Technological advancements have always brought about profound changes in human lives for years now. The most significant one in India, over the last few decades, has been the mobile data revolution. In addition to the AI transformation, 5G can be the next big thing that catapults us into the future.
5G is a term you will hear quite frequently in the near future. While many countries have already deployed 5G technology, India is also in the race to harness 5G at a faster pace than what it had with 4G LTE deployment. But considering the ongoing pandemic, it’s going to take more time.
To reap the best benefits of technology, it’s important you first familiarise yourself with it. So, what exactly is 5G and how can it revolutionize wireless technology in India? AVCOE has simplified it for you. Let’s dive right into it.
Rolling out the dice, what’s 5G?
5G is the next generation of wireless technology that provides broadband access. It not only promises higher data capacity and speeds faster than 10 GB per second but also possesses the capacity to connect billions of devices. With the latest cutting-edge technology, 5G can offer connections that are multitudes faster than the previous technology. In the “Everything on mobile” era, 5G is expected to globally redefine a range of industries such as transport, healthcare, and logistics. With dramatically reduced latency of less than 1 millisecond and the promise of massive device connectivity, 5G paves the way for next-generation applications such as autonomous vehicles, smart homes and cities, and robotics technology.
Here’s why it can fill the void to your needs
5G, or the fifth generation of cellular networks, is set to be the future face of wireless
Technology. It could be the backbone of India’s telecommunication growth.5G’s key feature is enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB). It allows for higher user mobility, especially under scenarios demanding high data rates across a wide coverage area or ultra-high-speed connection. Self-driving cars and the Internet of Things (IoT) that allow connection and exchange of data can turn to reality with the launch of 5G.
Challenges to 5G in India
Currently, India is home to mere 322mn wireless broadband subscribers, and it’s estimated to jump to a whopping 1bn by 2025 with 5G introduced. But are there any bumps along the way? Yes, and some of them are quite large.
Overpricing of 5G at auctions
The primary challenge is 5G’s tariff. Since implementing 5G is an expensive endeavor, it might take a while for the prices to normalize. The government of India has kept a base price of Rs.492 crores for each unit of 5G spectrum for the telecommunication operators. Many telecommunication operators are already struggling due to the present crisis situation, and hence deploying 5G would not be their first concern, as for now.
Slower rollout
Its rollout will be slower in rural areas due to massive fibre requirements, rendering it uneconomical for relatively low data demand in those regions.
Lack of spectrum
The spectrum for 5G services is available only in 700 MHz and 3,300-3,600 MHz bands. According to a report, this would be enough for just two players, given that each operator needs blocks of at least 80-100 MHz .
Is 5G safe?
Yes, it is safe. Although some concerns have been raised about the technology by anti-5G campaigners, particularly with regards to radiation, research suggests that there’s no scientific evidence of any risks. In fact, the International Commission on Non‐Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) - a body that assesses the health risks of radio broadcasts - has declared 5G to be completely safe. There also have been baseless concerns that 5G in some way can cause COVID-19. But, there is no scientific evidence supporting the same. The World Health Organisation also mentioned, “viruses cannot travel on radio waves/ mobile networks.”
There are good reasons why India should be at the forefront of this digital revolution. With 5G around the corner, Indian entrepreneurs stand a chance to experiment alongside their global competitors. What do you think of this upcoming face of wireless technology? Let us know in the comments below.
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