- Suggestion to Shut Down 2G and 3G Networks: Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea (Vi) have suggested to the Indian government, through a response to a TRAI paper, that there should be a policy to shut down 2G and 3G networks in India. This move aims to migrate users to more advanced 4G and 5G networks.
- Impact on Digital Divide: Both telecom operators emphasize that the existence of older network technologies (2G and 3G) leads to a digital divide and hinders the ecosystem development for 5G use cases. This suggests that eliminating these networks could potentially reduce the digital divide by encouraging users to adopt newer technologies.
- Challenges in Transition: A significant challenge in this transition includes the prevalence of 2G/3G-only phones in India and the cost of 4G and 5G smartphones, which might be unaffordable for rural and remote populations. Addressing the affordability of smartphones is crucial for this transition, especially for low-income groups.
- Spectrum Allocation for 5G: Reliance Jio highlighted the need for the allocation of a “massive amount” of spectrum bands to ensure robust 5G connectivity. They suggest auctioning additional spectrum bands (such as the 6GHz band, full C-Band, and 28GHz) to support this.
- Government’s Role: It’s important to note that these are suggestions made to TRAI and do not guarantee government action. However, if the government decides to proceed with shutting down 2G and 3G networks, there would be a structured plan to assist citizens in transitioning smoothly.
Implications for Common People:
- Improved Connectivity and Services: Transitioning to 4G and 5G networks could offer faster internet speeds and more advanced services to users.
- Economic Considerations: The cost of upgrading to 4G/5G-compatible devices could be a burden for low-income groups. Initiatives or subsidies might be needed to make this transition affordable.
- Digital Literacy and Accessibility: There might be a need for awareness and education programs to help people understand and adapt to the new technology.
- Potential Service Disruption: For users who rely solely on 2G/3G networks, there may be temporary disruptions or a need to change devices.
- Long-term Benefits: In the long run, this move could lead to enhanced digital infrastructure, potentially benefiting various sectors like education, healthcare, and e-governance.
The overall effect of such a policy, if implemented, would be a significant step towards digital modernization, but it must be balanced with considerations for affordability and accessibility for all sections of the population.
