5G networks offer the potential to transform industrial sectors and deliver significant social and economic benefits in India. To make the most of this opportunity, access to millimeterWave (mmWave) spectrum is key.
The importance of how mmWave spectrum for 5G can help transform India is highlighted in a new report form the GSMA entitled “The Impact of mmWave 5G in India.” It was launched during a GSMA-GSA-COAI event focusing on this important topic by Guest of Honor Shri K. Ramchand, Member – T, DoT and Keynote Speaker Shri U K Srivastava, Sr DDG, TEC.
“In order for India to realise socioeconomic benefits and foster the adoption of the most technologically advanced 5G use cases, government should make the spectrum release timeline available to industry stakeholders as soon as possible,” said Manoj Misra, Senior Public Policy Director, GSMA, India.
Notably, India stands to benefit significantly from mmWave-enabled 5G using bands such as 26 GHz and 28 GHz. Approximately $150 billion in additional GDP is anticipated for India over the period 2025–2040, according to the report which was authored by GSMA Intelligence.
Amongst the various sectors the manufacturing sector will see the greatest impact, accounting for about a fifth of the gains. The healthcare sector will also benefit greatly from mmWave-enabled 5G, with an impact of approximately $4 billion. These two verticals are explored in-depth in the report.
The report also recommends that India should formalise its NFAP and announce its time-plan for 5G mmWave implementation as soon as possible to give visibility to stakeholders and future plans of operators and vertical industry relying on mmWave spectrum bands.
