Telecom Diary: Is 2G mobile network shutdown imminent?

Calls for shutting down 2G networks in the Indian mobile market have been transpiring for some time. But with unique dynamics of the telecom industry, is it sensible to close down the networks which still serve around 200 -250 million feature phone users located in rural and remote areas?

The idea has again been floated by the country’s largest telecom player Reliance Jio which doesn’t offer 2G services and started with 4G only network. The other two private players Airtel and Vodafone Idea have a mix of 2G and 4G networks. While 5G services have been launched by both Reliance Jio and Airtel.