THE 5TH GENERATION LEAP IN TECHNOLOGY

The raceto be on top of the tech ladder has always been a priority for network servicecompaniessince the technological revolution in India. Last month India ended its 5th Generation spectrum auction, and India has broken its record again this year, concluding the auction for INR 1,50,173 Lakh cr., as to the previous 4G auction, which was marked at INR 1 Lakh cr. The auction was bided for 40 rounds, going on for seven days. The event was a part of the ’Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrating India’s 75th year of Independence.

As India is on a straight path of accomplishment in every sector,the 5G Network launch cannot be left out and as soon as the Ministry of Telecom announced the auction, business tycoons like Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, Vi Group, Sunil Mittal wasted no time in bidding for highest frequency as per their operational capabilities and requirement. So, let’s dive into the giant pool of spectrum auctioned. Akash Ambani-led Reliance Jio – bagged the highest range of 24,740 MHz for INR 88,078 cr. They were followed by Bharti Airtel shopping 19,868 MHz for INR 43,084 cr. Vi Group bought 18,799 MHz for INR 6,228 cr.,and last was the new entrant in the telecom sector; the Adani Group bided for the lowest spectrum of 212 MHz for INR 400 cr. The cash-rich auction was a heavily anticipated event as the launch had been environmentally concerned due to the radiations and frequencies affecting the lives of insects and birds. According to the article ‘Exposure of Insects to Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields’, the higher the frequency of MHz,the higher theabsorption rate of the frequency by the insects,which results in ending their lives and the 5G network is expected to run at more than 120 MHz ending more lives of birds and insects. Apart from these creatures, a research paper from the University of Surrey states that the network would also have trees that must be felled to make room for the shorter wavelengths, which is hampered by wet rot.

Adding to these significant problems is carbon emission which would be more than the aviation sector together,especially when the world is looking to reduce the carbon emission to save the planet and human lives. The Aviation sector has also raised complaints about 5G being installed near the airports, resulting in flight delays. Still, most importantly, it disrupts the Rada Altimeters, which could lead to catastrophic failures resulting in aircraft crashing. Thankfully companies like 爱立信 and 华为 have partnered with institutions like MIT to develop and review a breakthrough in transforming 5G as an environmentally friendly technology along with operational solutions.

The world is scurrying, innovations are happening every day, and the pressure to balance allaspects is increasing. It is important to note that no technology and innovation can be prioritised above the interest ofthe environment and human life. As exciting as it sounds, there is no doubt that the 5G rollout would advance and innovate solutions across critical sectors like defence, healthcare, agriculture and others but a reliable path has to be introduced to maintain an adequate balance to live in a healthy future.

-Written By: Deval Desai

Class of (2022-2024)