On October 1st, 2022, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced and commenced the launch of 5G Networks in India, highlighting its countless benefits across various sectors. Today, more than 3500 cities and towns in India have access to the 5G network. There are many strives made by Airtel and Jio, the only two 5G providers in the country as of now.
5G Network is Expected to Reach 100% Coverage in India by December 2024
According to a statement earlier this year by the Union Minister of Communication, Ashwini Vaishnaw, the 5G Network, which is expanding at a fast pace, is expected to reach 100% coverage in India by December 2024.
Today, Jio and Airtel, the only two 5G service providers in India already provide 5G Network coverage across more than 400 cities, with more cities being added at a rapid pace. Moreover, these 2 internet giants have constantly made strives in the 5G Market with new innovations and technologies.
Let’s look at some of the latest developments in the 5G industry from Jio’s Massive funding, Airtel’s new Xstream AirFiber and Delhi Metro’s 5G Coverage.
Swedish Export Credit Agency EKN Provides Massive $2.2 Billion Funding to Jio to Aid Service Rollout
In the company’s annual report, Reliance Jio shared that they have received $2.2 Billion from the Swedish Export Credit Agency EKN. This massive funding will reportedly be used by Reliance Jio for financing the large-scale procurement of telecom gear and equipment, which will help them continue their PAN India rollout of the 5G Network.
In 2022, it was announced that Jio has secured a long-term partnership with Swedish Telecom Ericsson and Finnish Telecom Nokia for these gears and equipment. In recent times, Jio has been on the lookout for funding, and now that it has received this $2.2 Billion funding – it’s likely that Jio will be able to finance further equipment procurement from these partners.
Airtel Launches Xstream AirFiber – India’s First Wireless Home Internet
Airtel has recently rolled out its newest Wi-Fi technology, the Airtel Xstream AirFiber. Claimed to be India’s first wireless home internet, this wireless device is powered by Airtel’s 5G+ network and works on the latest Wi-Fi 6 technology to provide wide coverage and fast internet speeds.
This new wireless internet solution by Airtel aims to provide last-mile connectivity solutions in rural and urban areas alike, providing a seamless internet experience through its device, even in areas which don’t have access to fiber infrastructure.
Airtel Xstream AirFiber is currently rolled out in Delhi and Mumbai and will see a pan-India rollout soon.
Delhi Metro to Provide Wide 5G Coverage for Commuters
In another exciting development, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) recently shared that it’s gearing up to provide a seamless 5G experience for its commuters. This is another stride by the DMRC, which aims to always equip its railway network with the latest technology.
As of now, there is no confirmed timeline for when this layout of 5G services across its network will be completed. However, there seems to be rapid progress with 29 out of the 69 underground stations already being equipped and upgraded with the required infrastructure for fast and seamless 5G connectivity.
Once this infrastructure is implemented, there will be no need of further upgradability, and commuters will be able to enjoy a fast internet experience across the Delhi Metro.
The 5G Market Continues to Show Remarkable Growth
With many major developments happening across the country, the 5G market is thriving and is on a steady incline. As mentioned, it’s expected that there will be 100% coverage of the 5G Network across India by December 2024. Moreover, by 2030, the 5G market is expected to contribute to 2% of India’s GDP, amounting to a massive $180 Billion.