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India launches 5G services in what Narendra Modi calls a ‘step towards the new era’

  • Much-awaited services aim to provide seamless coverage, high data rate, less delay in internet connectivity and highly reliable communications
  • Launch in selected cities expected to cover entire country over next couple of years

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Commuters watch videos on their mobile phones as they travel in a suburban train in Mumbai, India. File photo: Reuters
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 5G services in India on Saturday, calling it a “step towards the new era”.
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The launch in select cities will cover the entire country over the next couple of years, according to a government statement.

Modi launched the much-awaited services that aim to provide seamless coverage, high data rate, less delay in internet connectivity and highly reliable communications in the presence of India’s telecoms leaders in New Delhi.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photo: Pool via AP
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Photo: Pool via AP

“This event will be etched in history,” Modi said at the launch, adding it was a “step towards the new era in the country” and “the beginning of infinite opportunities”.

Bharti Airtel is rolling out its 5G services in eight cities on Saturday and has set March 2024 as the deadline for countrywide coverage for as many as 5,000 towns.

Telecoms company Reliance Jio plans to start from four metropolitan areas in October and hopes to reach most cities and towns in 18 months.

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The government said that the cumulative economic impact of 5G on India was expected to reach $450 billion by 2035.

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