India has joined a select group of countries that offer 5G telephony. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 5G services in the country at 6th India Mobile Congress in New Delhi yesterday. Airtel has kicked off 5G services in 8 cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Varanasi, while Reliance Jio will launch it by Diwali. Vodafone Idea will also begin 5G roll out soon. After the roll out of 5G, people will be able to experience 10 times the faster internet speed than 4G. The telecom operator is promising to offer 5G to each corner of India by December 2023. Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea are expected to reveal 5G plan prices in the coming weeks.
Speaking after the rollout event, Prime Minister said, the launch of 5G services is a gift from the telecom industry to 130 crore Indians and a step towards a new era and also the beginning of infinite opportunities.
Mr Modi said, at the time of 2G, 3G, and 4G services, India was dependent on other countries for technology but with the launch of 5G services, the country has created a new history. He added that with 5G, India is setting a global standard in telecom technology for the first time.
Touching upon the vision of Digital India programme, the Prime Minister said, the initiative has a very big vision of development.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw said, the 5G technology will bring a fundamental change in various sectors.
Minister of State for Communications Devusinh Chauhan, Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group Kumar Mangalam Birla, and Founder of Bharti Enterprises Sunil Bharti Mittal also shared their views on the occasion.