Report Predicts Zero 2G Users In India By June 2019; Jio Speeds Up The Process!
The cheap availability of high-speed 4G data means that there are a few takers for the old 2G network now.
Convergence of 2G and 3G had picked up the pace in 2015, as 4G was slowly but gradually making itself relevant in India.
However, the stunning entry of Jio in the landscape and their disruptive plans for 4G high-speed Internet unleashed a never seen before disruption, which has eventually triggered 2G’s complete extinction.
And if you feel that this is mere speculations, then think again – A new report has predicted complete demolition of 2G internet and their users by June 2019.
But, how did the researchers decided upon the exact month?
We will soon find out.
Research Says 2G Will End By June 2019 – Courtesy Jio!
CyberMedia Research (CMR) has come up with an interesting study, based on which, 2G will cease to exist by June 2019.
And Jio has been described as the catalyst which triggered this massive disruption.
As per the report, Jio’s entry into Indian telecom has massively increased the ‘decline in wireless narrowband users’ by 4-times, and due to this, by the second quarter of 2019, 2G users will be shrunk to negligible numbers, thereby triggering demolition of a network standard which introduced Internet to Indian mobile phones.
The report says,
“However, after Jio’s entry, the projections indicate that by the first quarter of 2020, India would have zero subscribers using 2G internet services. This advance is because of the exponential growth in the decline rate after Jio on the scene, which has been 12% average every quarter.”
The study by CMR found that decline of 2G users in India was happening at a luxurious pace of 3% year on year; but Jio’s disruptive plans and laser focus on high-speed Internet has propelled this decline by 4 times, which means that by the time 2020’s first quarter begins, there will be almost zero 2G users.
What’s Next For 2G?
As per the study, there will be a small, albeit niche usage of 2G in the market, which will allow its continued usage.
For instance, there are a few Internet of Things (IoT) applications where 2G connectivity would be enough to carry on the tasks, and high-speed 3G or 4G speeds won’t be needed.
For example, enabling smart parking using IoT applications inside shopping malls and commercial complexes.
Besides, there are around 100 million feature phone users in India, and almost 50% of all phones shipped are still basic feature phones. This is the reason Airtel has already announced that 4G and 2G are their focus now.
As per the report, the transition of these 100 million feature phone users into mobile Internet users via smartphones may need a little bit of push via cheaper 4G phones and cheaper plans.
The report said,
“Operators shall have to understand these consumers ( feature phone users) deeply and engage with them to manoeuvre them up the ladder.”
We will keep you updated as more details come in, as to how this major transition will take place, and what all can change in the Indian telecom due to Jio’s disruption.
Stay tuned!
