India 5G smartphone installed base to reach 40 million by Dec despite no clarity on networks

NEW DELHI: Around 37-40 million users will be on smartphones supporting 5G technology by the end of 2021, 10 times higher than in 2020, despite the fact that there is no visibility on the roll out of the next generation networks in India, market trackers say. In fact, 5G smartphone sales are expected to cross 30% by volume and 50% by value in the festive season, amidst a huge brand push and with consumers looking to future proof buys.

“5G installed base is expected to be round 40 million by 2021 exit. 5G shipments will grow 10x in 2021 over 2020,” Navkender Singh, research director at IDC told ET.