Creating a robust 5G device ecosystem crucial for the success of 5G in India

As India strives to build a connected future around 5G, the device ecosystem for 5G spectrum bands is set to witness explosive growth in the coming years. The entire chain of device manufacturers, network providers, system integrators, test & validation agencies and consulting firms will actively contribute for the successful implementation of 5G across the country.

With this as the backdrop, COAI, GSA and Qualcomm India Private Limited jointly organized a webinar to discuss the various aspects of device ecosystem for 5G spectrum bands in terms of deployment, advancement, readiness and challenges faced globally as well as in India. The webinar deliberated on issues such as the availability of 5G devices and components, the critical role played by device makers and suppliers to accelerate 5G adoption in the country, as well as the issues surrounding security and standardization of these devices.

Over the past several years, telecom sector has emerged as the key contributor to the country’s digital growth and overall economy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry demonstrated how telecom network can play a lead role in empowering citizens and help the country rise over such challenges. The webinar discussed the need for industry stakeholders and policymakers to come together to build a sustainable 5G initiative in India.

The panel comprised senior officials from DoT, TRAI, GSA, TEC, Airtel, Qualcomm India Pvt Ltd, Samsung and Nokia. Panelists also highlighted the need for building an investor-friendly approach to boost investment and accelerate the creation of a mature 5G ecosystem.

Lt. Gen. Dr. S.P. Kochhar, Director General, COAI, during his opening remarks mentioned, “India has set the ambitious target of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2025, and telecom will act as a pillar to enable this growth. With 5G, operators get an opportunity to move beyond connectivity and collaborate across sectors to deliver new and better services. Thus, it is critical that the government, along with the industry stakeholders, devise a proactive strategy to address the roadblocks ahead of 5G.”

Delivering the keynote address, Deepa Tyagi, Sr. DDG – TEC, said, “TSPs will need to invest in new digital avenues to become a trusted partner for 5G-enabled digital transformation. Policy roadmap should address the spectrum, infrastructural, and business challenges, favorable investment climate, indigenous technology development, and customized use cases in the Indian context will help in the timely adoption of 5G in India. There is also a need to ensure that quality of the devices that are used in the country, only certified devices should be allowed in the networks.

Stuart Cooke, Chairman Spectrum Group, GSA, said, “In India, the concerns over spectrum availability and pricing are emerging as major roadblocks for 5G deployment. To herald the new digital era powered by 5G, it is important to address these concerns. While striving to make 5G a reality, it is also important to focus on 3GPP compliance so that the technology gets wider acceptance at global level. India has huge potential to emerge as a 5G leader, and we hope the industry, with the backing of a clear 5G policy roadmap, will achieve the target in the coming months.”
CT Bureau