The Road to 5G: Technology, Politics And Beyond

5G is heralded as a game-changer in mobile telecommunications as it is expected to unleash next-generation technologies such as autonomous vehicles, the Internet of Things and Virtual Reality. It also holds great incentive in terms of economic development, business opportunities, jobs, and a new category of services. This monograph examines the key technologies behind 5G, the requirements of infrastructure and spectrum, and the emerging landscape with the rise of Chinese telecommunication equipment manufactures. It delves into China’s rise as a key technology provider in the telecommunications sector, and a prime contributor to standards development. Examining the race among countries to 5G, the monograph looks at technology competition and ambivalent confrontation, with an emphasis on the case of Huawei. It also analyses India’s position and underscores the areas which need immediate attention to bridge the gap in both enabling infrastructure and technology development.

About The Author

Munish Sharma is a Consultant in the Strategic Technologies Centre at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, New Delhi. His research interests include cybersecurity, critical information infrastructure protection, space security and geopolitical aspects of emerging technologies. He is a Chevening Cyber Security Fellow (2018).