MUMBAI: Major Indian telecom players Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea have urged the government to implement a policy phasing out 2G and 3G networks in favor of 4G and 5G. This recommendation, submitted in response to a consultation paper by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), aims to accelerate the development of the 5G ecosystem and bridge the digital divide.
Jio argues that shutting down older networks reduces unnecessary maintenance costs and frees up resources for 5G infrastructure. According to their statement, “The government should come out with a policy and glidepath for closing down the 2G and 3G networks completely so that unnecessary network costs can be avoided and all customers can be migrated to 4G and 5G services.”
Vodafone Idea echoes this sentiment, highlighting the “bottlenecks” caused by legacy networks and their impact on 5G adoption. Both companies emphasize the need for ample spectrum allocation to bolster 5G connectivity.
Meanwhile, industry observers anticipate a shift in 5G service pricing. Jio and Airtel, currently offering unlimited 5G data at 4G rates, are likely to introduce more expensive plans as the subscriber base expands. Analysts predict a 5-10% price increase compared to current 4G plans.
This move signifies a maturing 5G market. Introductory offers were crucial to stimulate early adoption, but with a growing user base, operators are aiming to optimize their revenue streams.
However, the potential shutdown of 2G and 3G raises concerns for rural areas and low-income users heavily reliant on these networks. The government will need to carefully consider the social and economic implications before implementing such a policy.
In conclusion, the push for 2G/3G phase-out marks a significant step towards India’s 5G ambitions. But ensuring universal access and affordability remains a crucial challenge alongside infrastructure development.
