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Billion dollar impact of 5G on India’s economy: 5 points

September 14, 2022
Bharat Times

Benefits of 5G for the Indian Economy

GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications), a global industry body representing mobile network operators, has released a report on India’s digital transformation journey, specifically focusing on the upcoming rollout of 5G services and its economic impact.

Here are 5 highlights from the GSMA report:

  1. According to the GSMA report, 5G is expected to benefit the Indian economy by ₹36.4 trillion ($455 billion) between 2023 and 2040.

  2. The benefits of 5G technology are expected to be felt in the manufacturing sector (representing 20 percent of the total profits), retail (12 percent) and agriculture (11 percent), etc.

  3. By 2030, more than a third of the total connections in India will be 5G, with the share of 2G and 3G reducing to less than 10 percent. It also noted that the high level (79 per cent) of 4G adoption in India indicates a customer base ready to switch to 5G.

  4. According to the report, the proportion of connected adults (people above the age of 18) has increased in India, but a third of those covered by the mobile broadband network have not yet used the service. It said that lack of literacy and digital skills remains the biggest hurdle.

  5. There is also a considerable gender gap between mobile ownership and mobile Internet use. While there is a 14 per cent gender gap in mobile ownership, the figure has increased to 41 per cent in mobile internet usage. Lack of awareness and digital skills is one of the top barriers to mobile internet adoption and usage among women, the report said.