Today was a big day with everyone looking forward to the much awaited Union Budget 2022 getting announced. Nirmala Sitharaman finally took the curtains off of it and there’s some really good news when it comes to the future of 5G in India. Well, for starters, that future is VERY near indeed. Let’s take a quick look at all she had to say about it.
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5G in India: All You Need To Know
5G auctions will be taking place this year itself. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharam said that, “The required spectrum auctions will be conducted in 2022 to facilitate roll out of 5G mobile services within 2022-23 by private telecom operators.”
Furthermore, this statement also reveals that the commercial rollout of 5G is actually not too far away. In fact, within 2022-2023 itself, we will be getting 5G in India. This is great news for all the 5G smartphone owners out there. Ahead of 5G launch, the 5G smartphone industry is booming. By March of 2023, we can expect to see these devices use the spectrum to offer 5G network in India.
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The leading operators, Reliance Jio, Airtel and Vodafone Idea (Vi) will surely compete heavily against each other. Additionally, Sitharaman also stated that a production-linked incentive will act as a catalyst in pushing 5G in India. This incentive will focus on design-led manufacturing.
5G Network in India: What Else
Besides, the Finance Minister also adds that 5 percent of the USOF (Universal Service Obligation Fund) will be allocated to the Research and Development alongside commercialisation of tech for enhancing and improving the broadband reach to rural parts of the country. Telecom operators pay 5 percent of their adjusted gross revenue to the Government of India for USOF collection.
Sitharaman says that, “The reforms are also expected to boost 4G proliferation, infuse liquidity and create an enabling environment for investment in 5G networks.”
Telecom services in India has recently seen a rise in prices. However, a strong regulatory body has definitely tried keeping the services accessible as much as possible at reasonable rates. Moreover, the Government of India has been taking measures towards ensuring that competition does not get dirty between the telcos. Meanwhile, it should also directly benefit the customers as well. Only time will tell how much 5G in India will cost.
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