In-Depth- Impact of 5G on India | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

5G technologies represent the next generation standard of wireless communication, connecting devices, machines, businesses, and people. What sets 5G in India and elsewhere apart is its ability to deliver higher multi-Gbps data 5G speed, massive bandwidth and network capacity, ultra-low latency, better availability and more reliability compared to any other mobile network.

5G Benefits:

• It will revolutionize the mobile experience, consumers will be able to download data heavy content such as 8K movies and games with better graphics in just a few seconds. However, once 5G becomes commercial, users will need to upgrade their current devices to 5G-enabled ones.
• Moreover, the primary use of the technology is expected to extend beyond personal mobile devices. A government panel on 5G predicts that it will open up new sectors of the economy, including industrial, commercial, educational, healthcare, agricultural, financial, and social sectors.
• The report also highlights that even with the introduction of 5G into Indian networks, earlier generation mobile technologies (2G, 3G, and 4G) will continue to be used, and their phase-out may take 10 or more years.

Various Applications of 5G Network

• One of the main applications of 5G will be the implementation of sensor-embedded networks for real-time information relay across sectors such as manufacturing, consumer durables, and agriculture.
• 5G can also improve transport infrastructure through smart technology, enabling vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communication, which can make driverless cars a reality.
• Low latency is a key feature of 5G technology, essential for mission-critical applications. 5G networks can achieve latency of less than a millisecond.
• 5G will use new radio millimeter waves for transmission, offering much higher bandwidth compared to lower LTE bands and enabling huge data rates.
• 5G is a suitable candidate for the Internet of Things due to its flexibility, availability of unused spectrum, and low-cost deployment options.
• IoT applications will generate vast amounts of data from millions of devices and sensors, necessitating an efficient network for data collection, processing, transmission, control, and real-time analytics.
• The healthcare industry, in particular, will benefit from the integration of operations with a powerful network. 5G will power the healthcare industry with smart medical devices, the Internet of Medical Things, smart analytics, and high-definition medical imaging technologies.

Challenges faced in adopting 5G

• Frequency Allocation: Indian operators have significantly less spectrum compared to their international counterparts. The high cost of investment makes telecom companies hesitant due to uncertainty about Return on Investment.
• Technology Lag: India lags behind in technology compared to other countries.
• Network Investment: The telecom sector in India is grappling with capital augmentation issues that need to be addressed.
• Funding Constraints: Many Indian operators are burdened by debt, which hampers their ability to invest in 5G.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Introducing new technologies rapidly while previous investments remain unrecouped adds another layer of complexity.
• Technical Challenges: Designing IT architecture that can be deployed globally while accommodating local technology for different regions is a challenge.

Way forward for India

• Integration with Digital India: Aligning Digital India initiatives with 5G technology.
• Cyber Infrastructure Strengthening: Enhancing the country's cyber infrastructure.
• Incentivizing Indigenous Design and Manufacture: Encouraging the development of 5G technologies, products, and solutions in India.
• Financial Support: Allocating funds and incentivizing local technology and telecom firms to enhance their capabilities, which would contribute to the success of 5G technology in the country.
• Promoting 5G Start-ups: Supporting start-ups that focus on 5G design and manufacturing capabilities.
• Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Generation: Encouraging the generation of IPR for designs and innovations.
• Chipset Manufacturing: This may require significant investments.
• Technology Platforms and Test Beds: Establishing appropriate test beds and technology platforms to give the Indian technical ecosystem an edge in 5G.
• Broadband Infrastructure Deployment: Accelerating the deployment of ultra-high broadband infrastructure with 100% coverage of 10 Gbps in urban areas and 1 Gbps in rural areas.
• Optimization of Coverage, Reliability, and Scalability: Implementing consistent standards and a unified management policy for seamless mobile networks.