Which Company Launched the 5G Network First in India, and who provides 5G in India?

The introduction of 5G technology in India has been one of the most significant advancements in the country’s digital journey. With a massive user base of mobile subscribers, India needed an ultra-fast, low-latency network to meet the increasing demand for speed, seamless connectivity, and advanced applications like AI, IoT, smart cities, and automation. The big question that most internet and telecom enthusiasts ask is: which company launched the 5G network first in India, and which companies are providing 5G services today?

This article takes you through the complete history of the first 5G launch in India, the telecom companies behind it, and the current state of 5G availability across the nation in 2025.

The First 5G Network Launch in India

The first-ever commercial 5G service in India was launched by Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel almost simultaneously in October 2022. The official announcement came during the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2022, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Although both companies rolled out 5G at the same event, Airtel was the first telecom operator to switch on live 5G services in select cities, beating Jio by a few hours. Airtel’s 5G went live immediately in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Varanasi, and Bangalore, while Reliance Jio announced a gradual rollout beginning with its “Welcome Offer” for selected customers in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Varanasi.

So, to answer directly:

• The first company to launch 5G services in India was Bharti Airtel.

• Reliance Jio followed shortly after, with its own rollout strategy.

Companies Providing 5G in India

As of 2025, several telecom operators provide 5G connectivity across India. Let’s look at them in detail.

1. Reliance Jio 5G

Reliance Jio, India’s largest telecom operator by subscriber base, is a key player in 5G. After its 4G revolution that brought affordable data to every household, Jio committed to deploying standalone 5G architecture (SA), which is faster and more reliable compared to the non-standalone (NSA) models that depend on existing 4G infrastructure.

• Rollout: By the end of 2023, Jio expanded its 5G services to nearly every district in India.

• Technology: Jio uses its own indigenous 5G technology, branded as Jio True 5G.

• Coverage: By 2025, Jio claims nationwide 5G coverage, including tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

• Target: Jio aims to connect smart homes, industries, and enterprises with its advanced 5G solutions.

2. Bharti Airtel 5G

Airtel became the first operator to officially launch 5G services in India and positioned itself as a strong competitor to Jio.

• Rollout: Airtel launched Airtel 5G Plus in October 2022 and quickly expanded to most major cities by 2023.

• Technology: Airtel’s 5G works on non-standalone (NSA) 5G, which uses existing 4G infrastructure to provide faster services. This allowed Airtel to roll out faster, though some experts say standalone (SA) has better long-term potential.

• Coverage: By 2025, Airtel 5G is available in over 5000 cities and towns across India.

• Strength: Airtel has a strong presence among enterprise users, offering industry-specific 5G solutions.

3. Vodafone Idea (Vi) 5G

Vodafone Idea, commonly known as Vi, has struggled financially in recent years, which delayed its 5G launch compared to Jio and Airtel. However, Vi is still a major telecom provider and has plans to expand 5G steadily.

• Launch Timeline: Vi announced 5G trials in select cities in 2022 but rolled out commercial services only after 2023.

• Current Status (2025): Vi provides 5G services in metro cities and some high-demand zones. The rollout is slower due to financial challenges, but it remains in the race.

• Future Plans: Vi is focusing on partnerships and enterprise solutions to strengthen its 5G offerings.

4. BSNL 5G

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), the government-owned telecom provider, has been slower to adapt to new technology compared to private operators. However, BSNL has announced its plans to launch 5G services on a large scale by 2025, leveraging indigenous technology.

• Trials: BSNL conducted successful 5G trials with the support of C-DOT and other technology partners.

• Launch Plans: The company aims to offer affordable 5G connectivity to rural and remote areas where private operators may not prioritize coverage.

• Government Backing: Since BSNL plays a strategic role, its 5G will support initiatives like Digital India and BharatNet.

India’s 5G Expansion: Coverage and Reach in 2025

India’s 5G journey is remarkable because of the scale and speed of deployment. With over a billion mobile subscribers, rolling out a next-generation network was a massive challenge. Yet, both Jio and Airtel managed to achieve rapid coverage expansion.

• Urban Coverage: By mid-2024, nearly all metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, and Pune had complete 5G availability.

• Semi-Urban & Rural Coverage: By 2025, Jio and Airtel extended services to smaller towns and semi-rural areas, making India one of the largest 5G markets in the world.

• Enterprise Adoption: 5G in India is being used in manufacturing, healthcare, transport, and logistics. Enterprises are adopting private 5G networks to improve automation and efficiency.

Benefits of 5G in India

5G in India is not just about faster mobile internet. Its benefits spread across multiple sectors:

1. Ultra-Fast Internet
   Speeds ranging from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps, enabling high-quality video streaming, cloud gaming, and instant downloads.

2. Low Latency
   Latency of less than 10 ms, supporting applications like autonomous vehicles, remote surgeries, and AR/VR.

3. IoT Connectivity
   Billions of smart devices, from wearables to smart homes, can connect efficiently through 5G.

4. Digital Transformation
   Industries like agriculture, education, and logistics benefit from real-time data and automation.

5. Economic Growth
   According to estimates, 5G could add billions of dollars to India’s GDP and create millions of jobs in technology, manufacturing, and telecom.

Challenges in 5G Implementation in India

While India has successfully rolled out 5G, the journey has not been free of challenges:

• High Infrastructure Cost: Rolling out 5G towers and fiber connectivity nationwide requires huge investments.

• Device Compatibility: Many users still own 4G phones, which slows down adoption.

• Spectrum Pricing: Telecom operators have raised concerns about the high cost of spectrum auctions.

• Rural Accessibility: Ensuring 5G reaches villages is still a work in progress.

Future of 5G in India Beyond 2025

As India moves forward, 5G is expected to become the backbone of its digital economy. Here are some key developments expected beyond 2025:

1. Standalone 5G Expansion
   While Airtel uses NSA for now, the future will shift towards standalone 5G, which supports more advanced use cases.

2. 6G Preparations
   India is already conducting research and development in 6G technology, targeting a rollout around 2030.

3. Private 5G Networks
   Enterprises will increasingly adopt private 5G for manufacturing plants, smart factories, and corporate campuses.

4. Affordable 5G for All
   With BSNL entering the game, rural and low-income users will get affordable 5G access, ensuring digital inclusivity.

Final Answer: Who Launched 5G First in India?

To summarize:

• Bharti Airtel was the first company to launch 5G services in India, starting live services in October 2022.

• Reliance Jio launched its own 5G shortly afterward, focusing on a nationwide rollout with standalone technology.

• Vodafone Idea (Vi) and BSNL are also providing 5G services in selected areas, though their rollout has been slower.

As of 2025, Jio and Airtel dominate the 5G market in India, while Vi and BSNL continue to expand gradually.

The launch of 5G in India has transformed the country’s digital landscape. From being one of the largest data consumers in the 4G era, India has now entered the 5G era with a vision of becoming a global leader in digital innovation. While Airtel holds the title of being the first company to launch 5G in India, both Jio and Airtel are now racing neck-and-neck to dominate coverage and services across the country.

With Vodafone Idea and BSNL joining the competition, Indian consumers have multiple options to access the power of 5G. As adoption continues to grow, 5G will play a critical role in shaping India’s economy, society, and future technology.