14-08-2023 : In a significant stride towards technological advancement, Reliance Jio Infocomm announced on Monday the successful deployment of 5G services utilizing the 26 gigahertz (GHz) millimetre wave spectrum across the entirety of India’s geographical expanse. Priding itself on a remarkable feat, the telecom giant has asserted a groundbreaking peak speed of up to 2 gigabits per second (Gbps).
The millimetre wave technology operates on a short-range radio frequency that functions akin to an exclusive spectrum conduit for individual users. Its potential to deliver broadband-level speeds comparable to wired connections has earned it a reputation as a transformative technological innovation. In a recent statement, Reliance Jio confirmed that customers are now availing the advantages of the 26 GHz millimetre wave-based business connectivity across all 22 telecom circles within the nation.
A remarkable aspect of this rollout is Reliance Jio’s timely accomplishment of its minimum roll-out obligations across all the specified telecom circles. These obligations, mandated under the terms of the spectrum allocated on August 17, 2022, have been fulfilled ahead of schedule, with the company ensuring comprehensive coverage in each of the spectrum bands. As of July 19, 2023, Reliance Jio had successfully submitted the requisite details to the Department of Telecommunications Units, affirming the completion of Phase 1’s minimum roll-out obligation. The subsequent DoT (Department of Telecommunications) testing was expedited and completed across all telecom circles by August 11, 2023.
The deployment encompasses a significant quantum of millimetre wave spectrum (26 GHz), totaling 1,000 MHz in each of the 22 telecom circles. This allocation empowers Reliance Jio to cater to diverse enterprise use cases while also offering high-quality streaming services. The advantages of employing the 5G millimetre wave technology are substantial, encompassing ultra-high bandwidth and remarkably low latency. These attributes position it as a game-changer for businesses. Reliance Jio’s deployment of millimetre wave business solutions is poised to enhance the market for leased lines by delivering dependable fixed-wireless services. This strategic move is set to catalyze the digital transformation of countless small and medium enterprises, fostering enterprise-grade connectivity and innovative business solutions. Notably, the 26 GHz spectrum holds the potential to provide ultra-high-speed broadband, reaching an impressive 2 Gbps.
Akash Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, emphasized the transformative potential of this technological advancement. He underscored the significance of the 5G millimetre wave spectrum, hailing its unparalleled attributes of high bandwidth and low latency. Ambani commented on its potential to empower small and medium enterprises through reliable connectivity solutions. Furthermore, he highlighted that the spectrum’s capacity for delivering ultra-high-speed broadband at 2 Gbps represents a notable achievement.
Reliance Jio’s journey into the realm of 5G has been characterized by strategic spectrum acquisitions. The company’s participation in the auctions conducted in August 2022 yielded a unique combination of low-band, mid-band, and millimetre wave spectrum. With this comprehensive spectrum portfolio, Reliance Jio has poised itself to lead the charge in revolutionizing India’s telecommunications landscape.
Akash Ambani expressed his satisfaction with the progress made since the acquisition of 5G spectrum in 2022. He praised the relentless efforts of the team in maintaining the rapid pace of the 5G rollout, aligning with their commitment to achieve nationwide coverage by the end of the year. He deemed this feat one of the fastest 5G rollouts on a global scale, positioning India prominently on the global 5G map.
Reliance Jio Infocomm’s successful rollout of 5G services in the 26 GHz millimetre wave spectrum marks a monumental achievement in India’s telecommunications journey. The deployment not only showcases India’s technological prowess but also underscores Reliance Jio’s commitment to realizing its ambitious goals ahead of schedule. As the nation gears up for the transformative potential of 5G, this milestone undoubtedly places India at the forefront of global innovation in the telecommunications sector.