India holding 4G/5G discussions with 18 countries: IT Minister

The 4G/5G stack will be upgradable and convenient for the countries planning to implement it

March 1, 2023

India will have complete 5G coverage by December, 2024

The government's initial goal was to reach 200 districts in Phase I of the 5G rollout, but they have already surpassed that number, having touched 387 districts

The Indian government's next objective is to get the Telecom Bill passed during the upcoming Monsoon session

Mobile phone exports from the country this year will exceed US$ 10 billion this year

India is holding discussions with 18 countries that are planning to implement the 4G/5G technology stack, according to Communications and IT Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw,. Additionally, the minister stated that India will have complete 5G coverage by December of next year. 

The government’s initial goal was to reach 200 districts in Phase I of the 5G rollout, but they have already surpassed that number, having touched 387 districts. Furthermore, India has received 100 patents for 6G telecom technology.

Vaishnaw made these statements during a briefing announcing that the Indian government received the 2023 Government Leadership Award at the Mobile World Congress event in Barcelona, organized by the Groupe Speciale Mobile Association (GSMA), an association representing the mobile operators and global mobile industry. The MWC Barcelona website stated that India’s achievements over the past year include a highly successful 5G spectrum auction, the launch of a national portal for right-of-way approvals to streamline network deployment, and numerous programs aimed at enhancing digital and financial inclusion.

According to the Minister, the 4G/5G stack will be upgradable and convenient for the countries planning to implement it. They mentioned that that the technology has to be first tested, ruggedised, and then released in phases (4G first, followed by 5G).

The Indian government’s next objective is to get the Telecom Bill passed during the upcoming Monsoon session, which would bring about significant reforms in terms of spectrum, licenses, and regulation. One of the clauses on the draft bill aims to regulate OTT communication players from a national security and consumer safety standpoint. He further stated that similar discussions are taking place globally.

Vaishnaw also discussed progress on the manufacturing front, stating that the first eNodeB, designed and made in India, was installed in Chandigarh. Additionally, he noted that 99% of phones are made in India, and that mobile phone exports from the country this year will exceed US$ 10 billion this year. 

Source: Economic Times

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