by Lt Gen Dr S.P.Kochhar 2022 is not only a moment of pride for the Ministry of Communications, but as well for every citizen of the nation.The massive response to the auction of spectrum actually marks the first step toward multi-dimensional growth technological advancements in 5G.
5G, with its full capability could transform the country into the digital age.5G has raised hopes for seamless connectivity, as well as high-speed data connectivity, improving the user experience while solving many of the technological issues.In the post-Covid era this is the necessity of the moment as broadband and telecoms form the backbone of infrastructure in the country.
We are delighted that India is set to be witnessing the launch of commercial 5G.It will benefit from its advantages and place India on the map with an increase in sectors of education, healthcare manufacturing, agriculture, and e-government in the beginning.The latest technologies, such as AI VR, M2M, VR, IoT etc., that are dependent on the high-speed internet, will also come with better-performing platforms.
We currently have about 100 million users with smartphones that are 5G-ready in the nation.5G is expected to provide 500 million connections which is 40 percent of mobile users, before the end of 2027, according to Ericsson Mobility Report 2022.
Over the course of 2023-2040, we believe that 5G technologies will contribute an impact of around $450 billion to the Indian economy (0.6 percent of GDP in 2040).Companies such as Nokia and Ericsson who have manufacturing centers in India could increase production of 5G-related equipment to meet demand and help in the implementation of 5G-related services.
Optical Fibre Cables (OFCs) are the key element to enable the rapid 5G advancement.The Ministry of Communications has decided to extend the assignment of backhaul frequencies to assist networks with low fibre connectivity to benefit from an easier upgrade.
It is anticipated that in March 2023 India will have more than 75,000 5G networks.
The Government is expected receive a gross sum of 150,000 crore in the auction of 5G spectrum that was recently concluded Now, greater availability of spectrum will enhance the quality of services, and telcos will provide reliable 5G connectivity for fellow citizens.5G is poised to change the face of the nation by triggering the digital revolution.
To realize the vision of 5G networks a reality telecom operators will have pay an additional 3 lakh crore in the course of the next 2 to 3 years to improving the network and ensuring the quality of services.
The deployment of 5G is also going to require more people, which could result in an increase in the number of jobs in the telecom industry by more than 100 million in just a few of years.It will also allow telecom and related industries to create more indirect employment.
Given the significance of the telecom industry and the necessity to ensure its smooth functioning the government has launched initiatives such as National Broadband Mission to ensure last mile connectivity in every corner of the country.
The launch of Gati Shakti – National Master Plan for Multi-modal Connectivity which is a project of the national level valued at Rs 100 lakh crore to develop “holistic infrastructure” was a further initiative to build a stronger telecom ecosystem with a renewed emphasis on Bharat Net and Production Linked Incentive Scheme.
The first auction for spectrum in India’s 5G spectrum and the launch of its services is considered a landmark at the national level , and can be considered as an achievement in the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.5G will be a significant factor in realizing India’s goal to become a $1 trillion digital economy by 2025.It will also open the way for development of innovative technologies that could change the way we interact with technology and take an end to the “Digital India” vision of the prime minister Narendra Modi.
Spectrum is a crucial element of the connectivity of telecoms.
The quality of services will improve with the greater accessibility of the spectrum.The spectrum allocation process will be completed in the scheduled timeframe and 5G services will be available in September/October.
Additionally, it indicates that the telecom industry is growing.
(Lt Gen (Lt Gen.Dr.S.P.Kochhar is Director General of the Cellular Operators Association of India)
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