Leaders React to 5G Spectrum Auction Announcement in Union Budget 2022-23

Recent developments in India indicate that the 5G spectrum auction is likely to be held only in the second half of 2022

5G is the fifth generation of the mobile network after 4G and the upcoming new disruptive technology to transform the internet connection worldwide. It tends to provide higher multi-Gbps peak data speed based on IMT-2020 with ultra-low latency and massive network capacity. 5G is essential for industries to enhance performance and user experience by connecting virtually with sensors, machines, products as well as devices. It is a unified and more capable air interface to empower new deployment models effectively. Recent developments in India indicate that the 5G spectrum auction is likely to be held only in the second half of 2022.

"It is heartening to see the government focus on the rural areas. This can accelerate the government's earlier declared digital banks and overall enhance and enrich the rural economy. Digital banking and fintech spending by the government is going to enhance the financing and overall support the entrepreneurial spirit as well as benefit the IT sector to provide the required infrastructure. Government's announcement of 5G spectrum auction by 22- 23 was on the expected line," mentioned Sandeep Lodha, Co-founder at Netweb Technologies. 

Adding to this, he said, "It is good to see the announcement of the PLI scheme for design-led manufacturing, this will help in getting ready with Make in India products and solutions. We welcome the government commitment to R&D and formalizing the same by allocating 5% of Universal service obligation to this but will need to see when this can be effective on the ground. R & D has a cycle and sooner we get in we can start rolling the products when the actual implementation starts."

Application of 5G in higher education will allow students to learn how to use advanced technologies and innovate and create with them, helping students as they step into the working world. It will help students develop critical thinking skills and collaborate more effectively. 

Mahalakshmi Satish, Director, Prodigy Education India shared, "What stands out to us is the boost to digital infrastructure across the nation through PPP mode – optic fiber networks, 5G spectrum and other services which can be a game-changer in the level of internet penetration across tier 3 cities and towns – giving edtech the necessary boost in access and affordability. Also, with PPP, chances are that the private component of the partnerships can help speed up the completion rate of these projects."

"Union budget 2022 is quite a futuristic one for India's growth for the next 25 years. A lot of good initiatives have been proposed like giving data center services and infrastructure sector status, Introduction of the digital rupee, Initiation of 5G Auction, e-passport services, etc," opined Debasish Mukherjee, Vice President, Regional Sales APAC at SonicWall Inc.

There's no doubt that 5G networks will also come under attack. "A report states that hackers try to break into a computer every 39 seconds on an average which makes cybersecurity the number one external concern for policymakers and industry leaders alike across industries. The ultra-fast 5G network will allow devices to connect faster and transfer exponentially more information making it a cybersecurity challenge to protect servers, cell phones, security systems, vehicles, smart homes, etc. from being breached. We at SonicWall are already ahead in this game with our boundless security models to combat them", Debasish added. 

Rajeev Singh, MD, BenQ India said that the 2022 budget paves way for a digital-savvy India, impacting betterment and quality of life and ease of doing business. It's glad that the Government of India is cognizant and working towards boosting the digital infrastructure and economy. The emphasis on e-infrastructure in education is laudable. Fostering creativity with virtual labs and skilling e-labs for simulated learning environments will uplift education standards.  

"Expansion of PM's one class, one TV channel program – eVIDYA from 12 to 200 TV channels, Digital University and the initiative of laying optical fiber by 2025 under Bharat Net will uplift broadband connectivity in rural areas, enabling all states to provide supplementary education in regional languages for K-12 classes," he added. 

"This will further increase the demand for advanced hybrid displays which in turn will give a boost to the virtual classroom and Blended & Hybrid Learning. Further, reduced alternate minimum tax rates, surcharges, concessional tax, and new tax schemes for newly incorporated manufacturing entities will uplift the 'Gati' of domestic manufacturing and fasten up economic growth. We look forward to a digital-first India on every front," Rajeev concluded.