In an exclusive interview at the Mobile World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Nunzio Mirtillo, Head of Market Area South East Asia, Oceania, and India at Ericsson, shared insights into India's remarkable strides in 5G deployment and the burgeoning conversations surrounding 6G technology.
Addressing 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 asserted that it was a natural progression driven by India's exponential growth in mobile broadband adoption. He highlighted Ericsson's early recognition of India's potential and proactive efforts to capitalise on it. "It was very, very obvious to us," he said
Mirtillo also addressed the ongoing discourse on 6G, acknowledging its premature nature juxtaposed with the nascent stage of 5G. He emphasised the relentless drive for innovation, stating, "Research never stops." Mirtillo commended India's swift adoption of 5G, highlighting the country's ability to deploy a state-of-the-art infrastructure within just 15 months. With over 70 million 5G subscribers and a projected 200 million in the near future, India stands as a global leader in 5G innovation.
India's demand for connectivity mandates cutting-edge solutions, emphasised Mirtillo. He lauded the country's significant strides in connectivity, attributing it to India's potential for fostering innovation and societal advancement. Mirtillo stressed Ericsson's unwavering commitment to India's technological growth, mentioning the establishment of a 6G research centre in Chennai and collaborations with esteemed institutions like IIT Madras and ISI.
Reflecting on India's rapid 5G deployment, Mirtillo attributed its success to meticulous planning and execution. He underscored the importance of ensuring consistent, high-quality coverage across major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. "This focus on quality sets India's 5G rollout apart from regions where coverage may be sporadic," he added.
When queried about the most compelling use cases for 5G in India, Mirtillo highlighted enhanced mobile broadband and fixed wireless access as pivotal for meeting the country's burgeoning connectivity needs. He emphasised the transformative potential of network slicing, enabling tailored services for sectors such as healthcare and journalism.
In elucidating Ericsson's role in India's 5G journey, Mirtillo emphasised the company's longstanding commitment to the Indian market. "We have been the market leader in 5G, delivering more sites and more technology than everyone else," he stated. Mirtillo attributed this success to Ericsson's foresight and unwavering dedication to India's technological advancement.
Looking ahead, Mirtillo emphasised the importance of continuous innovation and collaboration in India. With over 31,000 employees in India, Ericsson is deeply invested in driving technological advancements and fostering talent within the country. He expressed confidence in India's ability to not only lead the 5G revolution but also serve as a global innovation hub.
As India continues its journey towards digital transformation, Ericsson remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering the nation with cutting-edge technology. With 5G laying the foundation for unprecedented connectivity and innovation, India stands poised to embrace the future with confidence and resilience.
