5G launched in India – Are we ready for it?

5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard after 4G. 5G enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices. 5G technology is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds (up to 20 Gbps), ultra-low latency, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more seamless user experience.

Needless to say, an increasing number of CXOs and leaders across industries have started identifying Business opportunities and applications that require the capacity, ultra-low latency and reliability that only 5G networks can deliver.

Now let’s see what 5G has for India. I would say that India will bring scale to 5G. If we look at the current statistics, India is the second biggest market in data consumption and the world knows how fast the 4G adoption was. It is proven that Indian consumers adopt digital and mobile technology faster than any other markets in the world. India has become a pre-eminent country in the use of digital payments technology. Analysts expect that we’re going to take that to the next level.

With 5G India will soon build the so-called gigabit society. Industry experts are clear that, India will not remain a mere consumer of 5G technology, but we will play an active role in the development and implementation of the technology itself. India will play a big role in designing the future wireless technology, and manufacturing related to it.

Launched from October 1^stIndian telecom giants have an ambitious roll-out plan for this country. 5G shall not remain as an exclusive service available to the privileged few or those in our largest cities. It will be rolled out to every citizen, every home, and every business across India.

How about use cases: I was always keen to know what exactly the applications of 5G are. What does it entail other than merely mean higher data speeds and a better-quality video. In fact, 5G applications are limited only to one’s own imagination and creativity. The use cases shall range from connected cars (automotive), remote surgeries (healthcare), Teleporting / Virtual Tours (Travel), Immersive Gaming & e-Shopping with AR/VR, connectivity for edge computing, conduct dangerous chemical experiments remotely, AR enabled education and coaching and it goes on and on.

Here is the Opportunity: I think here we are at this next digital Industrial Revolution and 5G will play a role that’s going to tie with the vision of our digital India. 5G is going to actually help transform many Industries. The opportunities are vast, and we are at the very beginning.

There are a few barriers as well to overcome and one of them right now is the chip shortage and supply chain and logistic issues. However, the opportunities in front of us outweigh the current challenges we have.

The future of 5G: is still being written, but it could be as substantial as the birth of the internet. The fact that no one knows what will happen next, is perhaps the most exciting aspect of 5G applications. One thing you could bet on is “5G will do a lot more than just giving you a faster phone connection”.

Hope this article was useful and informative. Do you think 5G could create some unique opportunities? What other innovative use cases do you believe 5G will enable? Please do leave your comments below.

Thanks for Reading. Stay tuned!