Shaping the Future: Ericsson India's Role in 5G Adoption and Innovation

As India races ahead with one of the fastest and most widespread 5G rollouts globally, Ericsson has been at the forefront of enabling this transformation.

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With a strong local presence, manufacturing capabilities, and deep collaboration with telecom operators, the company is not only shaping India's digital growth but also positioning the country as a global hub for innovation and exports.

Ms. Nikita Kumari from BIS Infotech caught up with Mr. Nitin Bansal, Managing Director, Ericsson India, to discuss India's 5G journey, consumer adoption trends, enterprise opportunities, and how Ericsson is leveraging its India operations to support both domestic and global markets.

How does India's 5G adoption and consumer engagement compare with other global markets almost three years into its rollout?

India is not just deploying 5G at scale, it is also shaping the global framework for inclusive and high impact 5G adoption. The country has emerged as a global leader in rollout and adoption. Since October 2022, operators have deployed close to 4.92 lakh 5G BTS, covering more than 99 percent of the country and setting a benchmark for the fastest and most widespread 5G deployment worldwide.

By the end of 2024, India reached over 290 million 5G subscriptions, a number that is expected to rise to 980 million by 2030, making up nearly 75 percent of total mobile subscriptions. While markets like North America lead in penetration at 71 percent, followed by North East Asia at 52 percent, GCC countries at 45 percent, and Western Europe at 41 percent, India's focus is now shifting from building coverage to enhancing user experience, particularly in high traffic locations such as airports, stadiums, and transit hubs.