Demand for 5G is rising — schools to governments, all depend on internet and technology now. And India is uniquely placed to fill in network gap left by China’s 5G
This surge in the use of technology, especially in communications, reinforces more than ever the need for 5G network. An expected exponential rise in data traffic, increasing machine to machine connections across various industries, partnerships and alliances for 5G monetisation, and rising adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices will continue to drive the demand for 5G. And yet, this demand for 5G will not be without its fair share of geopolitical ramblings.
Even before Covid-19 had sparked a new war of words between the US and China, the trade dispute had been escalating between the two economic giants. And at its centre was Huawei, a major 5G equipment manufacturer from China. Some in the West suspect Huawei to be the Chinese state’s backdoor to global surveillance. This led to Huawei either being barred from 5G networks in countries such as the US and Australia or allowed limited participation in countries such as the United Kingdom. Now, as 63 countries, including India, again confront China—this time over the mishandling of COVID-19—Beijing may find itself even more isolated over global 5G investments.
So, what do these trends—the soaring need for 5G and geopolitical wrangling over equipment manufacturing—mean for India? A lot, actually.
India has the potential to offset any disruption to global supplies from Chinese companies in the 5G space.
Even before Covid-19 had sparked a new war of words between the US and China, the trade dispute had been escalating between the two economic giants. And at its centre was Huawei, a major 5G equipment manufacturer from China. Some in the West suspect Huawei to be the Chinese state’s backdoor to global surveillance. This led to Huawei either being barred from 5G networks in countries such as the US and Australia or allowed limited participation in countries such as the United Kingdom. Now, as 63 countries, including India, again confront China—this time over the mishandling of COVID-19—Beijing may find itself even more isolated over global 5G investments.
So, what do these trends—the soaring need for 5G and geopolitical wrangling over equipment manufacturing—mean for India? A lot, actually.
India has the potential to offset any disruption to global supplies from Chinese companies in the 5G space. (Read more on The Print)
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