Airtel 5G Hyderabad Test: Status & Facts

Yes, Airtel successfully tested its 5G network in Hyderabad. The trial, conducted in early 2021, demonstrated download speeds exceeding 1 Gbps using the mmWave band and 5G New Radio (NR) technology. This page explains what the test actually involved, how Airtel’s 5G works, and what it means for Hyderabad users.

Background: India’s 5G Journey

India’s telecom operators began 5G trials in 2021 after the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) granted spectrum for testing. Airtel, along with other players, received permission to trial 5G in several cities, including Hyderabad. These trials were not commercial launches but technical validations to test equipment, spectrum efficiency, and network performance.

Airtel’s Hyderabad trial used spectrum in the 3.5 GHz band (the primary mid-band for 5G globally) and the 28 GHz mmWave band. The 3.5 GHz band offers a good balance of coverage and speed, while mmWave provides ultra-high speeds over short distances. The trial achieved speeds of over 1 Gbps, which is roughly 10 times faster than typical 4G speeds at the time.

How Airtel’s 5G Works

Airtel’s 5G network is built on the 3GPP standards, specifically the New Radio (NR) air interface. Unlike 4G, which uses a single frequency band, 5G can aggregate multiple bands to increase capacity and speed. Airtel also uses Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS), which allows the same spectrum to serve both 4G and 5G users simultaneously. This is crucial during the transition period when many users still have 4G phones.

In the Hyderabad trial, Airtel partnered with Nokia and Ericsson, two major network equipment vendors. The trial tested:

Standalone (SA) and Non-Standalone (NSA) architectures
Beamforming technology to direct signals to specific users
Network slicing to allocate dedicated bandwidth for different services
Latency measurements, which were as low as 10-15 ms

The Trial Details in Hyderabad

The trial took place in Airtel’s network lab in Hyderabad and also involved field testing in select areas. The test used a 100 MHz block in the 3.5 GHz band and a 400 MHz block in the 28 GHz band. The peak speed achieved was 1.2 Gbps, which is enough to download a full HD movie in under 30 seconds.

One important aspect was the use of indigenously developed equipment. Airtel and its partners tested locally manufactured 5G radios, aligning with India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. The trial also tested the integration of 5G with Airtel’s existing 4G core network, ensuring a smooth migration path.

What This Means for Hyderabad Users

For the average Hyderabad resident, the successful trial is a positive sign, but commercial 5G didn’t launch immediately. The trial proved that the technology works in local conditions, but rollout required spectrum auctions and network deployment. Airtel launched 5G services in Hyderabad in October 2022, after the government auctioned 5G spectrum in August 2022.

When 5G became available, users with 5G-capable phones could experience speeds of 100-500 Mbps in most areas, with higher speeds near the cell tower. The benefits include:

Faster downloads and uploads
Lower latency for online gaming and video calls
Better performance in crowded places like malls and stadiums
Support for new applications like augmented reality and smart city services

Common Misconceptions About 5G

One common myth is that 5G is harmful to health. Scientific consensus, including from the World Health Organization, is that 5G radiation is non-ionizing and safe within regulatory limits. Another misconception is that 5G requires a new SIM card. Actually, existing 4G SIMs work fine for 5G, though a 5G-compatible phone is necessary.

Some people think that 5G will replace Wi-Fi. In reality, 5G is a complement to Wi-Fi, offering a mobile alternative when you’re away from home or office. Also, 5G doesn’t mean unlimited data; it uses data just like 4G, so your plan’s data allowance still applies.

How to Check 5G Availability in Hyderabad

To know if you can use Airtel 5G in your area, follow these steps:

Ensure your phone supports 5G and is compatible with Airtel’s network bands (n78 for 3.5 GHz, n258 for mmWave).
Check if your SIM is provisioned for 5G. You can do this by dialing *121# or checking the Airtel Thanks app.
Look for the 5G icon on your phone’s status bar. If it shows 4G, you’re not in a 5G coverage area.
Use Airtel’s network coverage map on their website or app to see 5G availability in your locality.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Airtel launch 5G in Hyderabad?

Airtel commercially launched 5G in Hyderabad in October 2022, shortly after the spectrum auction. The service is available in major parts of the city, with coverage expanding over time.

Do I need a 5G plan to use Airtel 5G?

Yes, you need a 5G-compatible plan. Airtel offers 5G access on certain prepaid and postpaid plans. However, during the initial phase, Airtel offered unlimited 5G data to select customers on 4G plans as a promotional offer, but this may not be ongoing.

Will my 4G SIM work on 5G?

Yes, your existing Airtel 4G SIM will work on 5G. You don’t need a new SIM, but your phone must support 5G and be configured for Airtel’s network.

What is the actual speed I can get on Airtel 5G in Hyderabad?

Speeds vary based on location, network load, and your plan. In most areas, you can expect 100-500 Mbps, but in ideal conditions near a tower, speeds can exceed 1 Gbps. The trial achieved 1.2 Gbps, but real-world speeds are lower.

Does 5G drain battery faster?

5G can consume more battery than 4G, especially if the signal is weak. Phones may switch between 4G and 5G, causing extra drain. To save battery, you can turn off 5G when not needed, or use Wi-Fi where available.

Is 5G safe for health?

Yes, 5G is considered safe by international health organizations. The radio waves are non-ionizing and are well within safety limits set by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

More cards in this drawer

The whole Numbers and Powers drawer →