5G Rollout in India: Opportunity or Roadblock?

• India is leading the charge in the adoption of 5G technology, marking a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey. With over 90 percent 5G coverage and affordable services driving accessibility, the country is witnessing an unprecedented surge in subscriptions.
• 
  
• Internet speed testing platform Ookla has released a report on how countries across the world rank in 5G performance. The report claims that currently India ranks at 14th position globally. (3 April, 2024)
• 
  
• Currently, 5G connectivity is available in 779 out of 783 districts across India. 5G services were launched across all states and union territories in India by October 2024, according to the Economic Survey 2025, released by the Indian government (3 Feb. 2025). India is prepared of 6G wireless technology, with commercial deployment to be expected by 2030. (24 Jan., 2025)
• 
  
• As we stand at the edge of a new digital era, the question arises: Is the rollout of 5G in India truly an opportunity to embrace the future, or are we heading towards a path full of roadblocks?
• 
  
• Let us explore both sides of the coin and try to understand the broader impact of this technological evolution.
• 
  
• To begin with, what exactly is 5G?
• 
  
• 5G is the fifth generation of mobile network technology, designed to deliver faster speeds, lower latency, greater capacity, and seamless connectivity compared to its predecessors. It is not just an upgrade of 4G but a complete shift in how mobile and wireless networks function.
• 
  
• With the capability to support up to 1 million devices per square kilometre, and data speeds up to 10 Gbps, 5G is expected to power everything from smart homes and autonomous vehicles to remote surgeries and augmented reality. The global excitement around 5G is well-deserved, and India is no exception.
• Opportunities: The Bright Side of 5G
• 
  
• Let us first look at the opportunities that 5G brings to the table for India.
• 
  
• •             Economic Growth and Innovation: According to a report by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the rollout of 5G has the potential to contribute over $450 billion to the Indian economy by 2040. This boost will come from enhanced productivity, innovation in business models, and digital transformation across sectors like manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and logistics.
• 
  
• •             Boost to Digital India: 5G plays a crucial role in realising the vision of Digital India. It enables faster data transfer, real-time communication, and efficient e-governance. It can strengthen initiatives such as Smart Cities, e-learning platforms, digital health records, and remote diagnostics, especially in underserved areas.
• 
  
• •             Support for Startups and Entrepreneurs: The 5G ecosystem encourages startups and entrepreneurs to develop applications in emerging technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR). It offers a level playing field to innovators across India, even in Tier II and Tier III cities.
• 
  
• •             Job Creation and Skill Development: The rollout of 5G infrastructure requires installation of new towers, fiber optics, and small cell technology, which will create direct and indirect employment opportunities. Moreover, the emergence of new industries around 5G will demand skilled professionals, opening doors for training, upskilling, and reskilling.
• 
  
• •             Improved Rural Connectivity: India’s rural population often faces poor network connectivity. With the help of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and 5G-enabled broadband services, rural areas can finally receive high-speed internet, improving access to education, healthcare, and digital banking services.
• 
  
• •             Advancements in Healthcare and Education: Telemedicine, wearable health monitors, real-time diagnostics, and online education can thrive with 5G. Doctors can perform surgeries remotely using robotic tools, and students in remote villages can attend immersive virtual classes.
• 
  
• •             Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing: 5G will empower Industry 4.0 through smart factories, automated assembly lines, and predictive maintenance. It supports machine-to-machine communication, allowing industries to optimise production and reduce costs.
• 
  
• Roadblocks: Challenges in the 5G Journey
• 
  
• While the opportunities are vast, the road to 5G in India is not without obstacles. Here are some of the key roadblocks:
• 
  
• •             High Infrastructure Costs: Setting up 5G infrastructure requires massive capital investment. The technology depends on dense fiber optic networks, small cells, and a large number of base stations. For telecom operators already facing financial strain, this is a huge challenge. Companies need to upgrade not just towers but also the backhaul and core networks.
• 
  
• •             Spectrum Pricing and Allocation Issues: India has one of the highest spectrum prices globally. High auction prices discourage participation and limit spectrum availability. For 5G to be successful, affordable and sufficient spectrum must be made available to telecom operators.
• 
  
• •             Uneven Urban-Rural Divide: The initial rollout of 5G is largely urban-centric, focusing on metros and big cities. Rural and remote areas may not see the benefits of 5G for several years. This creates a risk of widening the digital divide and leaving behind a large portion of the population.
• 
  
• •             Lack of 5G-Ready Devices: Although 5G smart phones are slowly becoming affordable, the majority of India’s population still uses 4G or even 3G devices. For true adoption of 5G, consumers need to upgrade their hardware, which can be expensive and impractical for many.
• 
  
• •             Regulatory and Policy Challenges: India still needs a clear and unified policy framework for 5G. Issues like right-of-way permissions, tower installation, inter-ministerial coordination, and security protocols are often slow-moving and bureaucratic. This delays deployment.
• 
  
• •             Power and Energy Consumption: 5G networks consume more power than 4G networks due to their higher density and data capacity. India’s existing power infrastructure, especially in rural areas, may not be capable of supporting this demand consistently.
• 
  
• •             Cyber security Risks: As more devices get connected, the risk of cyber attacks, data theft, and privacy breaches increases. India needs a robust cyber security framework to protect its critical infrastructure, data centers, and users from such threats.
• 
  
• Striking the Balance: What Can Be Done?
• 
  
• To ensure that the rollout of 5G becomes a true opportunity and not a missed chance, the government, private sector, and civil society must work together on the following strategies:
• 
  
• •             Policy Reforms: Simplify regulatory processes, ensure affordable spectrum pricing, and promote public-private partnerships.
• 
  
• •             Financial Support: Provide tax breaks, subsidies, and low-interest loans to telecom operators and startups working on 5G.
• 
  
• •             Infrastructure Sharing: Encourage network sharing among telecom operators to reduce cost and speed up deployment.
• 
  
• •             Device Affordability: Support manufacturing of affordable 5G smart phones and devices under Make in India.
• 
  
• •             Digital Literacy: Train people, especially in rural areas, on how to use 5G-enabled services effectively and safely.
• 
  
• •             Cyber security Preparedness: Invest in advanced security systems, protocols, and laws to guard against digital threats.
• 
  
• In conclusion, the 5G rollout in India presents both massive opportunities and significant roadblocks. It has the power to transform every aspect of our lives—from the way we communicate to how we learn, work, and receive healthcare. But the road ahead is filled with challenges that cannot be ignored.
• 
  
• Whether 5G becomes a stepping stone or a stumbling block depends on how we, as a nation, choose to move forward. With visionary leadership, collaborative efforts, and inclusive planning, India can truly harness the power of 5G to build a brighter, smarter, and more connected future.
•  
  
• Dr. Ranjit Paul (Academic Dean)
• 
  
• Public College, Dimapur