RT team
India is setting a global standard for rapid 5G deployment. Since October 2022, more than 4.6 lakh base transceiver stations (BTS) have been installed in 779 districts, achieving wide coverage. This swift mid-band 5G expansion is set to reach 95% of the population, placing India among the top 15 nations in 5G download speeds. The Ericsson Mobility Report 2024 forecasts 970 million 5G subscriptions in India by 2030, accounting for 74% of mobile connections.
Rising data usage underscores 5G’s transformative effect. Monthly consumption now averages 32 GB and is expected to reach 66 GB by 2030, reflecting surging demand for advanced connectivity.
While Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) have gained traction, 5G’s greater impact lies in fueling cross-sector innovation. Consumer “use places” like stadiums, event venues, and urban hubs will require amplified capacity and tailored solutions. Ericsson ConsumerLab predicts 67% of Indian 5G users will adopt Generative AI weekly.
Such engagement will foster personalized services and immersive content. 5G also promises to reshape digital libraries, AR/VR retail, cloud gaming, and 360-degree streaming, delivering unprecedented connectivity and transforming daily life.
India’s 5G story is still unfolding, yet its potential for socio-economic advancement is immense. Ongoing collaboration across operators, policymakers, and enterprises will be essential to harness 5G for inclusive development, digital empowerment, and large-scale innovation. By laying the groundwork for future technologies, including 6G, India is poised to become a global leader, unlocking vast new opportunities that could significantly reshape industries and propel the country’s digital evolution.
