5G telecom services likely to be launched by October: Ashwini Vaishnaw

New Delhi: Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that the fifth generation -5G telecom services is likely to be launched by October this year. Briefing reporters in New Delhi, Mr Vaishnaw said, more than one lakh 50 thousand crore rupees of bids were received during the 5G auction, which commenced on 26th of last month. The spectrum will be assigned to the successful bidders for providing 5G services to the public and enterprises. 

The auction was held for spectrum in various Low, Medium, and High-frequency bands. Mr Vaishnaw said, of the 72 thousand 98 Mega Hertz of



spectrum offered across ten bands, 71 percent was sold.

Digital connectivity has been an important part of policy initiatives of the government through its flagship programmes such as Digital India, Start-up India, and Make in India. The upcoming 5G services have the potential to create new age businesses, generate additional revenue for enterprises, and provide employment arising from the deployment of innovative use-cases and technologies. Eighty-crore subscribers have access to broadband today compared to ten-crore subscribers in 2014.