Airtel, Jio instructed to prioritize 5G connectivity to G20 venues

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As India assumes the presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) for the first time, the government has requested that telecom operators Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel prioritize 5G connectivity at locations hosting G20 meetings. The guidance is considered crucial as good connectivity will be an important factor on the government’s agenda. The theme of India’s G20 presidency is “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” or “One Earth One Family One Future,” with a focus on green development, climate finance, technology transformation, and digital public infrastructure, among other issues.

Before the final G20 summit in New Delhi on September 9-10, 2023, India will host over 200 meetings in over 50 cities across 32 different workstreams. According to industry estimates, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have installed around 36,000 5G base stations across 25 states and union territories, with a focus on Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

“A meeting was held last month between DoT (Department of Telecommunications) and the telcos, where the operators were asked to prioritise 5G in areas and provide good internet connectivity where G20 meetings will be held, and around specific hotels where the delegates will stay,” said a source. “The government has given a list of selected venues like in Itanagar, Andaman and Nicobar etc. to the companies.”

“With G20 presidency, the whole world will be looking at us. It is the time to show the world about the developments the country has done in the telecom sector and connectivity is a key parameter for that,” added a government official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

The Department of Telecommunications also recently held a meeting with telecom companies to discuss quality of service issues, including call drops and data connectivity. “The government has asked the telecom operators—Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel to prioritise 5G connectivity at locations where meetings for G20 will be held among government officials, civil societies, delegates from different countries throughout the year,” noted the source.