India's 5G user base to double to 100 crore by 2030; Scindia says country will lead global 6G race
New Delhi, July 29
India is on track to connect up to 100 crore people to 5G technology by 2030, Union Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Tuesday, highlighting the country's rapid digital transformation and its ambitions to emerge as a global leader in 6G technology.
Speaking at an event, Scindia said 5G services have already reached nearly 50 crore people across the country, describing the figure as equivalent to the entire population of Europe. He said the next phase of expansion would see the number of 5G users double over the next few years.
"When technology reaches every citizen, it creates opportunity, and when opportunity reaches every citizen, transformation becomes inevitable. Mobile phones are today in the hands of 1.33 billion people, data prices have fallen from Rs 287 per GB to around Rs 8 per GB. That is democratisation. That is Antyodaya. As we lay the foundation stone of the next chapter, we must examine how innovations, technology and ideas from India can cross borders and go across the world," he said.
Highlighting the government's long-term vision, Scindia said India now has leadership that is focused on anticipating future global technological trends and ensuring that the country is at the forefront of those developments.
The minister asserted that India is preparing to lead the world on 6G and is actively participating in the global standard-setting process through the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), which are shaping the future of next-generation telecommunications.
"With 6G, I firmly believe we will combine the physical, the digital and intelligence into one seamless ecosystem. Through the Bharat 6G Alliance and our work on global standards, India is preparing to contribute at a level that was never possible before," the minister mentioned.
The minister said mobile internet rates in India have fallen by 97 per cent over the past decade, making digital connectivity significantly more affordable and accelerating the adoption of high-speed internet services across the country.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Scindia ji is right about democratisation of technology. From paying Rs 287 per GB to just Rs 8 - that's what Make in India can achieve! But we need to ensure telecom companies don't start charging extra for 5G after the initial rollout. Competition needs to stay healthy.
Finally some forward thinking! For too long we were just consumers of foreign technology. Now with 6G standardization through ITU and 3GPP, India can actually shape global telecom standards. Proud moment for every Indian engineer working on this. Let's go! 🚀
As someone who works in the telecom sector, the 50 crore figure is impressive. But let's be realistic - many of these are smartphone users with 5G phones who rarely get true 5G speeds due to spectrum and tower constraints. Hope the infrastructure keeps pace with the targets.
"When technology reaches every citizen, it creates opportunity" - beautifully said. The digital divide is slowly closing. My domestic help now uses UPI for payments on her 4G phone. Affordable data is truly transformative. Hope 6G doesn't become an elitist technology like 5G initially was.
The drop from Rs 287 to Rs 8 per GB is mind-blowing! I remember paying Rs 500 for 1GB in 2015. But let's not forget the role of Jio in bringing this revolution. Without that competition, we'd still be paying through our noses. Government's policy support has been consistent though. 👍
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