The latest report from Ookla, the global leader in internet speed testing, revels 5G in India has reached a major milestone.
The report gives fascinating insights of the world of connectivity. From the lightning-fast 5G speeds in the UAE to the persistent digital divide. For the first time India has entered its list of the top 10 ‘fastest countries for median 5G download speed’ in Q3 2023.
Let us look into the other key takeaways and how India has faired.
Worldwide 5G Boom
Global speeds soar
The median global 5G download speed jumped 20% in Q3 2023, reaching 203 Mbps. This coincides with a 65% rise in global 5G subscriptions, a promising sign for wider adoption.
India climbs the ladder
India has made impressive strides, jumping from 119th to 47th place in the Speedtest Global Index™ thanks to 5G rollouts. The median 5G download speed in India now stands at a respectable 312Mbps, placing us among the top 10 globally.
Jio and Airtel lead the charge
Indian operators like Jio and Airtel are driving the revolution of 5G in India, investing heavily in backhaul infrastructure and network expansion. This has resulted in improved overall user experience across the country.
Beyond Speed
Customer satisfaction dips
Despite faster speeds, 5G user satisfaction, measured by Net Promoter Score (NPS), is declining globally. This suggests unmet expectations and discrepancies between advertised and actual speeds.
South Korea’s cautionary tale
Even in a country like South Korea, with some of the world’s fastest speeds, 5G NPS has dropped significantly. This highlights the importance of reliable performance and transparent communication with users.
The “killer app” is missing
While 5G offers immense potential, we’re still waiting for the breakthrough application that truly unlocks its capabilities. Until then, user excitement might wane.
Fixed Networks Shine
Fiber fuels the fire
Globally, fixed networks have witnessed substantial progress, with median download speeds reaching 83.95 Mbps and upload speeds hitting 38.32 Mbps. This is primarily driven by the shift towards Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) technology.
UAE, Singapore, and Hong Kong lead the pack
UAE, Singapore, and Hong Kong boast impressive fixed network performance, thanks to widespread FTTH adoption and operator initiatives to boost speeds.
5G in India: Progress, but room to grow
While India has seen improvement in fixed broadband performance, the gap with global leaders remains significant. Expanding FTTH infrastructure and fostering competition among ISPs are crucial for bridging this gap.
Bridging the Divide
The digital divide persists
Large parts of the world, particularly rural areas, lack access to even basic internet connectivity. This digital divide creates major barriers to development and opportunity.
Mobile fills the gap
In Africa and parts of Asia, mobile networks, even with slower speeds, are often the primary means of internet access. Affordable 4G smartphones and targeted financing can play a key role in connecting remote communities.
5G and beyond
While 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) has potential, satellite technology might be a more viable solution for certain regions like Indonesia. Finding the right solution for connecting the unconnected remains a critical challenge.
Suggested Read: Ashneer Grover: All you need to know about the controversial entrepreneur
Ookla’s Role
Data for good
Ookla is committed to using its data and expertise to bridge the digital divide. By providing insights to regulators, NGOs, and educational institutions, they aim to ensure everyone has access to the transformative power of the internet.
Tracking progress
Ookla’s Speedtest Global Index™ and mapping tools offer valuable data for tracking connectivity progress worldwide, holding governments and operators accountable for closing the gap.
5G in India: Key takeaways
India’s 5G leapfrog is certainly encouraging, but we must not lose sight of the challenges ahead. Continued network expansion, improved user experience, and bridging the digital divide remain crucial for India to fully harness the potential of this transformative technology. Let’s leverage the insights from Ookla and other players to build a truly connected and inclusive digital future for all Indians.
Source of the article: The State of Worldwide Connectivity in 2023
How to activate 5g in Jio network for iPhone?
For iPhone (iPhone 12 series and above):
1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Go to the Cellular menu within the settings.
3. Select Cellular Data Options.
4. To enable 5G, tap on Voice & Data and choose either 5G Auto or 5G On.
Your iPhone will connect to a 5G network when available, and you should see the 5G symbol on the status bar, indicating that 5G services are enabled12.
Remember to check if 5G services are available in your area and ensure that your phone is Jio 5G ready. Happy browsing at lightning-fast speeds! 🚀📱🌐
