The benefits of 5G for the Indian economy
GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications), the global industry body representing mobile network operators, has released a report on India’s digital transformation journey, particularly focusing on the upcoming rollout of 5G services and its economic impact.
Here are 5 takeaways from the GSMA report:
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5G is expected to benefit India’s economy by 36.4 trillion rupees ($455 billion) between 2023 and 2040, the GSMA report showed.
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The benefits of 5G technology are expected to be realized in manufacturing (accounting for 20% of total benefits), retail (12%) and agriculture (11%), etc.
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5G will account for more than a third of total connections in India by 2030, with the share of 2G and 3G falling to less than 10%. He also noted that the high level of 4G adoption in India (79%) indicates a subscriber base ready to upgrade to 5G.
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While the proportion of connected adults (people over the age of 18) in India has increased, a third of those covered by mobile broadband networks are not yet using the service, according to the report. Lack of literacy and digital skills remains the biggest barrier, he noted.
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There is also a considerable gender gap in cell phone ownership and mobile internet use. While there is a 14% gender gap in mobile phone ownership, this figure jumps to 41% in mobile internet use. The report notes that lack of digital awareness and skills are among the top barriers to women’s adoption and use of mobile internet.
