Union Budget 2023-24: 100 labs for developing apps using 5G services

100 labs in engineering institutions throughout India would be set up for the development of applications utilizing fifth-generation 5G services.

During her presentation of the Union Budget 2023-24 to the Parliament today, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that 100 labs in engineering institutions throughout India would be set up for the development of applications utilizing fifth-generation 5G services.

The finance minister said, "To realise new range of opportunities, business models, and employment potential, the labs will cover, among others, applications such as smart classrooms, precision farming, intelligent transport systems and healthcare applications."

Two major telecom companies in the country, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel have already introduced 5G networks in several cities. PM Modi introduced 5G services in the country on October 1st, 2022 and isnce then Reliance Jio claims to have covered 225 cities in total that now have access to its True 5G services whereas Airtel on the other hand is also making sure to expand its 5G Plus services nationwide at the earliest.

 Peeyush Vaish, Partner and Telecom sector leader, Deloitte India said: “The proposed outlay for 5G labs will further push the development of use cases and the setup of private networks in India. Healthcare, education are amongst the most important sectors in India and the research across Universities will push innovations and job opportunities.”