How India's Media Sector Will Be Affected by Upsurge in the Usage of 5G

Today, as the 5G network spreads its wings across the nation, this phenomenon has been enabling more widespread access to media content with its improved transmission speeds and lower latency. This is particularly beneficial for the people in rural and remote areas; leading to an increased audience reach and opportunities for new business models.

If we have to take for an example, 5G technology will allow for more efficient streaming of high-definition video and other data-intensive content. This in turn will greatly improve the viewing experience for users, especially in the remote corners of the Sub-continent. Adding to it, this will also support remote collaboration which will drive better flexibility with respect to the distributed teams that are working on the production area.

It is for certain that 5G technology is on its toes to revolutionize and revamp the way events/ contents are being produced and broadcasted. With this, media companies will be able to produce and broadcast live events from remote locations with ease due to the improved transmission of live video and audio.

This will further allow the much needed flexibility in the production process while opening doors for new opportunities especially when it comes to live event coverage, which includes streaming concerts, sports events and live news broadcasts. Moreover, the improved transmission speeds and lower latency that 5G technology will bring forth will enable more seamless operations which will result in an enhanced viewing experience for audiences.

A Step towards Rolling-out 5G Technology in India

According to a senior corporate executive on Wednesday, Swedish telecom gear manufacturer Ericsson anticipates major use cases for 5G services to emerge in India, which would boost densification of telecom networks in the nation.  During an event showcasing 5G technology, Nitin Bansal, the Managing Director of Ericsson India, stated that the business is actively working with partners, universities, and ecosystem stakeholders to build use cases that are special to India.

"Significant use cases will emerge in India within the next 12 to 24 months, facilitated by the network slicing capability of 5G technology," Bansal stated. Furthermore, he said, "India remains a critical market for us and Ericsson's second-largest market." In response to a question concerning Ericsson's prospects in India following the reduction of investment in the rollout of 5G networks, Bansal stated that densification of networks will be necessary to meet the demands of 5G.

Revamping 5G Technology Integration

Considering the high data demand in the nation and the corporate digitalization activities, the company anticipates 5G adoption in India to increase especially in the world of media & entertainment.

"This will involve the densification and modernisation of telecom infrastructure, along with enhancements to OSS/BSS systems to accommodate evolving network and billing needs," he stated.  Following a record 2023, Ericsson reported a fall in business in India in the March quarter as the market began to shift to more typical investment levels.

In the March 2024 quarter, its sales in Southeast Asia, Oceania, and India fell by 38% to 8.5 billion Swedish Krona (SEK), or roughly Rs 6,645 crore, from 13.9 billion (SEK), or roughly Rs 10,730 crore, the previous year.

Vendors of network equipment should be encouraged by Vodafone Idea's (VIL) recent Rs 18,000 crore fund raise and its recommendation to invest up to Rs 55,000 crore; however, Ericsson declined to comment on the telco's proposal.  According to VIL, its priorities will be to increase the coverage of 4G networks and 5G in major cities. How the Use of 5G in India Will Raise Content Consumption Over the Next 12 to 24 Months

Going forward, Swedish telecom gear manufacturer Ericsson anticipates major use cases for 5G services to emerge in India, which would boost densification of telecom networks in the nation. As a result, content producers will be greatly helped to advance by utilizing the technology.