5G rollout: Xiaomi India shares big update on data packs, plans, bundled offers | Interview

"We are in talks with telecom operators for bundling opportunities like data packs, etc., which will make it easier for consumers to upgrade to 5G," Muralikrishnan B, President, Xiaomi India, tells Zee Business in an interview, ahead of the official rollout of 5G services in India on Saturday. Xiaomi India president said that the promise of a 5G-connected India will soon be a reality as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate 5G  on October 1st. 

Sharing Xiaomi India plans and expectations on the 5G rollout in India, Muralikrishnan said: "We have been working closely with various telecom operators for over two years now and have extensively tested most of our models in the 5G trials. This gives us the confidence that we will successfully be able to support and lead the rollout of a 5G solution to millions of our users." 

"We believe that 5G will play an integral role in opening new use cases and enhancing the holistic customer experience. 5G with its ultra-high bandwidth, low latency, and concurrency will unveil many more opportunities and avenues for smartphones and AIoT devices. In tune with this, we will continue to strengthen our 5G portfolio with devices," he added.

Since May 2020, they have shipped over 7 million 5G devices in the country. The have launched over 20 5G-enabled smartphones in India including Xiaomi 12 Pro, Redmi Note 11T 5G, and Redmi K50i 5G. 

Xiaomi India president also mentioned that the company's vision is to offer 5G devices across all feasible price points including the sub 15K segment to ensure that customers get a wholesome 5G experience. "Just this month, we launched our 5G all-rounder, Redmi 11 Prime 5G, at a starting price of Rs 13,999, available during ‘#DiwaliWithMi - Tech Ka Shubh Muhurat’ festive season sales at Rs 11,749. 

Additionally, all the Xiaomi smartphones launched in the past year will work seamlessly as soon as 5G becomes a reality. "Our devices will also be ready for both SA and NSA networks, and we are working to ensure that OTA updates are timed in line with the official 5G rollout in the country," he added.

When asked if we can expect a drop in the prices of 4G smartphones after the 5G rollout? Muralikrishnan told Zee Business: "In the coming times, 5G and 4G will continue to co-exist as despite the rollout of 5G in October, widespread adoption across the country will only happen somewhere around mid of 2023."

"We expect to see the 'tech savvy innovators' and the 'early adopters' rapidly adopt 5G, with the late majority following with a lag. Till then, consumers, especially in non-metro cities will continue to rely on their 4G-enabled smartphones," he added.

According to Xiaomi India president, consumers will continue to prefer un-compromised 4G experience and will make the final decision basis the timelines and pricing of 5G rollout in their specific region and city.