Apple Inc and Samsung have said they will upgrade the software for their 5G-enabled phones in India by December even as the government has pushed smartphone manufacturers to quickly roll over to the high-speed network.

The blame game for the delay has started between telcos and mobile manufacturers. Apple in a statement said it will start rolling out 5G software updates for iPhone users in December.

The upgrade will include the iPhone 14, 13, 12, and iPhone SE. “5G will be enabled via a software update and will start rolling out to iPhone users in December,” the company said.

Korean handset maker Samsung on Wednesday pledged its commitment to rolling out over-the-air (OTA) updates across all its 5G devices by mid-November, to enable Indian consumers to experience the high-speed services seamlessly.

“We are working closely with our operator partners and are committed to rolling out OTA updates across all our 5G devices by mid-November 2022, enabling Indian consumers to experience 5G seamlessly,” a Samsung India spokesperson said.

The spokesperson said that Samsung has pioneered 5G technology development since 2009 and took the leading role in standardising 5G technology globally.

“In India, Samsung has the widest portfolio of 5G devices,” the spokesperson added.

Telecom operators squarely blame handset manufacturers for the delay in rolling out the crucial software updates and patches, arguing that the frequencies and the spectrum auction and allotment timelines were clearly evident to smartphone players well in advance.

Handset manufacturers, however, contend that the 5G network itself is not widely available and that joint trials between telcos and smartphone companies are necessary for a smooth consumer experience.

With millions of subscribers in India having 5G-ready phones, but unable to access services satisfactorily, senior officials of the telecom department and IT ministry on Wednesday held a meeting with smartphone companies and telecom operators to iron out issues related to providing smooth access to 5G services.

Sources said the handset manufacturers were firmly asked to prioritise the rollout of software patches, although no firm deadline has been given to them.

Another meeting of operators and smartphone companies along with their respective associations will be held in two weeks, sources added.