Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched 5G mobile internet services in India, a major milestone in the country's telecom history that paves the way for ultra high-speed downloads and aims to eliminate the menace of call drops.

Describing the rollout as the "dawn of a new era" in India, Modi said that "5G is a gift from the telecom industry to 130 crore Indians". "This summit is global but the voice is local, " he said after unveiling the 5G services at the 6th edition of India Mobile Congress 2022 in the national capital.

"India will play an important role in the technological revolution of the world. With 5G, India is leading and setting the global standard in telecom technology. 5G will open many opportunities for the youth. This is a big step towards our vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India)," he asserted.

"The new India will not only remain a consumer of technology but rather, will play a significant role in the implementation of technology for the growth of the country," the Prime Minister said.

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Though the 5G services were launched on Saturday, the same will be rolled out in 13 select Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Hyderabad later this month. The services will be extended to other cities in phases over the next couple of years. And by 2030, India aims to bring all its major cities and towns under the ambit of 5G. 

The  rollout of the fifth generation of high-speed mobile internet -- or 5G -- services is also pivotal to India's ambitious plans for a USD 1 trillion digital economy. The services support

emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles, robotic surgeries and artificial intelligence. It will also facilitate seamless coverage and increase energy efficiency.