India to roll-out 5G by 2020

The government of India has set up a high-level forum to determine what it takes to bring 5G in the country and make sure that it is rolled by 2020.

11:37 28 September 2017

The forum will be participated by the country’s ministries of telecom, information and technology, and science and technology. The government has set aside more than $75million for research and development.   

 

Minister of State for Communications Manoj Sinha said: “We missed the opportunity to participate when the standards were being set for 3G and 4G, but don’t want to miss the 5G opportunity. Now when the standards are being set for 5G across the world, India will also participate in the process,”

 

He added that India is actively involved in setting 5G standards because the technology will help the country in the long run.

 

“As per the OECD Committee on Digital Economic Policy, it has been stated that 5G technologies rollout will help in increasing GDP, creating employment, and digitising the economy,” Sinha said

 

Some telcos have already taken initial steps towards 5G. On Tuesday, Airtel launched a pre-5G technology (massive mimo) that increases internet browsing speeds by three times than the current levels. The company together with state-run Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. has also signed pacts with gear markets, including Nokia around development of 5G and its applications that are relevant to India.