India has been witnessing several technological innovations and emerging markets in recent times. While 5G technology is gradually becoming a reality in the country, it is already setting its sights on the next milestone – 6G technology.
6G is the sixth generation of wireless communication technology, expected to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, 5G. While 5G focuses on speed and connectivity, 6G will be more versatile and transformative, offering unprecedented capabilities that go beyond traditional mobile communication.
Recently, the Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw has said that India will be a major contributor to technology Globally by 2029. “Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, said work on making India a leader in the 6G technology has already started and that the country will be a major contributor to technology globally by 2029,” according to a report by CNBC TV18.
According to the Department of Telecommunications, “The Government of India is catalysing the next-generation 6G research and innovation in the country to enable India to be a front-line contributor in 6G technology and manufacturing by 2030.”
The 6G Technology has been named ‘IMT 2030’ by ITU, the specialised agency for Information and Communication Technologies of the United Nations. The recommendation of ITU for 6G Framework, approved on June 22, 2023; will serve as a foundation document in 6G research and development and will pave the way for development of 6G Technology worldwide. India, through the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications played a key role in framing the Framework.
The ITU 6G Framework has been formulated with collaborative efforts of member countries of the United Nations in which India has played the front-runner role from the very beginning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had released India’s 6G Vision ‘Bharat 6G Vision’ document on March 23, 2023 which envisages India to be a front-line contributor in design, development and deployment of 6G technology by 2030.
Bharat 6G Vision is based on principles of Affordability, Sustainability and Ubiquity. It ensures that India takes its rightful place in the world as a leading supplier of advanced telecom technologies and solutions that are affordable and contribute to the global good.
Some of the key features 6G will be offering in India:
- Speed: 6G technology promises data speeds that will be faster than 5G, paving the way for new experiences in virtual reality, augmented reality, and high-definition streaming.
- Ultra-Low Latency: With latency close to zero, 6G can support applications like real-time remote surgeries and autonomous vehicles.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Wider coverage and more reliable connections can extend the benefits of 6G to rural and remote areas, bridging the digital divide in India.
- Digital Transformation: Industries such as healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics stand to gain from the rapid, reliable connectivity offered by 6G.
- Smart Cities: India’s Smart Cities mission could benefit significantly from 6G’s capabilities, enabling efficient urban planning, real-time traffic management, and energy conservation.
Challenges for 6G Technology
While the promise of 6G is exciting, its implementation is not without challenges. India will need to address issues related to infrastructure development, spectrum allocation, standardization, and cybersecurity to ensure the technology’s safe and sustainable deployment.
India’s 6G promise is believed to be the next great leap in the nation’s digital journey. With its potential to connect the unconnected, empower industries, and redefine the way we live and work, 6G holds the key to unlocking India’s digital future.
