Government has taken several measures to promote development of applications over 5G networks

**Executive Summary** The Government has implemented measures to promote the development of applications using 5G networks. This includes establishing 100 5G Use Case Labs across educational institutions to encourage 5G application development. The 5G Innovation Hackathon 2025 was launched to develop solutions using 5G, AI, and advanced technologies. The information was released on February 5, 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** * **5G Network Promotion:** * Government has taken measures to promote the development of applications over 5G networks. * 5G provides high-speed connectivity, low latency, and support for a large number of connected devices. * **5G Use Case Labs:** * 100 5G Use Case Labs have been established across educational institutions to promote 5G application development in sectors. * These labs integrate emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain. * The 5G Innovation Hackathon 2025 was launched under the 5G Use Case Labs initiative. * **5G Rollout and Coverage:** * 5G networks have been rolled out in all States and Union Territories. * 5G is available in 99.9% of districts with a population coverage of 85%, with 5.08 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) installed as of December 2025. * The median mobile broadband has witnessed an increase to 131.47 Mbps in October 2025. * **5G Security:** * 5G includes enhanced security features such as authentication, encryption, and network isolation. * Cybersecurity requirements are implemented as per mandates of the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS). * The Trusted Telecom framework ensures procurement from trusted sources. * Indian Telecom Security Assurance Requirements (ITSARs) have been developed for 5G network functions under the Communication Security Certification (ComSec) scheme. * Adoption of these standards by industry helps balance security and innovation. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholders: Educational Institutions** * **Impact:** These institutions now have 5G Use Case Labs to facilitate research, innovation, and the development of 5G applications. * **Action Required:** Leverage the 5G Use Case Labs to foster innovation, academia-industry collaboration, and capacity building in 5G technologies. **Stakeholders: Telecom Industry** * **Impact:** Telecom providers are impacted by the security requirements and the need to adhere to the Trusted Telecom framework and ITSARs. * **Action Required:** Implement enhanced security features, comply with cybersecurity mandates, and adopt ITSARs to balance security and innovation in 5G network functions. **Stakeholders: General Public** * **Impact:** The general public will benefit from improved connectivity, low latency, and access to innovative digital services and applications enabled by 5G technology. * **Action Required:** Explore and adopt the 5G applications to improve their social economic use-cases.

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