Next-generation 5G telecom services have been launched, bringing the promise of superfast gaming, enhanced virtual reality, high-resolution video, and efficiency-enhancing communication as businesses adjust to post-pandemic flexible workplaces. Sunil Mittal-led Bharti Airtel and Mukesh Ambani Reliance Jio Infocomm. both plan to cover India in 18-24 months. For a country hooked on data, blazing 5G data speeds promise a new era. Kalyan Parbat reports.
5G technology
New global wireless
Standard after 2G, 3G, and 4G.
It can deliver multi-Gbps peak data speeds
Support better
mobile broadband, and the unfolding Internet of Things (IoT).
Industrial use for
mission-critical communication.
Industrial use cases for
increasing efficiency of enterprises.
What's in it for consumers?
Faster data
Speed than 4G.
No buffering when
Streaming 4K video.
Faster downloads: more efficient for work
Indian telecoms rollout plans
Bharti Airtel
LAUNCH:- 5G service started on 1 October 2022. In eight markets- Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Siliguri, Nagpur, and Varanasi.
EXPANSION:- Across urban India by Dec 2023 and the entire country by March 2024.
Reliance Jio
LAUNCH:- Beta services ted on October 5 in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Varanasi.
EXPANSION:- Will take 5G to every town, taluka, and tehsil by Dec 2023.
CONSUMER OFFER:- 'True 5G Welcome Offer' promises unlimited 5G data with up to 1 Gbps + speeds.
Vodafone Idea
Launch:- No 5G launch data yet, telco yet to finalize 5G network deals with vendors.
What's in it for business?
Enterprise services
Including captive private networks for industries.
Industrial/enterprise apps
Use cases across industry verticals, will drive IoT growth.
5G-based fixed wireless access (FWA) services
Tariffs unchanged for now
As of now
the consumer won't pay extra to go 5G.
Telcos not pricing 5G at a premium as 5G phones make up only 8of% of the network.
Telcos fear premium pricing can hinder 4G to 5G upgrades
Going forward, telcos say tariffs must rise as current rates are not sustainable to lift ARPU to rupees 200 and beyond.
What's in it for the economy?
$ 13.1 trillion of global economic output:- Qualcomm
500 million 5G subscriptions in India by end-2027:- Ericsson
$ 17 billion revenue opportunity for telcos in India by 2030:- Ericsson
5G smartphones base in India to hit 250 million by FY 25 from 50 million now:- CLSA
Data Explosion
5G is Here. See the changes it will Ring In
As telecom players hustle to launch 5G services across the country, many use cases – from a 5G-connected ambulance to a robot for delivering medicines and food to the patient's bedside - could become a reality in India over the next few years.
What are the 5G use cases being developed in India?
The showstoppers at the recently concluded India Mobile Congress (IMC) in New Delhi included 5G-connected ambulances, a cattle tracker, smart office solutions, and cloud gaming. The idea behind a 5G-connected ambulance was to deliver critical/initial care to patients during the ‘golden hour’, or the first 60 minutes before trauma or injury when prompt medical attention can often save lives. The ambulance will allow real-time transmission of a patient’s vitals and other health data from the vehicle directly to the hospital, from where doctors can instruct paramedical staff. For mobile users, enhanced mobile broadband and cloud gaming could be initial use cases. Cloud gaming will attract gaming enthusiasts as it will do away with the need for a gaming console as games could be played on a 5G-enabled smartphone.
What are Indian telcos doing?
Reliance Jio Infocomm has launched a 5G-connected ambulance with Medulance, an emergency medical response service provider. Bharti Airtel has demonstrated a 5G-connected ambulance use case in partnership with Apollo Hospitals and US-based networking gear maker Cisco. The ambulance is equipped with cameras and smart devices that allow real-time, two-way audio and video communication, high-definition footage transmission, location tracking, and real-time streaming of patient health data to a doctor over a high-speed 5G network.
When will 5G services begin?
During the launch of 5G services on October 1, Prime Minister Narendra Modi experienced several 5G use cases first-hand. He could drive a car remotely and witness augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) through wearable devices. Airtel became the first telecom player to launch 5G services in eight cities, while Reliance Jio has also announced a beta launch of 5G in four cities. Both telcos will gradually expand their 5G network coverage across India level by the end of 2023. Vodafone Idea has not yet announced the date of its 5G launch.
What are the challenges?
The ecosystem around 5G mobile handsets, enterprise use cases and devices has yet to fully develop in India. “The initial phase will be a lot more on enhanced mobile broadband. Most of the operators will launch a fixed wireless access device. This will be the most popular thing in the short run,” said Peeyush Vaish, partner and telecom sector leader, at Deloitte India. “There's going to be a very, very big uptake from a B2B perspective on 5G but that is far away,” Vaish added. The 5G network’s ultra-low latency and ultra-high reliability will enable consumers to enjoy enhanced 4K video, cloud gaming, XR applications, and live sports. The adoption of 5G, however, hinges on a developed and affordable ecosystem. Internet of Things (IoT) devices are another area of concern. India has a good and affordable smart-watch ecosystem that is likely to benefit from 5G services, but advanced IoT use cases such as smart cars at affordable prices are still in the future, said Aniket Dani, director, of Crisil Research.
What are the global use cases for 5G?
According to telecom network gear maker Ericsson, the following are a few global implementations in the enterprise segment. Telefónica, Ericsson, and Mercedes-Benz are building the world's first 5G mobile network for automobile production at its "Factory 56" in Sindelfingen, Germany, which will be the blueprint for all future vehicle assembly facilities worldwide.
Ericsson and Volvo Cars have carried out a successful test handover of connected cars between two mobile 5G networks in different countries at the AstaZero test track in Sweden. Telia in Sweden will build and manage a dedicated 5G-ready mobile network for mining company Boliden at Aitik, the world's most efficient open-pit copper mine in the north of Sweden. Ericsson and Ooredoo showcased an immersive sports demo that was broadcast live to a virtual stadium at the Mall of Qatar where consumers experienced the VR and immersive experience of the match remotely.