India’s telecommunications sector has been making significant strides in recent years, and now the country is setting its sights on the next frontier of wireless technology – 6G. While 5G is still being deployed, India has already acquired over 200 patents for 6G technology, positioning itself as a major contributor to the development and innovation of this future network.
The announcement came during the launch of the Bharat 6G Alliance in New Delhi, where Communications and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized the government’s commitment to making India a leading player in 6G technology and manufacturing by 2030. To achieve this goal, the Department of Telecommunications has established a Technology Innovation Group on 6G (TIG-6G) with representatives from various ministries, research institutions, academia, telecom service providers, and industry experts. This collaborative effort aims to develop a vision, mission, roadmap, and action plans for 6G in India.
India’s approach to 6G development involves engaging multiple stakeholders and reducing dependence on foreign equipment, aligning with the government’s “Make in India” initiative. By fostering research and innovation in 6G, India aims to establish itself as a global supplier of cutting-edge and affordable telecom equipment. This comprehensive strategy takes into account future technologies, infrastructure requirements, collaboration between public and commercial sectors, cybersecurity, and other key focus areas.
The transition from 5G to 6G represents a significant shift in the design and capabilities of communication networks. Nokia explains that 6G will fuse the digital, physical, and human worlds, enabling extrasensory experiences and revolutionizing how we live, work, and care for the planet. With intelligent knowledge systems and robust computational capabilities, humans will become more efficient, and dynamic digital twin worlds will accurately represent the physical and virtual realms.
While 5G is still in its early stages, Ericsson projects that India will reach 700 million 5G subscribers, accounting for 57% of the total subscribers by the end of 2028. This projection positions India as the second-largest 5G market by subscribers, following China. However, it is expected that 4G and 5G will coexist for an extended period as 5G use-cases continue to evolve. Future technologies like 6G are anticipated to bring further advancements, particularly in the industrial environment.
As India gears up for the future of telecommunications, the development of 6G will pave the way for transformative experiences and opportunities. By investing in research, innovation, and collaboration, India aims to shape the evolution of wireless technology and contribute to global progress in the field. The journey to 6G is an exciting one, and India is poised to play a significant role in shaping its development.
