Where is 5G available in India? Do existing smartphone support 5G?

Out of India's three biggest telecom companies, only two offer 5G services to their customers. These are Jio and Airtel. While Jios'True 5G network is a standalone (SA), Airtel uses a non-standalone (NSA) that leverages the current 4G infrastructure.
Jio and Airtel expanding 5G to New Cities

Out of India’s three biggest telecom companies, only two offer 5G services to their customers. These are Jio and Airtel. While Jios’True 5G network is a standalone (SA), Airtel uses a non-standalone (NSA) that leverages the current 4G infrastructure.

These awards recognize innovators in private network deployments across connected industries leveraging 5G, LTE, or CBRS. Showcase your achievements in select categories and be recognized by the industry. Explore the 25 award categories here.

Key Dates to Remember:

  • Entries OpenSubmit Now!
  • Entries Close: October 30, 2024
  • Winners Announced: November 15, 2024
  • Private Network Magazine: November 30, 2024

Find more details and FAQs on what’s required to submit your nomination, including submission guidelines, and judging criteria.

Reliance Jio offers 5G services to a designated group of consumers through its 5G Welcome Offer. In contrast, all of Airtel’s customers can take advantage of the network if they own a compatible smartphone and live in an area with available 5G coverage.

Jio 5G

Reliance Jio has already reached several cities with 5G, including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Gujarat (33 District Headquarters), Pune, Gurugram, Noida, Varanasi, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad. By the end of this year, Jio plans to expand its 5G-powered Wi-Fi coverage to other major towns in Nathdwara, and by 2023, it intends to roll out across India.

Airtel 5G

Airtel 5G is available in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Siliguri, Guwahati, Panipat Pune (airport area), Nagpur, Varanasi, and Gurugram. Airtel’s network is projected to grow by December. In a few years, Airtel plans on providing 5G networks throughout India.

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4G SIM can be used for 5G

According to both operators, users with a 4G SIM will not need to buy a new one for 5G. When 5G becomes accessible in their area, their current SIM card will be able to support the new network and connect them to it.

Smartphone compatibility with 5G

Most smartphones with 5G capabilities can connect to Jio and Airtel 5G networks. For cell phones that don’t yet support the network, there are OTA (over-the-air) upgrades available. As soon as all the manufacturers release their respective OTA upgrades, the devices can access the 5G network.

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