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:
•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.
