A key to unlocking the true potential of 5G

With India's young population and a large pool of technology talent, the country has the potential to become the world's cradle for 5G skills

- SAURABH KUMAR SAHU

Today, it is widely established that 5G, as a disruptive technology, will reshape the entire communications value chain. It is expected to play a crucial role in the total enterprise reinvention journey of every modern enterprise, enabling cloud-based infrastructure, advanced data, and Artificial Intelligence (Al) capabilities, as well as applications and platforms.

In India, business leaders are notably enthusiastic about the potential of 5G and its ability to streamline operations and enhance productivity. These advancements will be particularly essential to keep pace with an increasingly complex and dynamic business landscape that necessitates seamless integration and intelligent digital networks capable of real-time communication to swiftly address customer needs. In essence, the future of business, and consequently the future of our digital economy, is heavily reliant on the widespread adoption of 5G.

While there is extensive discussion around 5G and its potential applications, an overlooked aspect is the availability of skilled professionals who are capable of comprehending and managing these applications. For example, if a large FMCG company decides to use 5G to improve its manufacturing processes, who will possess the necessary expertise to operate it once the initial deployment by the partner or a telecom operator is complete?

The fact is that 5G technologies are evolving at a faster rate than the skills required to effectively harness its capabilities. To illustrate this point, James Cameron created the concept and acquired the necessary skills a decade before he launched his film Avatar, as he awaited the advancement of technology to catch up. Conversely, the technology already exists in the case of 5G, but the skills required to tap into its true potential are currently missing.