When Was 5G Introduced in India, and Which Company Launched 5G in India?

India has entered a new era of digital connectivity with the arrival of 5G technology, marking a significant leap forward in the nation’s telecommunication sector. The introduction of 5G in India is more than just a technological upgrade—it represents a foundation for digital transformation across industries, education, healthcare, agriculture, and governance.

When 5G was introduced in India, which companies launched it, and how it is reshaping India’s communication landscape. Let’s take a deep dive into the timeline, key players, benefits, and the future of 5G in India.

What Is 5G Technology?

Before understanding India’s 5G journey, it’s essential to grasp what 5G actually means.The phrase 5G refers to the fifth generation of wireless communication technology used in mobile networks. It is the successor to 4G LTE and is designed to deliver ultra-fast data speeds, low latency, and massive network capacity.

Key Features of 5G:

• High Speed – 5G networks can deliver speeds up to 10 Gbps, which is nearly 100 times faster than 4G.

• Low Latency – Response times can drop to just 1 millisecond, allowing real-time interactions for gaming, virtual reality (VR), and autonomous vehicles.

• Massive Connectivity – 5G can connect billions of devices simultaneously, forming the backbone of the Internet of Things (IoT).

• Improved Reliability – Enhanced connection stability and consistent performance, even in crowded areas.

In essence, 5G is not just an evolution of mobile communication—it’s a revolution that enables smart cities, smart homes, and digital ecosystems.

When Was 5G Introduced in India?

India officially launched 5G services on October 1, 2022, during the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2022 event held in New Delhi.

The event was a historic moment for the country, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the commercial rollout of 5G technology. The launch symbolized India’s commitment to advancing digital infrastructure and becoming a global leader in innovation and connectivity.

Timeline of 5G Development in India:

1. 2018 – The Indian government announced its intention to develop and adopt 5G technology through the formation of the High-Level 5G Forum.

2. 2019 – The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) initiated 5G trials and invited telecom companies to participate.

3. 2020–2021 – Extensive testing and spectrum trials were conducted by leading telecom operators, including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea.

4. July 2022 – The 5G spectrum auction took place, marking the final stage before commercial deployment.

5. October 1, 2022 – Official launch of 5G services in India.

The launch event featured live demonstrations showcasing the speed and potential of 5G in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and disaster management.

Which Company Launched 5G in India?

Several companies were instrumental in bringing 5G to India, but two major telecom giants—Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel—were the first to roll out 5G services. Let’s look at their contributions in detail.

1. Bharti Airtel: The First to Launch 5G in India

Bharti Airtel became the first telecom operator to officially launch 5G services in India.

At the India Mobile Congress event on October 1, 2022, Airtel’s 5G Plus service was introduced across multiple major cities, marking the beginning of the 5G revolution in the country.

Airtel’s 5G Launch Details:

• Launch Date: October 1, 2022

• Technology Used: Non-Standalone (NSA) 5G network, which uses existing 4G infrastructure.

• Initial Coverage: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Siliguri, and Nagpur.

• Brand Name: Airtel 5G Plus

Airtel’s 5G Plus service focused on seamless transition from 4G to 5G, meaning that users with compatible devices could access 5G speeds without needing a new SIM card.

Key Highlights:

• Airtel’s 5G offered 20–30 times faster speeds than 4G.

• The company promised nationwide coverage by March 2024.

• Airtel partnered with leading tech providers like Ericsson, Nokia, and Samsung for its 5G infrastructure.

2. Reliance Jio: The Largest 5G Rollout

While Airtel was the first to launch, Reliance Jio was the first to introduce a pan-India standalone 5G network.

Jio’s 5G Launch Details:

• Launch Date: October 5, 2022

• Technology Used: Standalone (SA) 5G network, built entirely on a new 5G infrastructure without relying on 4G.

• Brand Name: Jio True 5G

• Initial Cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Varanasi

Reliance Jio emphasized that its True 5G service would deliver superior speed, lower latency, and better energy efficiency compared to the Non-Standalone (NSA) model used by Airtel.

Key Highlights:

• Jio’s 5G network can deliver speeds exceeding 1 Gbps.

• The company invested over ₹88,000 crore in the 5G spectrum auction.

• Reliance announced a nationwide 5G rollout by December 2023, reaching even rural areas.

