Reliance Jio ready to launch 5G by 2020

When Jio is going to launch 5G in India?

Reliance Jio is preparing to launch fifth generation, or 5G, telecom services by mid of 2020."Jio has 5G-ready LTE network and we are capable of launching the new technology-based services within five-six months once spectrum is allocated ",a company official of Mukesh Ambani-owned RJIL(Realince Jio Infocom ) said.

The government recently said it plans to allocate 5G spectrum by end of 2019 which means the Jio could launch the 5g services in India by middle of 2020.


How much speed 5G will provide:5G network can support download speeds 50 to 60 times faster than 4G .At present Reliance Jio 4G network offers a maximum download speed of 100Mbps.

5G network key focuses:Fibre rollouts is a key near term focus for the telecom sector, especially for the development of 5G . Jio is aggressively deploying optic fibre which forms the backbone of a 5G network.Jio and Bharathi Airtel have started deploying  MIMO (Multiple-Input Multiple-Output) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and Software-defined Networking (SDN), to get their networks 5G ready.

5G network challenges: Biggest challenge would be the readiness of the ecosystem, including availability of devices, which support new spectrum band. But, reliance can beat this since they have already solved the same problem during 4G rollout.

Leading chip makers Qualcomm and MediaTek— are developing 5G-based modems.Chinese teleco Huawei is also a front runner in 5G cell technology and network devices .

Another challenge in 5G rollout is deployment of new cell towers. Since 5G uses higher band frequencies coverage area of each unit will be lesser than that of 3G and 4G. Instead of bigger towers numerous small towers need to be deployed across the country.

Reliance Industries is in discussions with both local and multinational vendors to ensure the availability ahead of the devices before the commercial 5G rollout. Globally, devices supporting 5G technology are expected to be available some time in 2019, starting with the high-end models.

5G upgradation would be easier for Jio which already has an all IP-based network, experts say.

5G spectrum allocation :Telecom secretary Aruna Sundararajan recently said the transition to 5G from 4G could happen much faster compared with the switch from 3G to 4G services.The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has already invited Jio , Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) for field trials for which it is planning to allocate free-of-cost spectrum for a limited period. This would provide an opportunity for telcos to develop the ecosystem and study the market. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has already recommended spectrum in the 3300 Mhz - 3600 Mhz range for the rollout of 5G services in the country .