5G – BOON TO INDIA?

What is 5G?

- it is the 5^thGeneration of Wireless Data Network Technology.

It is now the new wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. With its ability to deliver high multi Gbps peak data speeds and very low latency and massive network capacity.

Now, how is it different from 4G? -

a) High Bandwidth

4G could only master about 200 megabits per sec on a good condition whereas, 5G can handle up to 1000 megabits per sec or more

b) Latency

4G has a latency of 100 milliseconds whereas 5G’s reaction time can be as low as 1 millisecond. Which can make everything happen just like instantly

How 5G or other networks are produced? –

As we all know that mobile tower is always emitting radiations and When our mobile phone uses calling function or Internet Services then it directly communicates with this mobile tower with these “Radio Frequency Waves”. They are non-ionizing waves

Now, what are these Radio Frequency waves? –

RF waves are a type of Electromagnetic waves, which are produced by the vibrations of electric field and magnetic field. This is also a way to propagate energy.

Now if we see the frequency of 5G, it ranges from 30 to 300 GHz. And according to Physics, Frequency is Inversely proportional to wavelength. that implies its wavelength will lie in the range of 1 to 10 mm and if look at a wavelength of 4G network, they are in Centimeters. The greater the wavelength the greater the distance it will cover.

In general, to ensure the proper Connectivity to the 5G network, we will require many more 5G tower than 4G towers.

WHY INDIA NEEDS 5G? –

According to a government-appointed panel, 5G is expected to create a cumulative economic impact of $1 trillion in India by 2035.

The IT sector was one of the least affected due to the availability of good internet connections in cities enabling work-from-home facilities for its employees. Apps such as Zoom, WhatsApp, MS Teams, Skype, etc. enabled the smooth running of conferences and, therefore, businesses. Schools and Colleges have depended on online conference calls to conduct regular classes and exams for students. Apart from this, there have been celebrations, doctors' appointments, binge-watching videos, etc. through online platforms. In such scenarios, where the use of the internet has been increasing, telecom enterprises need a massive data capacity that the 5G services offer.

Another important benefit of 5G in India is that it can provide "smart" infrastructure at lower costs and faster delivery. This sensor embedded network will allow much better integration of agriculture, manufacturing, and delivery of end-consumer products, in addition to making transport infrastructure smart and more efficient. In all 5G can solve supply chain shortages to meet demands at lower costs and better efficiencies, impacting the overall Indian economy at agriculture, manufacturing, and services levels.

With all these benefits and many more, India must ensure 5G connectivities with immediate effect.

The Challenges –

At present 4G accounts for 96% of India's data traffic. However, more than 50% of India's users still depend on 2G which is not so conducive for data services. While Reliance Jio wants India to end 2G services and the government wants BSNL to stop investing in 2G, telecom companies such as Airtel, Vodafone-Idea and, even, BSNL have around 400 million 2G subscribers which contributes to nearly half of their revenues. These debt-ridden telecom companies lack the necessary incentives to discontinue 2G. Hence, this is going to be a task for the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) which would have to take significant steps to remove barriers in discontinuing 2G and introducing 5G services in India.

Meanwhile, TRAI has recommended a reserve price for the auction of the 5G spectrum in the 3.3-3.4 GHz and 3.4-3.5 GHz bands. However, telecom operators seem reluctant to participate in the auction. They claim that the reserve price of ₹490 crores per MHz is high and the amount of spectrum on offer is insufficient. Indian operators have far less spectrum in comparison to international operators. The 5G spectrum pricing is at least 5 times what the global telecoms pay for spectrum! It is this high investment cost that is not giving them the confidence to telecom companies about the Return on Investment and has not been interested in participating in the auctions.

Added to this are the discouraging taxes. Telecom companies have to pay an Adjusted Gross Revenue charged by the government under the Department of Telecommunications. It consists of the spectrum usage charges and the licensing fees which is currently 3% and 6% of "all" the revenues earned by the telecom companies. By "all", I mean both, telecom and non-telecom related revenues such as asset sales and deposit interests. The idea of adjusted gross revenue is itself flawed. It rewards the weak, inefficient players while the revenue-generating, profitable players end up paying more!

Despite these challenges, the government has repeatedly spoken of India’s aspirations to deploy 5G and to be a significant player in its development and growth. A high-level forum was appointed in 2016 to recommend a 5G strategy for India. The National Digital Communications Policy, 2018, has also highlighted its potential. There needs to be a way forward to overcome these challenges.

The Way Forward –

As we have already seen, one of the reasons Indian telcos are not enthusiastic about 5G is because they lack incentives. To promote 5G, the government must incentivize the telecoms by reducing AGR and instead, recover from these losses through growth and tax collections.

The government can also incentivize the manufacture of products using 5G technologies and promote 5g Start-Ups.

The idle spectrum must be freed up and efficient use of spectrum can be rewarded.

More funds must also be allotted in the Union Budget to build the 5G infrastructure as it requires newer hardware and software for its up-gradation. Accelerated deployment of broadband infrastructure with total coverage of 10 Gbps across urban areas and at least 1 Gbps across rural areas would help bridge the digital divide to some extent. 5G offers a better capacity than 4G, wherein a greater number of devices can be connected to the internet without slowing the network connectivity as seen with the present 4G networks.

In addition, 5G would support online education for both rural and urban India. The problem we see at present, especially during this pandemic, is that while students in urban areas have uninterrupted education, students of rural India are losing out on opportunities especially during competitive exams due to lack of internet.

Appropriate testbeds and technology platforms to advance innovation and research into 5G will help India compete against global players.

5G will act as the Fuel for Digital India. It can also lead to digital transformation in India. Hence, there is a need to align Digital India programmed with 5G technology.

The World Economic Forum predicts that by 2023 there will be about 9.1 billion mobile subscriptions. It provides an opportunity for Indian industries to reach out to global markets. It can help in better service delivery, faster access to services and deeper penetration of digital services.

Hence, the government must act upon the above points speedily to not miss the 5G bus at a time when India needs such opportunities that would end up creating newer, better jobs and, thus, impacting the overall economy