Why 5G is Not Implemented in India?
The Requirement of a Spectrum
While the rest of the world may be rolling out 5G connectivity, the 5G spectrum is still pending allocation in India. Thus, full-fledged trials cannot be done as required by telecom operators to test the technology.
Excessively Expensive Spectrum
The 5G spectrum auction is delayed since the price is extremely expensive for telecom companies. The operators are still debt-ridden and reeling under pressure to keep the costs low for 4G. The Indian government is however looking into new avenues to price the spectrum to oblige with the appeals of the telecom companies at IMC.
Finding Space for the Spectrum
It is challenging to acquire sites due to the MIMO equipment to deploy 5G. More towers and antennas will be needed as the network connectivity expands. It is important to own the sites primarily.
Lack of Regulatory Bodies
The telecom sector has missed opportunities for the past two decades in formulating a stable broadband strategy for 5G adaptability and advancement of broadband in India.
5G Devices at Affordable Price
Making 5G network available will not help if affordable devices are not offered in the market. Qualcomm may have announced partnering with companies to manufacture inexpensive 5G devices but the Indian market is still to see the products. Solution providers, policymakers, and network operators are not able to find a common ground due to procedural delays and various regulatory issues. The 2G spectrum scam left a bitter taste in the mouth of the investors and a lesson for other telecom companies leading to the withdrawal of investments for any future projects. 5G in India can become a reality only when a proper regulatory body is there to develop the roadmap for 5G.
Low Fiberisation Footprint
The fiber connectivity needs to be upgraded across India as it connects only 30% of telecom towers presently. This number has to be doubled to ensure an efficient 5G launch and adoption in India.
Network Security and Privacy
Network security and privacy have always been a concern for the users over different networks. Even when the 1G network was at play, wireless channels for masquerading and illegal cloning could be seen. With the advancement in network and technology threat to security and privacy is more real than ever. Attack on semantic information is also expected. Moreover, data collection practice by different apps also poses a threat. With the cloud-based data storage facility with no physical boundaries, 5G operators would not be able to safeguard the personal data of the users in the cloud environment. It would be brilliant if the 5G network is introduced in India since the potential benefits are magnificent. But the challenges are also massive which is why 5g is not implemented in India.