• Jio partnered with Nokia, Samsung, and Ericsson to develop India’s 5G infrastructure.

Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani described the rollout as a step toward making India “a global leader in digital connectivity and innovation.”

3. Vodafone Idea (Vi): Awaiting Rollout

Vodafone Idea (Vi) also acquired 5G spectrum during the 2022 auction but was slower in deployment due to financial restructuring.

As of 2025, Vi is working on 5G trials in collaboration with Ericsson and Nokia, aiming to roll out commercial services once its network modernization is complete.

Vi’s 5G Status:

• Spectrum Purchased: 17 priority circles

• Technology Partners: Ericsson, Nokia, Samsung

• Current Focus: Testing and preparing for commercial launch

Vodafone Idea is expected to introduce its 5G services soon, targeting both urban and rural markets.

Government Role in India’s 5G Rollout

The Indian government played a crucial role in facilitating the 5G revolution. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) designed the framework for the spectrum auction, trials, and regulations.

Key Government Initiatives:

1. Spectrum Auction (July 2022):
   India’s largest-ever spectrum auction raised over ₹1.5 lakh crore, with Reliance Jio emerging as the top bidder.

2. 5G Testbeds:
   The government established multiple 5G testbeds across IITs (Indian Institutes of Technology) to promote domestic R&D.

3. Make in India Vision:
   The initiative encourages local manufacturing of telecom equipment and the development of indigenous 5G technologies.

4. BharatNet and Digital India:
   These programs aim to connect rural regions with high-speed broadband powered by 5G.

The collaboration between public and private sectors has been essential in ensuring that India’s 5G ecosystem grows sustainably and inclusively.

Benefits of 5G for India

The introduction of 5G in India opens the door to a wide range of opportunities across multiple sectors.

1. Economic Growth

According to industry estimates, 5G could add $450 billion to India’s economy by 2035. It will stimulate new industries, job creation, and innovation.

2. Healthcare

5G enables remote surgery, telemedicine, and real-time monitoring, improving healthcare access in rural areas.

3. Education

Students can benefit from augmented reality (AR) and virtual classrooms, enhancing remote learning experiences.

4. Agriculture

Farmers can use IoT sensors and AI-powered devices to monitor soil, weather, and crop conditions in real time.

5. Smart Cities

5G supports smart traffic management, energy-efficient buildings, and public safety systems, making urban life more efficient and sustainable.

6. Manufacturing and Industry 4.0

Factories can deploy automated robots and connected machines, optimizing productivity and reducing costs.

Challenges Facing 5G in India

While 5G brings immense potential, India faces some challenges in implementation.

1. Infrastructure Gaps:
   Building 5G towers, fiber networks, and small cells across vast rural areas is time-consuming and costly.

2. Device Compatibility:
   Not all users have 5G-enabled smartphones, which limits adoption in the early phase.

3. High Costs:
   Telecom operators must invest billions in upgrading networks and spectrum fees.

4. Regulatory Delays:
   Policy updates and clearances can slow down expansion in certain regions.

5. Cybersecurity Concerns:
   With increased connectivity comes greater risk of data breaches, making cybersecurity crucial.

Despite these challenges, the pace of 5G adoption in India remains strong, supported by government initiatives and private investment.

The Future of 5G in India

The 5G journey in India is just beginning. By 2025, both Airtel and Jio aim to achieve nationwide coverage, while Vodafone Idea is expected to join the race soon after.

India’s 5G roadmap also includes:

• Integration with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies.

• Expansion of Smart Cities projects using 5G-enabled IoT systems.

• Promoting domestic production through the Make in India initiative.

• Preparing for 6G research, led by the Bharat 6G Vision Document launched in 2023.

5G is not just a faster internet—it’s the foundation for India’s digital future.

The official introduction of 5G in India on October 1, 2022, marked a historic milestone in the nation’s digital journey. Bharti Airtel became the first telecom operator to launch 5G services, followed closely by Reliance Jio, which unveiled its True 5G standalone network. Together, these two companies are transforming India’s connectivity landscape.

With government support, innovative applications, and growing digital demand, 5G promises to redefine communication, empower industries, and drive India toward becoming a global digital leader.

As India races toward full-scale 5G adoption, one thing is certain—the country’s technological future has never looked brighter.