Beyond 5G, into a faster future

Future telecom services will enable quicker downloads, higher remote work efficiency, and seamless access to cloud-based services and apps

From the invention of telephones to smartphones, computers, and social media platforms, the advent of the digitalisation Internet has certainly changed the way we communicate with each other. In this context, taking digital transformation and connectivity to new heights, the government launched 5G technology—a fifth-generation wireless technology that promises faster speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously—in 2022 for various industries, with telecom being no exception.

The launch of 5G services and the subsequent improvements will propel an expansion of USD 12.5 billion in the Indian telecom industry.

Currently, India is the world’s second-largest telecommunications market, with a subscriber base of 1,170.75 million in January 2023, and has registered strong growth in the last decade. Indeed, 2G, 3G, and 4G have effectively delivered most of those promises, primarily by offering faster data connectivity speeds. However, the adoption of 5G has influenced how people and professionals interact, work, and acquire information, revolutionising the future of telecom services. A Deloitte-Confederation of Indian Industry study projects that every three years, the launch of 5G services and the subsequent improvements will probably propel an expansion of USD 12.5 billion in the Indian telecom industry.

With a speed of 20 Gbps, the 5G network is poised to gradually increase the average data usage per subscriber.

Therefore, considering the rapid pace of technological advancement and innovation, it is expected that the telecom industry will continue to experience significant growth in the coming years. This future may include technologies such as 6G networks and even more seamless integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things, and data analytics into our daily lives. With these advancements, we can expect even greater connectivity and enhanced virtual reality. So, before delving into the future of the telecom sector, let us dive into the details of 5G and its potential benefits.

THE 5G ADVANTAGE

There is no denying the fact that the rollout of the 5G network has been a game changer for the telecommunications industry, providing speedy downloads and uploads for every operation. Unlike its predecessor, this technology does not require specialised networks, since it is built for greater versatility, working simultaneously with a variety of other networks.

As a result of 5G’s quicker Internet speed and more dependable network, users will be able to download easily and conveniently. With a speed of 20 Gbps, the 5G network is poised to gradually increase the average data usage per subscriber. The average data consumption per user has risen sharply since 2018, reaching 19.5 GB per user per month in 2022, the equivalent of 6600 songs, according to Nokia’s annual Mobile Broadband Index (MBiT) report.

Even though 5G was only introduced a year ago, it has already caused significant disruption in the Indian market. Thus, technology has undoubtedly become the norm, and to experience a paradigm shift, astute leaders and professionals are already forecasting what the next stage of telecom services will hold beyond 5G.

SERVICES BEYOND 5G

The telecom industry is seeing a sharp rise in innovation when it comes to moving beyond 5G offerings. While 5G has made enormous headlines, as technology continues to advance at an astounding rate, experts are conceptualising 6G networks to stay ahead of the curve. Recently, the Indian government released the Bharat 6G Vision Document as a proactive step. The goal for the upcoming wave of wireless technology is to provide high-speed Internet, which is faster than 5G’s maximum speed and would support economic growth in the Indian telecom sector.

Beyond 5G services, the technology is creating new opportunities for India’s most significant industries, including telecommunications.

Eventually, this next generation of telecom services will not only offer faster and more reliable connectivity but also enable advanced technologies such as AI, virtual reality, and data analytics. Additionally, the integration of blockchain technology is expected to enhance security and privacy in the telecom industry. Therefore, it is reasonable to say that, beyond 5G, we will be able to enjoy faster speeds with less latency than we have now.

Furthermore, the technologies will be able to facilitate quicker downloads, which will improve the user experience and change a lot of elements of users’ lives. For instance, customers will be able to download large files quickly and watch high-definition videos without any issues with higher download speeds. This will improve entertainment experiences while also making remote work and collaboration more effective and facilitating seamless access to cloud-based services and apps.

Moreover, transcending beyond 5G services, it is anticipated that the telecom industry is envisioned to witness lower energy consumption, promoting sustainability by reducing carbon emissions. When all is said and done, it will connect billions of devices and technological systems, fundamentally altering how people engage with the digital world.

Owing to these innovations and their significance, the future of telecom services beyond 5G seems promising. Thus, with the continuous advancements in technology, telecom services are expected to become even faster, more reliable, and more efficient. Ultimately, going beyond 5G services, the technology is creating new opportunities for India’s most significant industries, including telecommunications, as well as bringing in a new era of quicker networks and improved network performance.

A Mordor Intelligence report indicates that the Indian telecom market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.40%, up from USD 44.43 billion in 2023 to USD 69.62 billion by 2028.

By Vikas Sharma

Sharma is the Founder and Director of HiCom Services.

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