India is rapidly emerging as a global leader in 5G deployment, with over 4.6 lakh base transceiver stations (BTS) installed across 779 districts since October 2022. The rollout is expected to cover 95 percent of the population with mid-band 5G, positioning India among the top 15 nations for 5G media download speeds. By 2030, India is projected to have 970 million 5G subscriptions, constituting 74 percent of the country’s mobile users, according to the Ericsson Mobility Report 2024.
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Nitin Bansal, Managing Director of Ericsson India in an interview with Outlook Business, highlighted the transformative potential of 5G in revolutionising industries and consumer experiences. From AR/VR shopping and cloud gaming to 360-degree live streaming, the technology is driving connectivity and innovation. Notably, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) is playing a pivotal role in extending high-speed internet to rural and semi-urban areas, fostering digital inclusion.
Local Manufacturing and R&D
Responding to a question about plans for designing and manufacturing products in India, Bansal highlighted, "We are deeply invested in research and development to drive innovation in cutting-edge technologies like AI, Generative AI, and Network APIs. Our R&D centres in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Gurugram are actively hiring engineers to develop advanced capabilities. These include programmable API solutions for simplified and secure network interfaces, as well as innovative use cases in areas like device management, security, and fraud detection."
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5G in Rural and Semi-Urban Areas
Discussing 5G's reach in rural and semi-urban areas, Bansal reportedly said, "5G is already making significant inroads into rural and semi-urban areas, particularly through Fixed Wireless Access (FWA), which has emerged as a transformative solution for underserved regions. FWA provides cost-effective, high-speed internet connectivity in areas with limited fiber penetration, eliminating the need for costly and time-intensive fiber infrastructure. This makes it an ideal technology for rapidly extending 5G coverage to rural and semi-urban communities,"
"Beyond connectivity, 5G is enabling transformative applications across critical sectors like healthcare, education and infrastructure. With its ability to address unique challenges, 5G holds the potential to revolutionise rural and semi-urban areas, driving growth, digital inclusion, and innovation. By empowering these regions, 5G can contribute to a more connected and equitable future for India," he added, according to the report.
6G Vision and Startups
Regarding 6G in India, Bansal reportedly stated that with the "Bharat 6G Vision," India has laid the foundation to emerge as a global leader in the design, development, and deployment of 6G technology. Ericsson anticipates 6G rollouts to begin by 2030 and is actively contributing to this vision through our "India 6G" program, which includes a dedicated 6G Research Team based at our Chennai R&D Center, according to the report.
According to the report, Bansal also mentioned that the company is empowering startups through its Aduna platform, enabling them to innovate using advanced network APIs.
Also Read: Ericsson Names Its New API Venture Aduna
Satcom Integration
According to the report, Bansal views satellite communication as complementary to terrestrial networks, particularly for extending connectivity to remote and disaster-prone areas. Emerging 3GPP standards are paving the way for seamless satellite-terrestrial integration, enhancing coverage in challenging terrains.
"As operators look to expand coverage, satellite technology should be considered an integral part of their network strategies. It is expected to offer valuable support for areas where terrestrial coverage is challenging, helping create a more connected and inclusive digital ecosystem," he reportedly said.
Global Momentum
Globally, 5G adoption is accelerating. By 2030, 5G is set to dominate mobile networks with 6.3 billion subscriptions, marking 67 percent of all mobile connections.
According to Bansal, India's 5G journey is just beginning, but with its rapid deployment and focus on innovation, the country is poised to become a leader in 6G technology.
