New Delhi: While 5G networks are rolling out across the country, India is already gearing up for next-generation mobile connectivity. The govt has announced a big target of 6G development and deployment by 2030.
But 6G comes with its limitations, as it is still in the research and development phase internationally. Therefore, it would be misleading to think that Indian consumers will see 6G smartphones and nation-wide 6G networks in the near future. Next few years will primarily be dedicated to research, testing, new technology development and standards for 6G.
India’s 6G target
In 2023, the Indian government introduced the Bharat 6G Vision, which seeks to establish India as a key player in the global 6G scene. The key mission areas involve creating indigenous technologies and making India a part of developing the 6G global standard.
The government is keen that Indian researchers, startups, telecom companies and technology companies research technologies which can then be implemented in other countries.
The Bharat 6G Alliance has also been established for the 6G companies, universities, research organisations and other technology groups.
What is India doing for 6G?
India is investing in research and testing of various technologies that are important for 6G networks. These include advanced wireless communication, AI, optical communication, new spectrum technologies and energy efficient networks.
The government is also funding 6G testbeds that allow researchers to experiment with new concepts before deployment in real 6G networks.
The other aspect is patents and international standards. India expects its researchers and companies to provide technologies to the world’s 6G standards. This may give Indian firms a better foothold in the international telecom industry.
It’s not just about making 6G available to Indians, but also on creating technologies and products that could be exported to India.
When could 6G launch in India?
However, the 6G network likely to be deployed by the year 2030, which is the government’s target year. But it doesn’t mean that the 6G services will be rolled out across India in 2030.
For commercial services to launch, operators and technology firms will require to go through trials and establish spectrum requirements, create compatible devices and make sure international standards are ready.
Trials and deployments of 6G may thus come before 2030, with the broader consumer market lagging behind.
What benefits could 6G bring to India?
In 6G, the connections are anticipated to be significantly faster and have shorter delays than those in existing networks. However, what it brings to people in terms of combining connectivity to AI, automation and advanced sensing technologies might be its biggest asset.
6G may enable intelligent traffic control, connected infrastructure and autonomous technologies for Indian cities. In manufacturing, factories might have linked robots & machines communicating with one another in real-time.
The technology has the potential to enhance other sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture etc. Internet of Things (IoT) devices with intelligent connectivity could enable farmers to keep track of their crops, soil, and weather conditions; meanwhile, smart networks are possible to improve remote health care and immersive online learning.
In the remote and rural areas, 6G may work in tandem with satellite and other communication technologies to enhance connectivity.
A major opportunity for India
6G is more than just a faster mobile internet for India. It is in addition a chance to turn into a developer and exporter of telecom technology.
If India manages to create 6G patents, software, equipment and technologies, then the Indian companies can also enter the competition with the global players.
The government is aiming for 2030, and the next few years will be vital to India’s 6G aspirations. If these efforts are successful, India can either be a consumer of 6G technology or one of the countries that will collaborate to create the 6G ecosystem.
