India's upcoming 5G telecom stack will mark a leap of technology, position the country as a formidable player in the global league and offer an attractive and economical option to private operators too, a government source said, exhorting private telcos to take a serious look at the indigenous offering.
The source further said that the initial roll-out of 5G services is expected to commence around August-September, as the spectrum auction is on track to be held around June to July time frame.
The source indicated that the question of whether the spectrum in the auction will be allotted for 20 or 30 years is still an "open issue".
The auctions are on track to be held around June or July time frame.
Asked when the first 5G call will be made in India, the source said that the time frame of August-September is practical.
On the strides taken by India in developing its own 5G technology stack, sources said the indigenous stack being built by CDoT will be a leap of technology, place the country in the global league, and will also emerge as an attractive and "far more economical" option for private operators.
The 5G core network is practically ready and should be launched in a few weeks.
It's a proud moment for India that the country will have its own indigenous 4G/5G network, full tech stack of core, radio, equipment, and handset, the source said.
Now, India will be able to compete in the world market with its technology stack. The government would like private players to take a serious look at this, the source added.
The stack is being developed by CDoT and TCS, the source said, but declined to comment specifically on pricing, as certain commercial negotiations are currently on between BSNL and CDoT.
State-owned Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL) will have 5G services next year, the source said.
