As of the fourth quarter of FY25, approximately 43% of Bharti Airtel and Reliance Jio’s smartphone subscribers have transitioned to 5G services, marking a significant increase from 29% in Q1FY25. Despite this growth, a majority of users remain on 4G networks.
Current 5G Adoption Rates
- Bharti Airtel: Out of 272.8 million smartphone subscribers, about 135 million (50%) have adopted 5G services.
- Reliance Jio: With a larger subscriber base of 488 million, approximately 191 million users (around 39%) have transitioned to 5G.
Collectively, Airtel and Jio have 326 million 5G subscribers, indicating a substantial increase from 220 million in Q1FY25. T
Challenges to 5G Adoption
Despite the rapid infrastructure rollout, several factors contribute to the slower adoption rate:
- Device Compatibility: Many users still possess 4G-only smartphones, limiting their ability to access 5G networks.
- Cost of 5G Devices: The higher price point of 5G-enabled smartphones can be a barrier for a significant segment of consumers.
- Perceived Value: Some users do not perceive a significant benefit in upgrading to 5G, especially if their current 4G services meet their needs.
Future Outlook
Industry experts anticipate continued growth in 5G adoption. Nokia projects that India will have 770 million 5G users by 2028, while Ericsson estimates this number could reach 970 million by 2030, covering nearly 74% of mobile users. Trak.in
To accelerate adoption, telecom operators may need to focus on:
- Affordable 5G Devices: Collaborating with manufacturers to offer cost-effective 5G smartphones.
- Enhanced Use Cases: Developing applications and services that leverage 5G’s capabilities to provide tangible benefits to users.
- Consumer Education: Informing users about the advantages of 5G to encourage upgrades.Trak.in
