India aims to achieve 1 billion 5G subscribers by 2031, as announced by Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. The nation’s telecom landscape is rapidly evolving, with over 500,000 base transceiver stations (BTSs) deployed, providing 5G coverage in 99.9% of districts. A significant uptake is anticipated, with subscriptions projected to rise from 400 million currently to 1 billion by 2031, achieving a 79% penetration rate.
This ambitious target is driven by several factors. The widespread coverage, affordability of 5G devices, and an increasing demand for high-speed data contribute to this expected growth. According to Ericsson, India will witness 394 million 5G users by year-end, making up 32% of total mobile subscriptions. The transition from 4G to 5G seems to be accelerating, with 4G users likely declining from 600 million in 2025 to approximately 190 million in 2031.
The swift deployment of 5G in India is remarkable, achieving nationwide coverage within 22 months since its commercial launch in October 2022. Initially focused on select cities, the rollout quickly expanded, driven by key players like Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio Infocomm. Each reported reaching 50 million users within their first operational year. Later, Vodafone Idea entered the fray, offering services in select cities by 2025. Meanwhile, BSNL, a state-run telecom operator, plans to introduce 5G services this year, utilizing India’s indigenous telecom stack developed by C-DOT, Tejas Networks, and Tata Consultancy Services.
While the roadmap is promising, challenges remain. The need for robust infrastructure, managing high volumes of data traffic, and ensuring affordability are critical. Furthermore, strategies to ensure seamless transition from 4G networks to 5G must be executed efficiently to maintain consumer satisfaction.
Overall, India’s ambitious plan for 5G expansion represents a significant leap in telecommunications. This initiative not only underscores India’s technological prowess but also positions the country as a pivotal player in the global telecom ecosystem. The next few years will be crucial in determining the success of this transformative journey.
