According to a recent report by Opensignal, Reliance Jio is leading in converting widespread fifth-generation (5G) network availability into sustained, real-world usage among mobile subscribers.
The report attributes this gap largely to Airtel’s choice of a non-standalone (NSA) 5G architecture, which relies on a 4G core network. Under this model, a handset may indicate 5G coverage, but actual data transmission can continue to run over the 4G network. In contrast, Jio’s 5G deployment is built on a standalone (SA) architecture, supported by entirely new infrastructure, including a dedicated 5G core, enabling end-to-end 5G connectivity.
Opensignal found that Airtel records a 5G Availability of 66.6 per cent, while its Time on 5G stands at 28 per cent, resulting in a gap of 38.6 percentage points. Jio, however, has been far more effective in converting coverage into usage, with a 5G Availability of 68.1 per cent and a Time on 5G of 67.3 per cent.
Meanwhile, Vodafone Idea Limited (Vi), which also operates an NSA-based 5G network, shows lower engagement levels, with 5G Availability at 32.5 per cent and Time on 5G at 9.7 per cent, reflecting a gap of 22.8 percentage points.
