Modi launches 5G in India; Akash Ambani gives demo to PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, October 1 launched 5G services in India. This has ushered in a new technological era for the country. In the initial phase, 5G connectivity will be rolled out in 13 cities- Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Pune, Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad and Jamnagar. The technology will be introduced across the entire country in the next two years. 5G technology will provide seamless coverage, high data rate, low latency, and highly reliable communications. It will increase energy efficiency, spectrum efficiency and network efficiency too.

Speaking at the event, Telecom Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, "PM Modi is launching 5G services in India. In the history of telecom, today would be recorded in golden letters. Telecom is the gateway, the foundation of Digital India. It is the mode to bring digital services to every person.”

Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani said, “Very proud of what we have demonstrated. To COAI (Cellular Operators Assn of India) and DoT (Department of Telecom), I can say we are ready to take leadership and Indian Mobile Congress should now become Asian Mobile Congress and Global Mobile Congress.” He also announced that Reliance Jio will launch affordable 5G services across the country by December 2023.

While, Bharti Airtel chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal said that Airtel will be launching 5G telecom services in eight cities, including four metros, on Saturday and will progressively cover the entire country by March 2024.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated the 6th edition of India Mobile Congress (IMC) at the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. The IMC 2022 is scheduled to be held from October 1 to 4 with the theme of “New Digital Universe”. It will bring together leading thinkers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and government officials to discuss and showcase unique opportunities emerging from the rapid adoption and spread of digital technology.

PM Modi also inspected the exhibition at Pragati Maidan. Chairman of Reliance Jio, Akash Ambani demonstrated one use case of 5G services to the Prime Minister.