Mobile Network Coverage (2G/3G/4G/5G/WiMax) in Indian Subcontinent – 2023

Mobile Network Coverage for 2G, 3G, and LTE/WiMax technologies are pivotal in shaping our communication landscape. 2G, or second-generation networks, were among the first to offer digital voice communication and text messaging. While 2G networks provided broader coverage, they were relatively slow for data services. The introduction of 3G, or third-generation networks, brought faster data speeds, enabling mobile internet access, email, and video calling, albeit with more limited coverage.In comparison, LTE (Long-Term Evolution) and WiMax technologies, often grouped due to their high data transfer rates, have expanded network coverage significantly, enabling seamless streaming, app usage, and mobile internet access in more places. Just like having good roads and electricity, good internet access is also important for things like education, healthcare, and jobs. These technologies have revolutionized how we connect and access information, offering broader and faster coverage to meet the growing demands of our increasingly digital lives.

India emerges as a standout performer in network coverage, demonstrating impressive technological reach across all three network types. The country has clearly prioritised widespread digital connectivity with network coverage percentages of 99.21% for 2G, 98.82% for 3G, and 98.67% for LTE/WiMAX. This comprehensive coverage suggests a strategic national approach to bridging digital divides and ensuring technological access across urban and rural landscapes.

Bangladesh follows a similar trajectory, showcasing remarkable network penetration. The country has achieved near-universal coverage, with 99.63% 2G network coverage and an impressive 98.3% coverage for both 3G and LTE/WiMAX networks. This uniformity indicates a consistent and robust telecommunications infrastructure that has been systematically developed to serve the nation’s population.

Bhutan and Sri Lanka present intriguing case studies of smaller nations with highly developed network infrastructures. Both countries have achieved approximately 97-98% coverage across different network technologies, demonstrating that smaller countries can effectively modernize their telecommunications systems. This high level of coverage suggests significant investments in digital infrastructure relative to their population sizes.

In contrast, Nepal and Pakistan reveal more complex network coverage scenarios. Nepal shows a more pronounced digital divide, with 93% 2G coverage dropping significantly to 54.1% for 3G and further reducing to 45% for LTE/WiMAX. This pattern suggests challenging geographical terrain and potential economic constraints in network expansion. Pakistan exhibits a similar trend, with 89.4% 2G coverage, reducing to 79.9% for 3G and 76.4% for LTE/WiMAX, indicating ongoing challenges in comprehensive network deployment.

Afghanistan presents the most challenging network coverage scenario among the surveyed countries. With 90% 2G coverage, 57% 3G coverage, and only 26% LTE/WiMAX coverage, the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure reflects its complex geopolitical and economic challenges. These figures underscore the significant obstacles in developing robust digital infrastructure in regions experiencing persistent instability.

These insights demonstrate a broader narrative of digital transformation in the Indian subcontinent. While some countries have achieved near-universal network coverage, others need help expanding their telecommunications infrastructure. Factors such as geographical complexity, economic resources, political stability, and national technological strategies are crucial in determining network coverage. This comprehensive overview highlights the region’s dynamic and uneven nature of technological advancement. It demonstrates that network coverage is not merely a technical metric but a complex interplay of economic development, national policy, technological investment, and geographical constraints. As these countries continue to evolve, their approach to expanding and improving mobile network technologies will be critical in bridging digital divides and supporting economic and social development.

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About Author

Pankaj Chowdhury is a former Research Assistant at the International Economic Association. He holds a Master’s degree in Demography & Biostatistics from the International Institute for Population Sciences and a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from Visva-Bharati University. His primary research interests focus on exploring new dimensions of in computational social science and digital demography.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of 360 Analytika.

Acknowledgement: The author extends his gratitude to the International Telecommunication Union for providing data support.

This article is posted by Sahil Shekh, Editor-in-Chief at 360 Analytika.