5G launch possible within two quarters of spectrum auction: Airtel CTO

NEW DELHI: Bharti Airtel said that first 5G network will be launched within two quarters of spectrum auction and can cover a large part of the country after one year. The Sunil Mittal-led telecom operator also conducted India’s first rural 5G trial with Swedish telecoms equipment maker Ericsson at the outskirts of Delhi/NCR.

Airtel’s chief technology officer Randeep Sekhon said that 5G auctions could take place early next year.

“Within two quarters after the auction, 5G networks can go live. After 1 year, we can see a large portion of the country getting covered by 5G,” Sekhon said.