5G Solutions and Opportunities in India

This booklet serves as a reference guide to some of the existing 5G solution offerings for industries in India. It presents a curated selection of 5G applications and solutions that can be leveraged across diverse industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare and logistics. By showcasing real-world applications and case studies, we aim to highlight the transformative potential of 5G technology to enhance operational efficiency, improve service delivery, and drive innovation.

India’s 5G journey is marked by rapid network expansion, contributing significantly to its goal of becoming a digital economy powerhouse. According to GSMA’s Mobile Economy Asia Pacific 2024, India is projected to have 641 million 5G connections by 2030, representing nearly 50% of total mobile connections in the country. This expansion is driven by India’s strong commitment to 5G deployment, as seen in the commercial launch of 5G Standalone (SA) networks by leading operators like Jio, which has deployed over 1 million 5G cell sites.

In August 2023, Airtel became the first company in India to conduct pre-commercial trials of 5G Reduced Capability (RedCap) technology, which offers cost-effective, energy-efficient solutions for IoT applications and wearables. The trials were done in collaboration with Ericsson and Qualcomm, highlighting Airtel’s commitment to driving 5G-enabled IoT innovation.

Reliance Jio Infocomm has been rapidly expanding its 5G network using Standalone (SA) architecture since October 2022. The operator has already deployed its 5G service in 7,764 cities in India, according to the carrier’s website. Jio’s 5G (SA) network presents a significant opportunity for diverse business ventures using its indigenous 5G technology.

Moreover, the shift to 5G in India has led to a substantial increase in data consumption. On average, 5G users in India consume 3.6 times more mobile data compared to 4G users. This surge in data usage underscores the transformative potential of 5G to fuel growth in industries such as smart cities, manufacturing, and logistics by enabling faster, more reliable, and highly responsive connectivity.

GSMA APAC is helping the Indian ecosystem realize the full potential of 5G networks to benefit society. By fostering collaboration and innovation, we aim to contribute to India’s growth as a global leader in the digital economy. With 5G expected to add nearly $130 billion to the Asia-Pacific economy by 2030, India’s share of this growth is set to be significant.

This booklet aims to provide a snapshot of these opportunities and serve as a catalyst for further innovation and adoption of 5G in India’s key industries.