In a significant leap towards advancing global telecommunications, India has positioned itself as a formidable force in shaping the future of 6G technology. Through a combination of state initiatives and private sector innovation, the country is not just catching up with the world but is poised to influence the next generation of mobile network standards and infrastructure.
Ericsson, a global leader in communications technology, has initiated the “India 6G” program, marking a pivotal step towards this futuristic goal. The program focuses on forming a robust 6G Research Team at Ericsson’s Chennai R&D Center, collaborating closely with its global research teams in Sweden and the United States. This initiative aims to integrate India’s unique telecommunications needs into the broader narrative of 6G evolution, leveraging the expertise of Indian researchers along with international collaborations .
The Bharat 6G Vision, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, encapsulates India’s ambitions to be at the forefront of 6G technology by 2030. This vision is underpinned by principles of affordability, sustainability, and ubiquity, aiming to ensure India’s prominent role as a supplier of advanced, yet cost-effective telecom solutions on the global stage. The ITU (International Telecommunication Union) has acknowledged India’s significant contributions by adopting key elements advocated by India, such as Ubiquitous Connectivity, Ubiquitous Intelligence, and Sustainability, into the 6G Technology framework, thereby enhancing India’s stature in international telecommunications.
Contributing to the global dialogue on 6G standards, the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications in India, has been instrumental through its active participation in the ITU 6G Framework development. The collaborative efforts led by the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) and the National Study Group (NSG) have ensured that India’s specific requirements are voiced and considered in global forums, continuing India’s legacy of influence that began with its contributions to 5G technology.
Industry giants like Ericsson and Nokia have recognized India’s burgeoning role in the 6G arena, anticipating the country to be a significant player in the global 6G landscape. This recognition underscores the strategic advancements and contributions made by India towards shaping a future where 6G technology is not just a vision but a reality.
India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in 6G is further buoyed by its rapid adoption and development in the mobile sector, driven by the government’s Make In India initiative and the private sector’s dynamic contributions. The ambition and investments by major firms, notably Reliance Industries Ltd., have significantly transformed India’s telecommunications landscape, making it a key player not just in 6G but in the broader context of global digital infrastructure.
