In an exclusive interview at Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Nunzio Miltillo, Head of Market Area for South East Asia, Oceania and India at Ericsson, discusses India’s impressive progress in 5G deployment and 6G technology. He shared his insights about the lively discussion.
On the question of whether India’s transition from 4G to 5G, and Ericsson’s role in it, was a calculated risk or a gamble, Mirtillo said the transition from 4G to 5G in India was brought about by the rapid growth in mobile broadband adoption in India. He argued that it was a natural progression. He emphasized that Ericsson recognized India’s potential early on and was proactive in leveraging it. “It was very clear to us,” he said
Mr. Miltillo also addressed the ongoing discussions around 6G, acknowledging that 6G is premature in parallel with the early stages of 5G. “Research never stops,” he said, emphasizing his constant efforts toward innovation. Mr. Mirtillo praised India’s rapid rollout of 5G, highlighting the country’s ability to deploy state-of-the-art infrastructure in just 15 months. With 5G subscribers exceeding 70 million and projected to reach 200 million in the near future, India occupies the position of a global leader in 5G innovation.
Mirtillo stressed that India’s connectivity demands require cutting-edge solutions. He praised India’s significant progress in connectivity, which he attributed to India’s potential to foster innovation and social progress. Mr. Mirtillo highlighted Ericsson’s unwavering commitment to India’s technological growth, noting the establishment and collaboration of a 6G research center in Chennai. Collaboration with renowned institutes like IIT Madras and ISI.
Reflecting on India’s rapid 5G rollout, Mirtillo attributed its success to careful planning and execution. He emphasized the importance of ensuring consistent, high-quality coverage across major cities such as Delhi and Mumbai. “This focus on quality sets India’s 5G rollout apart from regions with sporadic coverage,” he added.
When asked about the most attractive use cases for 5G in India, Mirtillo highlighted enhanced mobile broadband and fixed wireless access as critical to meeting the country’s burgeoning connectivity needs. He highlighted the transformative potential of his network slicing, enabling customized services for sectors such as healthcare and journalism.
Explaining Ericsson’s role in India’s 5G efforts, Mirtillo highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to the Indian market. “We are the 5G market leader and have delivered more sites and more technology than anyone else,” he said. Mr. Mirtillo attributed this success to Ericsson’s foresight and unwavering dedication to India’s technological advancement.
Looking to the future, Mirtillo emphasized the importance of continued innovation and collaboration in India. With more than 31,000 employees in India, Ericsson is deeply invested in driving technological advancement and developing talent in the country. He expressed his confidence in India’s ability to not only lead the 5G revolution but also act as a global innovation hub.
As India continues its journey towards digital transformation, Ericsson remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering India with cutting-edge technology. With 5G laying the foundation for unprecedented connectivity and innovation, India is poised to embrace the future with confidence and resilience.
(Editor: Shoma Bhattacharjee)
First Published: March 15, 2024 5:09 PM IST
