5G in the time of telecholera: Why this tech is critical to India’s digital dream

While 5G is built on the successes of 4G networks, it provides an opportunity for telcos to move beyond providing connectivity services, to developing rich solutions and services for consumers, industries and infrastructure. Worldwide, more than 40 telecom operators have already launched 5G. But given the current turmoil in India’s telecom industry, pundits continue to question the need — and viability — of launching 5G here. While it’s true that from the mid-1990s, India has been behind the curve in use cases while being ahead in technology, we seem to be at a new point where this gap could be bridged.

Technology is critical to India’s digital ambition. The constantly evolving need for higher speed, along with plans for smart cities, industrial automation, connected devices, etc, make 5G inevitable. So, it becomes critical for both operators and GoI to develop and adopt it in a speedy and efficient manner.