FROM 5G SURGE TO 6G HORIZON: INDIA'S NEXT-GEN LEAP

India is racing ahead with 5G, but the groundwork for 6G is already being laid, with AI, NTN, and new spectrum bands poised to reshape connectivity.

- DR SIDHARTH SHUKLA

India is leading the global 5G adoption movement, marking a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey. Since the rollout of 5G in 2022, India has deployed over 4,78,000 5G cell sites across the country as of April 2025. 5G services are now available in every state and union territory, serving a growing base of 250 million active 5G subscribers.

The country has adopted both standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) deployments, utilising L, S and Mid-band frequency bands. By 2030, this number is projected to rise to an impressive 970 million, making up 74% of all mobile connections in the region. This rapid rollout is revolutionising sectors such as healthcare, education, and agriculture, while also bridging the digital divide in rural and underserved areas.

Despite this rapid progress, the full potential of 5G has yet to be realised. While mobile broadband is the primary 5G service available today, the technology has the capacity to support a range of advanced capabilities such as Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC) and massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC). These features are still in the early stages of commercialisation, and their widespread adoption is expected to unfold in the coming years. As the 5G market continues to evolve, new business opportunities and regulatory frameworks will emerge, shaping the future of wireless technology.

Meanwhile, the industry is already looking ahead to the next phase of connectivity—5G Advanced and, ultimately, 6G. With multiple waves of 5G deployments and upgrades still ahead, the ICT sector, academia, and standardisation bodies are already investing in the technologies that will power the next generation of wireless communications beyond 5G.

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