poised to revolutionize the digital landscape, unlocking a world of opportunities across various sectors. With the right infrastructure upgrades and strategic investments, India can harness the full potential of 5G, further propelling its position as a global tech leader.