India is witnessing an explosive surge in 5G adoption, with 270 million subscribers projected by the end of 2024, comprising 23% of the nation’s mobile subscriptions, as revealed by Ericsson’s latest mobility report. This marks a sharp increase from 110–120 million 5G users in 2023.
The Rise of 5G, Decline of 4G
While 5G adoption accelerates, 4G continues to dominate with 54% of total mobile subscriptions in 2024. However, this dominance is expected to erode swiftly, with 4G subscriptions plummeting to 240 million (18%) by 2030 as India pivots towards next-gen connectivity.
India is projected to command 20% of the global Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) subscriptions by 2030. As one of the key use cases for 5G, FWA delivers broadband through radio signals, eliminating the need for extensive cabling. This aligns with India’s goal to enhance connectivity in rural and underserved regions.
5G Rollout: Leading the Charge
Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel are spearheading India’s 5G revolution:
- Jio employs standalone architecture (SA) for a more robust and future-proof network.
- Airtel uses non-standalone architecture (NSA) to leverage existing 4G infrastructure.
These efforts have enabled mid-band deployments expected to cover 95% of India’s population by the end of 2024.
Global Leader in Data Consumption
India leads globally in data consumption per smartphone, averaging 32 GB monthly, significantly higher than the global average of 19 GB. This figure is expected to double to 66 GB by 2030, driven by rising 5G usage and new applications.
Ericsson predicts early 6G deployments by 2030, emphasizing advancements in 5G standalone and 5G advanced technologies. By then, 5G will handle 80% of global mobile data traffic, cementing its role as a cornerstone of digital transformation.
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