India Ready For 5G Network Rollout: What’s Expected?

The ease with which we communicate with each other using various communication technologies has largely evolved over the years. From having telephone exchanges located in different places in the country to having mobile phones with speedy networks in the hands of almost every Indian, we have come a long way in our journey of telecommunications.

India, the second most populated country in the world is also home to the second largest telecommunication network. Now, the country is all set to take yet another new leap in its journey of telecommunications. 5G network services are expected to hit the country by the end of this month. 

What is the 5G spectrum? 

It is an advanced mobile network to be launched after 3G and 4G networks. It offers more speed, has very low latency and improves the connectivity across a greater bandwidth. With the help of the 5G network, users will be able to transfer huge amounts of data within just a few seconds. 

The auction of 5G of fifth generation airwaves was carried out recently on 26th July by the Government of India. Reliance Jio acquired almost half of all the airwaves sold, at Rs 88,000 crores, becoming the largest spender, and was also the only one out of the four four applicants to have acquired spectrum in the premium 700 MHz band. Jio acquired 51.2 GHz of spectrum, of the total 72 GHz that was put up for sale. 

The total spectrum sold is enough to cover all corners of the country, ensuring “good coverage” of the 5G network in the coming two-three years.  

Bharti Airtel, the second largest telco, spent Rs 43,084 crore to acquire a total of 19.8 GHz of spectrum. This was followed by Vodafone Idea that acquired a total of 6,228 MHz of airwaves.

spending Rs 18,799 crore. 

Adani Data Networks Limited, the fourth applicant, a subsidiary of the Adani Group acquired 26 GHz band and spent Rs 212 crore. The company, however, is not aiming to enter the consumer mobility space. It participated in the bidding only to offer the 5G network services to business verticals like airports, ports, power generation and logistics.

August, the month when India’s two largest telecommunication companies are expected to roll out their 5G network service, is here. Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel will be bringing to their customers, 5G network with faster data speeds. According to reports, Jio plans on 5G hitting 1000 towns and cities across the country with its roll out, while Airtel is expected to hit 5000 towns and cities in its initial rollout.

Although the companies had announced the rollout of the 5G services in August, as of today, it looks a bit unfeasible due to multiple delays. Now, the Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has stated that 20-25 Indian cities will get 5G access to the 5G network by the end of this year. 

What do we as the citizens need to know about the 5G roll out? 

Yes, with the 5G network, the speed of connectivity will definitely increase, but so will the price of our data plans. Ravinder Takkar, Vodafone Idea’s managing director and CEO told the media that, “Given the fact that a fair amount of money has been spent on the spectrum, we believe that 5G should be priced at a premium to 4G.”

The 4G data plans are already undergoing price hikes. Now with 5G on its way, even though the official prices are not out, Indian telecom players are expected to hike their 5G plans. 

What is the future of the 5G network in India? 

It will take some time for the 5G network to have widespread coverage in India. The initial roll outs are expected to be restricted to only a few Tier-I regions like Metro-cities for now. Tier-II and Tier-III areas may not receive widespread coverage of 5G for months, and full-scale coverage is expected to take place in rural and isolated areas only by 2023 or 2024.

However, after 5G settles well in the country like 4G has, it is expected to foster development in remote data monitoring in sectors such as mining, warehousing, telemedicine, and manufacturing, among others. The 5G network will also propel cutting-edge technology like augmented reality, virtual reality, metaverse, online gaming, etc.