HIGHLIGHTS
PM Modi stated that India is moving toward the 5G era.
Airtel has promised to launch 5G services in August.
Reliance Jio has also hinted at this, but more information is needed.
During his Independence Day speech on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed various technological developments, including India’s 5G rollout. According to PTI, the PM stated that the 5G mobile network, which “promises 10 times faster speeds and lag-free connectivity,” will soon arrive in the country. He also emphasised the government’s goal of pushing for electronic chips and expanding the optical fibre cable (OFC) network across villages to foster “digital entrepreneurship.” He considers the current decade to be a “techade” for India.
PM Modi stated during the Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort in New Delhi that India is moving toward the 5G era. He continued, “[We] will not have to wait long. We are bringing fibre optics to every village. I am fully aware that the Digital India dream will pass through villages.”
PM Modi’s remarks on 5G come just days after India’s largest 5G spectrum auction, which was conducted by the DoT (Department of Telecommunications) under the Ministry of Communications. Four major technology players took part in the auction: Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, Vi, and Adani Networks. The government sold Rs 1.5 lakh crore worth of 5G bands.
Airtel announced earlier this month that it will begin rolling out 5G in India in August. Reliance Jio chairman Akash Ambani has also hinted at this, but more information is needed. The Adani Group, on the other hand, will construct private 5G networks for enterprises but will not construct a network for regular customers – at least not yet. Vi has yet to provide additional information.
In addition to faster internet speeds for media consumption, 5G will enable solutions such as e-health, connected vehicles, more immersive augmented reality, metaverse experiences, life-saving use cases, and advanced mobile cloud gaming. It will also help the government’s CSC (common service centres) scheme.
PM Modi also lauded the development of four lakh rural common service centres. This government initiative aims to accelerate the vision of Digital India. According to the government, it is an access point for the delivery of essential services to assist digital entrepreneurs in growing in the country.
