India is yet to begin with 5G services, while many of the countries have already enjoying it for a while.
As of now, it is said that India could see first phase of 5G rollout in the second half of 2021. Airtel and Jio have completed their testing and getting ready for 5G.
Why India is slow in developing and adopting to 5G? There are considerable reasons for the delay in India.
Delayed 4G services
First of all is the 4G deployment. India took enormously a long time to adopt to 4G internet and services. If Reliance Jio not entered the telecom sector, India could have been still under the 4G phase. But, the forceful and grand entry of Jio helped 4G to reach nook and corners of India.
TRAI regulations
The 5G spectrum should be auctioned by TRAI, the government agency which controls telecom sector in India. But, they delayed it due to some reasons including COVID-19 influenced pandemic situation. Now TRAI is ready for 5G and gave their nod to telecom companies to prepare for 5G.
Financial Instability
Due to COVID-19, India is facing a pullback in economy. This is not a right time to introduce a new technology like 5G. This has delayed the 5G services in the country. But, with two vaccines available and two more coming in the next few months, India inc. is going for 5G in 2021.
Big Players
In India, Airtel and Jio are the two big private players running in the forefront to launch 5G. Another big company is Vodafone Idea. State owned BSNL is also showing interests in launching 5G along with these three service providers. Of these four, Vodafone and BSNL can’t stand the 5G storm as Airtel and Jio will invest a lot in needed infrastructures and in the upcoming spectrum auction.