Expect Jio to roll out 5G by second half of 2020: SBICap Securities

KOLKATA: Reliance Jio Infocomm is likely to launch 5G services by the second half of 2020, accelerating its rollout to stop rivals Vodafone Idea (VIL) and Bharti Airtel from gaining scale in 4G segment and benefitting from any 4G-led data monetisation, said SBICap Securities.

The brokerage said Jio’s move to fast-track 5G plans is likely driven by mega fundraising plans recently announced by VIL and Bharti Airtel to boost 4G capacities.

Rajiv Sharma, co-head of research at SBICap Securities, said he expects the government to auction 5G spectrum by January 2020. Jio is the only telecom operator which has backed an early sale of 5G airwaves. Both Bharti Airtel and VIL have opposed an early auction.