THE TELECOMMUNICATION sector will continue to expand and grow in 2023 when it comes to the fifth generation (5G) rollout. In fact, 2022 was a watershed year for the communications sector which saw India join the 5G bandwagon. And all thanks to some major reforms and policy direction by the government that led to the highest ever bids during the spectrum auction of 2022.
In terms of reforms, the government direction allows the telecom players zero spectrum usage charges on the spectrum they won via the auctions. Then the government also got rid of mandatory upfront payments for the spectrum winners. Operators who have won the 5G spectrum have also been allowed to surrender the spectrum after a 10-year period. The government also allowed easy payment options by increasing the number of annual installments to 20 among other policy reforms.
In July, the government had put 72,098 MHz spectrum to auction, of which 51,236 MHz (71 per cent of the total) was sold with a bid amounting to Rs 1,50,173 crore. "This is the highest-ever auction revenue proceeds received from a single auction," said a senior official in the communications ministry. Officially, the 5G services were launched in the country by the Prime Minister on October 1, 2022. As of end-November, the 5G services have been started in 50 towns across 14 states and union territories. Experts said the 5G subscriptions were expected to reach 31 million by end-2022.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Is Leadership Without Hierarchies Possible?
LEADERSHIP IN THE current era is more challenging than ever before.
The Rise and Evolution of Coffee Culture in India
AS A BANGALORE native, South Indian filter ‘Kaapi’ has always been a significant part of our tradition.
The Daily Ground Goes Desi
Success in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities hinges on several key factors, with one of the most important being the ability to offer high-quality products at an accessible price point
Cracking The Indian Code
TARUN JAIN, CEO of Tim Hortons India believes in creating an experience at cafes by blending global quality, local flavours and affordability
Making Coffee the New Chai in India
Affordable, great-tasting coffee made fast-abCoffee is reshaping how India drinks coffee
Scripting A New Era Of Coffee In India
From a bootstrapped startup to international expansion, NOTHING BEFORE COFFEE is brewing its way to the top by challenging the giants of the coffee industry with innovation, personalisation, and sustainability
"Driven By A Younger Demographic, Coffee Culture Is On The Upswing"
SUNIL D'SOUZA, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Consumer Products, discusses the company's strategic growth in India's booming coffee market, focusing on premiumisation, innovation, and expanding consumer experiences both at home and in cafés, in this exclusive conversation with BW Businessworld's Tarannum Manjul
Fresh Brew, Big Ambitions
From startups to stores, Beanly's Samayesh Khanna and Rahul Jain elevate India's coffee culture by making freshly brewed coffee a daily delight
"On Track To Become India's Top Café Chain"
In an exclusive interview, RAJAT AGRAWAL, CEO of Barista Coffee, shared insights on the company's current market position, expansion strategies, and its response to growing competition
"Ensuring A Seamless Coffee Experience Outside The Cafe Is The Next Big Thing To Watch Out For"
In an exclusive conversation with BW Businessworld's Resham Suhail, Third Wave Coffee CEO RAJAT LUTHRA and its Co-founder AYUSH BATHWAL delve on how they are navigating the competitive landscape, going beyond retail and tapping changing consumer preferences