GoI is facilitating the development of 6G technology in the country

India’s focus on open standards and open RAN (Radio Access Networks) is expected to play a significant role in democratizing 6G access and reducing dependency on foreign technologies.

The Government of India (GoI) is making bold strides toward enabling the development of 6G technology in the country, marking a crucial step in shaping the future of communication. With the release of the Bharat 6G Vision Document in March 2023, India has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the 6G rollout in India by the year 2030. This visionary framework outlines the nation's ambition to be a key global player in 6G telecom policy and innovation.

India’s 6G Initiative: Building the Foundation

To fast-track the transition from 5G to 6G technology in India, the government has launched an ambitious initiative involving extensive R&D, infrastructure development, and academic-industry collaboration. A major component of this initiative includes the establishment of two state-of-the-art testbeds:
The 6G THz Testbed, focused on developing terahertz communication capabilities.

The Advanced Optical Communication Testbed, designed to explore high-capacity data transmission and low-latency networks.

These testbeds are crucial for experimentation, innovation, and standardization in the 6G space, offering researchers and startups a platform to design and test next-generation solutions.

5G Labs for a 6G-Ready Ecosystem

As part of India’s 6G initiative, the government is setting up 100 5G laboratories across premier academic institutions to build a 6G-ready ecosystem. These labs will serve as incubators for future technologies, offering students and researchers hands-on experience in designing and testing communication systems that will be compatible with future 6G infrastructure.

The government has also approved 111 research proposals from leading universities and R&D organizations, encouraging early exploration of 6G-enabling technologies such as AI-driven networks, advanced semiconductor design, intelligent spectrum management, quantum communications, and more.

According to the India 6G rollout timeline envisioned in the Bharat 6G Vision Document, India aims to launch indigenous 6G services by 2030, potentially making it one of the early adopters and innovators on the global stage. The Bharat 6G Vision Document outlines a two-phase approach for India's 6G journey. Between 2023 and 2025, the focus is on research, innovation, and building a robust ecosystem to support future 6G technologies. This will be followed by the 2025 to 2030 phase, which emphasizes implementation, international collaboration, and the large-scale deployment of 6G networks across the country.

With these targets, India is not only looking to catch up with the global race but also lead from the front, especially in creating affordable, secure, and sustainable 6G technologies. By focusing on indigenous development, international partnerships, and ecosystem nurturing, the GoI is ensuring that 6G becomes a transformative force for sectors like smart manufacturing, telemedicine, autonomous vehicles, rural connectivity, and next-gen education.

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