India still doesn’t have much clarity when it comes to the next-generation connectivity networks. All across the globe, countries and governments are going with the 5G standards developed by the 3GPP. But India has had different plans. In order to become self-reliant, TSDSI had developed its own 5G standard, namely 5Gi. Many opine that 5Gi is the right way to go, but then there are many who believe that 5G standards from 3GPP is the more accurate way of looking at the future. The thing is, the longer this debate goes, the longer it will take the operators to roll out the 5G networks.
It is worth noting that the telecom operators in India have already started testing 5G networks in different parts of the country. But none of the operators has commented about which standard they are using for conducting the trials. The operators are not saying anything because they can’t officially announce the standard they are testing with, as the government can announce the official standard anytime it wants.
5G By 3GPP Is The Better Way to Go
5G networks in India and the rest of the world should be powered by the 3GPP standards because they will allow globalisation and standardisation of other technologies and products revolving around 5G. If India goes ahead with the 5Gi, it will result in an increased cost of production of smartphones for the manufacturers.
Many bodies related to the telecom sector of India have warned about going ahead with the 5Gi standard. If the government goes with the 5Gi, it would mean that India will become an isolated nation. Smartphones built for the 5G networks of India won’t even connect to the other 5G networks while in international roaming.
The benefits of 5Gi are far less than that of its benefits. It is most likely that the government will listen to the industry and make the 5G standards by 3GPP the norm for India as well.
