India to roll out 1m WiFi hotspots by Dec 2019

India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2018 saw presentations on 5G applications by global OEMs; Investments of over US$276 million and more than 300,000 jobs are expected to be created

October 25, 2018

IMC 2018 comprised ASEAN and BIMSTEC ministerial conclaves as well as partner programs such as Digital India, Smart Cities, Make in India and Skill India

Leading telecom players such as Samsung, Ericsson, Nokia, Vodafone, Airtel announced critical connectivity projects during the course of the summit

IMC 2018 was attended by over 300 exhibitors, 20 participating countries, over 5,000 CXOs, more than 190 global speakers and saw over 100,000 visitors

In line with the ‘Digital India’ mission, the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2018 (NFAP) was unveiled presenting a roadmap for the Indian telecom sector

The Indian telecom industry is aiming to set up 1 million WiFi hotspots across the country by December 2019, India’s junior minister for communications, Shri Manoj Sinha, said on October 25, on the sidelines of India Mobile Congress (IMC). Under the Bharat WiFi initiative, the national interoperable platform of 1 million WiFi hotspots will be owned and operated by telecom service providers, internet service providers and virtual network operators. This initiative will allow consumers to access WiFi hotspots of any of the partnering operators. IMC also saw investment commitments worth over US$276 million, while more than 300,000 jobs are expected to be created.

IMC 2018, held in New Delhi on October 25-27, was attended by over 300 exhibitors, 20 participating countries, over 5,000 CXOs, more than 190 global speakers and saw over 100,000 visitors. The event’s theme was “New Digital Horizons – Connect. Create. Innovate.” During the summit, in line with the ‘Digital India’ mission, the National Frequency Allocation Plan 2018 (NFAP) was unveiled presenting a pioneering roadmap for the Indian digital communications sector. The NFAP has released a quantum of 605 MHz license exempt spectrum in 5GHz band for Wireless Access Services and Radio Local Area Networks in outdoor, to meet the ever-growing appetite for data.

The NFAP also offered over 30 license exempt bands for Short Range Devices, Ultra-Wideband Devices and additional spectrum for M2M services. Besides improving communication, the technologies will help build domestic manufacturing ecosystem. At the event, the Government also signalled its spectrum plans for 5G services that holds the key to revolutionizing India’s 1.2 billion-strong telecom market. IMC has emerged as one of the biggest marquee Mobile, Internet, and Technology event for South and Southeast Asia. The event, in its second installation, was aimed at building a collaboration platform for technologies, while promoting indigenous innovation.

Recent Articles

India, US look to deepen trade, tech ties through new bilateral agreement

April 22, 2025

A senior official from India’s commerce ministry said that the …

Read More

US VP JD Vance to visit India as trade talks with government intensify

April 18, 2025

US Vice President JD Vance will travel to India next …

Read More

India aims for US$10 trn economy by 2047; focus on R&D, policy reforms

April 17, 2025

According to V Anantha Nageswaran, the Chief Economic Advisor to …

Read More