‘New Spectrum Bands Will Enhance 5G Consumer Experience’
What are the spectrum bands that are essential for the successful implementation of 5G technology in India? How will these spectrum bands enrich the 5G consumer experience?
India has set a global benchmark with its robust 5G deployment and remarkable build-out speed. In just one year of its launch, 5G connectivity has reached over 6,258 towns and cities in India. The two major Indian telecom operators aim to complete the nationwide rollout over the coming few months, making 5G services accessible throughout India by 2024.While Indian telecom operators are already leveraging a diverse spectrum portfolio for 5G services, the successful implementation of 5G in India hinges on securing a significant amount of spectrum. It is imperative for telecom operators to acquire spectrum bands ranging from 600 MHz (megahertz) to above 37 GHz (gigahertz), which are expected to be available in the upcoming 5G spectrum auction. Additionally, the deployment of additional FR2 bands (mmWave) and the allocation of the 6 GHz band are of paramount importance.
Furthermore, India's advantage lies in the availability of low and mid-band frequencies, which are valuable options for 5G implementation. Specifically, the mid-band spectrum (1 GHz - 6 GHz) is well-suited for efficiently transmitting substantial data over significant distances. Telecom companies must consider these spectrum options carefully to ensure a successful 5G implementation in India.
These new spectrum bands will enhance the 5G consumer experience by enabling faster data speeds, lower latency, and improved network reliability. While for consumers, this will help in seamless high-quality video streaming, quicker downloads, and support for emerging technologies like IoT and augmented reality, etc, for enterprises it will help create specialised applications such as smart manufacturing, logistics, telemedicine, etc.
Fibre footprint remains a challenge in India. Do you think the E and V band can bridge the gap?
India faces a significant challenge with its limited fibre connectivity, as less than a quarter of mobile towers are currently fibre optic enabled. The prospect of opening up the E band (71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz) and V band (57-64 GHz) frequencies to Indian telecom companies presents a compelling solution to address transport network bottlenecks and elevate the consumer experience. These bands can transmit data at super speeds of around 1,000 megabits per second.The E and V bands can serve as robust alternatives for last-mile connectivity and high-capacity backhaul, particularly in regions where deploying traditional fibre infrastructure proves to be challenging and cost-prohibitive. These bands hold the promise of delivering gigabit-level speeds, perfectly poised to meet the escalating demand for data services in India.
By harnessing these spectrum bands, telecom operators can efficiently expand their networks, catering to densely populated urban areas and long-neglected remote regions that have suffered from infrastructure limitations, thus closing connectivity gaps.
How crucial is street infrastructure for the success of 5G in India?
Street infrastructure is pivotal to the success of 5G in India. It plays a crucial role in facilitating the deployment of small cell sites and base stations required for 5G's dense network architecture. Improved street infrastructure not only accelerates the expansion of 5G coverage but also enhances network reliability and capacity, crucial for delivering high-speed data and enabling emerging technologies. Moreover, efficient street infrastructure can reduce the cost and complexity of 5G deployment, making it more accessible to a wider population.The recent clarification on the definition of ‘street infrastructure’ and permission to deploy small cells on central government buildings and structures without administrative fees, except for charges related to power and fixtures provided by building owners under recently amended Right of Way rules, 2022 is going to streamline network deployment procedures, leading to more efficient and rapid rollouts.
Ericsson works with both Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel. How are you supporting them in network deployment and 5G production?
Ericsson stands as a global 5G leader having deployed 152 live 5G networks across 65 countries. In India, our journey began with the installation of the first switch in 1903 and the establishment of GSM services in 1994. From providing connectivity through 2G, 3G, and 4G to pioneering 5G, Ericsson has been a part of India’s digital transformation journey. In 1994, we were the first telecom company to 'Make in India,' a commitment we uphold today through our cutting-edge manufacturing facility in Pune, where we manufacture 5G telecom gear.
We are partnering with Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio towards rolling out expansive 5G networks nationwide. To cater to the increasing demands of our Indian clientele, we are strategically enhancing our production capacity and operations in Pune in collaboration with our partner, Jabil, following a well-planned phased approach.
India's ambitious 5G rollout is powered by a skilled workforce driving the country’s digital transformation journey. With over 31,000 employees, Ericsson has its largest workforce based in India. Their contributions enable the company to maintain robust and agile operations, encompassing manufacturing, R&D, sales, service, and network operating centres, supporting operator networks both regionally and globally.
How will 5G help generate revenue for the telecom service providers going forward? By when do you see 5G services contributing a bigger share of revenue to the service providers?
There is a huge interest in 5G in India. As per the latest Ericsson Mobility Report, 5G subscriptions in India grew to 10 million by end of 2022 and it is slated to touch 700 million by the end of 2028. Further, 5G will represent around 57 per cent of mobile subscriptions at the end of 2028. In fact, consumers are willing to pay a 10 per cent base premium for 5G and an additional 35 per cent premium for bundled selected 5G services.
Further, as per Ericsson's "5G for Business - A 2030 Market Compass" study, the global industry digitalisation market for service providers is projected to grow to $700 billion by 2030. In India, 5G-enabled digitalisation revenues for service providers are estimated to be around $17 billion by 2030.
Ericsson just released its report titled ‘5G value: Turning Performance Into Loyalty’. What are the key takeaways?
According to the study, based on tech attitudes and affordability, 31 million users could upgrade to 5G phones in 2023. This presents a vast opportunity for 5G adoption in the country. 5G users in India stand out for their high daily engagement with apps, such as streaming HD video, video calling services, mobile gaming and augmented reality. On an average, they spend two hours more per week using these services compared to users in other early adopter 5G markets such as the US, the United Kingdom, South Korea, China and many others. Moreover, India's 5G satisfaction levels and perceived 5G availability match or surpass those in early adopter markets. India boasts a remarkable 13 per cent higher share of very satisfied 5G users compared to the early adopter market average. Overall satisfaction increases by a substantial 30 per cent when transitioning from 4G to 5G, with higher download speeds playing a key role in driving this satisfaction. Given the rapid 5G adoption in India, the growing data traffic and the launch of FWA offers by service providers, we expect mmWave to be the foundation for the next wave of 5G growth the country.
Ericsson’s advanced and more energy efficient portfolio being launched in India will enable the country to meet the capacity and performance requirements of the networks in India.
