Indian multi-billionaire Mukesh Ambani has announced a $25 billion (£21.3 billion) plan to roll out 5G mobile internet services in the country within two months.
Mr Ambani, who heads telecom-to-retail group Reliance Industries, says the high-speed network will be rolled out first in major cities including New Delhi and Mumbai.
He said it would then be extended to the rest of India by December 2023.
The company is also collaborating with Google to develop a budget 5G smartphone.
Speaking Monday at Reliance’s annual meeting, Mr Ambani said the company’s 5G network, once fully operational, would be the largest in the world.
The service will be launched through Reliance subsidiary Jio, India’s largest mobile operator.
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Mr Ambani also said that Reliance is working with US tech giant Google to develop an “ultra-affordable” 5G smartphone, without giving further details on price or a planned launch date.
The cheapest 5G-enabled smartphones in India currently cost around $150.
The announcements came as the battle for supremacy in India’s digital future intensified.
Earlier this month, the Indian government completed a record $19 billion auction of ether, including 5G ether, with Jio emerging as the top buyer.
It also received offers from other big players like Vodafone Idea and Bharti Airtel – and a fourth newcomer, Adani Data Networks.
The fifth generation of high-speed mobile internet – or 5G – supports new technologies such as driverless cars and artificial intelligence.
It is seen as central to India’s plans to transform the country into a $1 trillion digital economy.
In May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that 5G “would not only accelerate internet speeds, but also boost development and jobs”.
During the broad address to investors, Mr. Ambani also presented a succession plan for his business empire.
The 65-year-old confirmed his daughter Isha will lead Reliance’s retail operations, while his youngest son Anant will join the new energy business.
His eldest son, Akash, was appointed chairman of Jio in June this year.
With an estimated net worth of $91.9 billion, Mr. Ambani is the 11th richest person in the world and the second richest person in Asia, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
His late father, Dhirubhai Ambani, founded a textile manufacturer that would eventually become Reliance Industries.
It is now one of India’s largest conglomerates with businesses including petrochemicals, oil and gas, telecommunications and retail.
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