The next generation of mobile networks is making its way across South Asia, promising faster speeds, lower latency, and transformative technologies for millions of users.
5G represents a significant leap forward in wireless technology with these groundbreaking features:
5G offers speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G, with peak data rates reaching 20 Gbps, enabling instant downloads and seamless streaming.
With latency as low as 1 millisecond, 5G enables real-time communication critical for applications like remote surgery and autonomous vehicles.
5G can support up to 1 million devices per square kilometer, making it ideal for smart cities and IoT applications.
South Asian nations are at different stages of 5G deployment. Here's the current status:
India launched 5G services in October 2022, with major telecom operators rolling out services in metropolitan areas first. The government aims for pan-India coverage by 2024.
5G technology will revolutionize various sectors across South Asia:
Enable smart factories with real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automated quality control.
Facilitate remote diagnostics, robotic surgeries, and real-time patient monitoring across regions.
Enable connected vehicles, intelligent traffic management, and autonomous driving solutions.
Power immersive learning experiences through AR/VR and enable remote education in rural areas.
Enable precision farming with IoT sensors, drone monitoring, and automated irrigation systems.
Support connected infrastructure, efficient energy management, and enhanced public safety systems.
While promising, 5G rollout in South Asia faces several hurdles:
Deploying 5G requires significant investment in new infrastructure, including small cells and fiber backhaul, which can be costly for developing economies.
High spectrum prices in some South Asian countries make it difficult for telecom operators to justify the investment in 5G networks.
The current high cost of 5G-enabled devices creates a barrier to widespread adoption in price-sensitive markets.
There's a risk that 5G could exacerbate the digital divide, with urban areas benefiting first while rural regions lag behind.
Several South Asian countries began 5G trials with major telecom equipment providers.
Regulators started allocating 5G spectrum bands and formulating policies for deployment.
India became the first South Asian country to launch commercial 5G services in October 2022.
Other countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh began limited 5G rollouts in major cities.
Expected period for wider 5G coverage across urban centers in the region.
Commercial 5G services are already available in some South Asian countries like India, with others expected to launch in 2023-2024. Full nationwide coverage across the region will likely take until 2025-2026 due to infrastructure requirements.
No, 4G and 5G will coexist for many years. While 5G will become the primary technology for new applications, 4G will continue to serve as a fallback network and for areas where 5G deployment isn't economically feasible.
According to the World Health Organization and numerous scientific studies, 5G is safe when operated within established guidelines. The radio waves used by 5G are non-ionizing and don't have enough energy to damage DNA or cells.
Initial 5G plans may carry a premium, but prices are expected to become more affordable as adoption increases. In India, telecom operators have launched 5G plans at similar price points to 4G plans in some cases.