Not Just Powering MSMEs, Start-Ups, 5G will Reduce Urban-Rural Digital Divide: Experts

Information and Technology (IT) minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had said last month that the government is investing about $30 billion to ensure last-mile network accessibility for 4G,

as well as 5G in villages with an aim to build robust digital infrastructure in rural areas. Later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 1 launched 5G telephony services, which

promise ultra-high-speed internet on mobile phones, declaring that it marks the start of a new era and presents a plethora of opportunities. At the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2022

conference last week, Modi announced the launch of 5G services in select cities. Over the next few years, the services will gradually expand to cover the entire country. After the

launch, abeylele.com reached out to industry insiders to understand how this next-generation technology would help rural India in the coming years. The Future with 5G National

Internet Exchange of India CEO Anil Kumar Jain said he believes 5G will provide opportunities for the country and its allied businesses, including MSMEs, start-ups, and creator

industries, as well as it is expected to see the benefits of digital technology and revolution in both India’s urban and rural areas. But the urban-rural divide is a reality in

the country. While citing the issue, Arshdeep Singh Mundi, Managing Director, Jujhar-Netplus, told News 18 that 5G would work as a bridge, enhancing network, spectrum and energy

efficiency in India’s rural areas. “As it allows for the seamless integration of various networks and technologies, 5G will bring us one step closer to always being linked to

everything and everywhere. For customer segments residing in rural areas, the integration of satellites in 5G networks will open the door to new applications in industries like

agriculture, health, and emergency response,” the industry expert noted. Similarly, Mihir Sanchala, Assistant Vice President of Technology, PlayerzPot, said with a reduced

hindrance in connectivity through a faster network, the development will expand to tier 2 and tier 3 cities. According to him, smartphone penetration in rural India will also

enhance the progress of rural India by making them a potential market for various business entities. “This will, in turn, result in an improved employment rate, digitalisation,

and a better place in the business map of our country,” Sanchala added. Another industry insider, Sriram Rupanagunta, co-founder and SVP, Engineering, Aarna Networks, said the

government has set an aggressive goal of 80% coverage in a short period of time and if it is achieved, it will immensely help rural India since a lot of the areas will be covered.