“5G Technology” roll-out in India

What is the News?

The Standing Committee on Information Technology has slammed the Department of Telecommunications(DoT) for the delay in the launch of 5G services.

Facts:

 What is 5G technology?

• 5G or fifth generation is the latest upgrade so far in the long-term evolution (LTE) mobile broadband networks. The 5G technology mainly works in 3 bands, (low, mid and high–frequency spectrum).
• Benefits of 5G: 5G would provide
  1. Near Instantaneous connectivity —20 times faster than 4G.
  2. Reduced latency (faster response time)
  3. Energy saving
  4. Cost reduction
  5. Higher system capacity and
  6. mass device connectivity.

 Key observations made by the Committee on 5G:

• Lack of preparedness: The sufficient preparatory work had not done for introducing 5G services in India. The report also mentioned the country will likely witness only partial deployment by 2021-end or early 2022.
• Delay in deployment of 5G: The committee has raised concerns that the deployment of 5G services in the country may be further delayed, judging from previous experience:
  • 2G was deployed globally in 1991, it was deployed in India in 1995;
  • 3G was deployed globally in 1998 but deployed in India ten years later, i.e. in 2008.
  • 4G services were launched in India seven years after their global launching in 2008.
  • Hence, now when many countries are swiftly moving towards 5G technology, India is likely to witness delay in deployment.
• Spectrum Issues: The Committee finds that inadequate availability of spectrum. The high spectrum prices in India may hinder the roll-out of 5G in India.
• No Guidelines for 5G Trials: The telecom companies had submitted 5G trial applications in January 2020. But till date, guidelines for trials had not been made clear. Also, there was no set date for the commencement of 5G trials.

Read about the challenges in 5G technology roll-out

Source: The Hindu