13 June 2022
Over 90% (nine out of 10) mobile phone users in India complained of poor wireless connectivity, while two-thirds struggle with disrupted digital payments on older 3G and 4G networks.
Circa 48% of 8,210 consumers surveyed by LocalCircles mentioned frequent disruptions to their mobile services due to poor network availability and 44% were annoyed with low data speeds. In another survey question that drew in 11,865 consumer responses, 66% said they experienced snags in at least one online transaction, forcing them to rely on alternate payment mechanisms such as cash, cheque or credit cards.
Analysts say these findings highlight the need to step up quickly as companies prepare to bid in a government-led auction that will pave the way for launch of ultra-speedy 5G services in India. Disrupted wireless services also threaten to hamper India’s drive to spur its digital economy -- a key policy initiative of prime minister Narendra Modi’s government that got a major boost amid the Covid-19 pandemic when data consumption surged.
Mode recently said he wants India to have homegrown 6G in place by 2030.
