Reliance Jio, in response to a consulting paper published by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) titled Digital Transformation through 5G Ecosystem, suggested that the government develop a policy to phase out 2G and 3G networks in India and transition existing users to 4G and 5G networks. In a second statement, Vodafone Idea (Vi) made a similar point, highlighting how the presence of such restrictions creates a digital divide and has an impact on the ecosystem for 5G use cases.

The regulatory authority solicited ideas on the impediments to ecosystem development for 5G use cases that must be addressed, as well as potential policy and regulatory actions to overcome them.

In response to this, Reliance Jio said, "The Government should come out with a policy and glidepath for closing down the 2G and 3G networks completely so that unnecessary network costs should be avoided, and all customers can be migrated to 4G and 5G services." The telecom provider noted that this will help the developing ecosystem for 5G application cases.

The two significant challenges with transferring customers to higher network bandwidth are the profusion of phones used in India that are only 2G/3G competent, and the expensive cost of 4G and 5G enabled handsets, which may be unaffordable for the country's rural and remote populations. Vodafone Idea addressed the problem as well, stating that the cost of cell phones for low-income individuals is a significant challenge.

Reliance Jio also emphasized the importance of having and allocating a "massive amount" of spectrum bands in order to properly implement comprehensive 5G connectivity. To address this, the telecom operator suggested that the 6GHz band, entire C-Band, and 28GHz (on a flexible use basis) be auctioned, in addition to the scheduled auction of the E-Band and V-Band spectrum.

It should be emphasized that these are only ideas made to TRAI by telecom service providers and other ecosystem enablers. The recommendation does not guarantee that the government will take active measures to shut down the 2G and 3G networks. If the Centre implements the proposed idea, citizens would be given adequate time and aid from the government to ease the transition.