Telecom is one of the fastest-growing industries in India, with 1.189 billion telecom subscribers and 825 million Internet subscribers, according to the India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF). The low-cost tariff, availability of the internet, implementation of mobile number portability (MNP), and expansion of 4G services made it the 2nd largest industry in the world. The most momentous breakthrough for the telecom sector happened in 2022 with the emergence of 5G, which is offering a wider range of growth opportunities.
Exploring 5G and its impact
5G technology has emerged as the next-generation wireless communication standard for connecting gadgets, machines, businesses, and people. Unlike its predecessor, this technology is intended for more flexible use, which eliminates the requirement of specialised networks. In addition, it can also operate as multiple distinct networks at the same time. As a result, it is transforming connectivity, productivity, and the experiences of its users.
The 5G technology in the telecom sector is proving to be a game changer with exceptional capabilities such as lightning-fast speeds, low latency, and expansive connectivity. As a result, it has started making waves in a myriad of industries with an extensive range of applications. A report by Ericsson states that the 5G subscription in India has already reached 10 million users in 2022, which is anticipated to reach 700 million by 2028. While the rollout of 5G began just a year ago, it has already been creating waves in the market in India. This technology has set a benchmark, and we will experience a more dramatic evolution in the telecom sector as a result.
Transcending beyond 5G
There is no doubt that the deployment of 5G will continue to evolve in the next few years. In addition to that, there have already been initiatives and related standards launched for next-generation technology. The Government of India has recently introduced the Bharat 6G Vision document and testing platform in a bid to accelerate research and development of 6G technology. The goal here is to provide high-speed internet, which is a thousand times faster than the top speed of 5G. The document has emerged as a crucial element that will aid the Indian telecom sector in accelerating its economic growth. Eventually, the document also envisions the upcoming generations of technologies as a considerably enhanced version of 5G technology.
Beyond 5G, it is safe to claim that we will be able to experience increased speed with lower latency than we have now. In addition, the technologies will be able to support faster downloads, resulting in enhancing the user experience and altering many aspects of their lives. The upcoming technologies are also likely to instill intelligent network management and control and integrated wireless sensing. Furthermore, it is also anticipated that it will decrease energy consumption, resulting in a reduction of the carbon footprint and supporting sustainability. Overall, it will connect billions of devices and technologies, which will bring a massive shift in how the digital world interacts.
Ushering in a new era
5G has already been hailed as a game-changer for several industries and is poised to usher in a brand new era of seamless connectivity and technological advancements. Its several features, such as 1Gbps speed, low latency, and expansive connectivity, are disrupting the norms of the telecom industry and paving the way for future technologies.
Despite being recently rolled out, the nation already has plans and initiatives set for upcoming generations. It showcases the commitment of industry leaders and the keen interest of the government in creating a favourable environment for innovation and growth in India. As technology is poised to evolve, the telecom sector is projected to experience more technological breakthroughs, faster network speeds, reduced latency, and swift holistic growth. According to a report by Mordor Intelligence, the telecom sector market size will reach USD 69.62 billion by 2028.
