India's 5G Subscriptions Expected to Hit 840 Million by End of 2029: Report

According to a new report, 5G subscriptions are projected to reach around 840 million in India by the end of 2029. This figure will account for 65 percent of all mobile subscriptions in the region, highlighting the rapid adoption and expansion of 5G technology in the country.

Growth in Mobile Subscriptions

The Ericsson Mobility Report forecasts that the total number of mobile subscriptions in India will grow by 1.3 billion by 2029. This significant increase underscores the growing demand for mobile connectivity and the pivotal role of 5G in meeting this demand.

Strong Uptake of 5G Subscriptions

The June 2024 Ericsson Mobility Report reveals a continued strong uptake of 5G subscriptions. Fredrik Jejdling, Executive VP and Head of Networks at Ericsson, stated that Enhanced Mobile Broadband and Fixed Wireless Access are the leading use cases driving this growth.

He noted that 5G capabilities are influencing service providers' Fixed Wireless Access offerings, enhancing their overall service delivery.

Global 5G Adoption

On a global scale, researchers estimate that 5G subscriptions will reach nearly 5.6 billion by the end of 2029. This projection indicates that 5G will account for about 60 percent of all mobile subscriptions worldwide, emphasizing the global shift towards this advanced technology.

Mid-Band Deployments in India

The report highlights that India has made significant progress in mid-band deployments, achieving over 90 percent population coverage by the end of 2023. This extensive coverage is a testament to the country’s commitment to expanding its 5G infrastructure.

Current 5G Penetration in India

By the end of 2023, 5G subscriptions in India had reached approximately 119 million, with a penetration rate of 10 percent. These figures illustrate the early but significant uptake of 5G technology in the country.

Government's Role in 5G Spectrum Auction

The Indian government has played a crucial role in facilitating the growth of 5G by auctioning 5G spectrum worth Rs 96,238.45 crore for telecom services.

The total quantum of spectrum being auctioned is 10,522.35 MHz across various bands. This auction is a critical step towards ensuring that sufficient spectrum is available to support the growing demand for 5G services.

Participation in 5G Spectrum Auction

The 5G spectrum auction in India has seen participation from three major telecom players: Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea, and Reliance. Their involvement underscores the competitive landscape of the telecom industry in India and the eagerness of these companies to expand their 5G offerings.

Conclusion

The Ericsson Mobility Report provides a comprehensive outlook on the future of 5G in India and globally. With 5G subscriptions projected to reach 840 million in India by 2029, the country is poised to become a significant player in the global 5G landscape.

The government's proactive approach to spectrum auctions and the ongoing efforts of telecom providers are critical to achieving these projections. As 5G technology continues to evolve, it promises to revolutionize connectivity, offering enhanced services and driving economic growth.