India is gearing up for 6G

TR Dua, DG, DIPA at 31st Convergence India Expo.

“India is gearing up for the next generation of telecommunications, 6G, which is expected to be a game-changer for the Indian economy. The ‘Bharat 6G Vision’ document, released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 23, 2023, outlines the government’s plans for a national mission to catalyze the coordination and interaction between various stakeholders in the Centre and State governments, industry, and academia. This ecosystem aims to create a robust 6G talent pool and reduce dependence on foreign technologies.

The mission’s purpose will be to catalyze coordination and interactions between various stakeholders in Centre and State governments as well as with industry and academia. The fundamental and applied research for 6G technologies is to create a new IP, knowledge, and skilling. The pilot scale demonstration and validation of these technologies in field trials for various use cases, and participation and contribution to national and international standards is expected from 2025 onwards. India has recently secured more than 127 patents on 6G from global institutions.

The 6G will play a role in filling up the gap in the e-services availability between urban and rural communities, thereby improving people’s lives. It is expected to push the boundaries of communication technology by ushering in bandwidths of 1Tbps, which will be 100x that of 5G. These technological advances will impact user experience and transform economies and lives everywhere. It can potentially revolutionize the way people interact with other humans, machines, and data.

The government has allocated INR 2,240 crore for a 6G test bed, co-developed by Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). This state-of-the-art facility will provide researchers, startups, and industry players with a platform to experiment and innovate.

Some other key focus areas are:

• AI Integration: India is focusing on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into 6G networks, enabling intelligent infrastructure management, real-time data analysis, and personalized user experiences.
• Cybersecurity: Recognizing the heightened security risks associated with hyper-connected networks, India is prioritizing robust cybersecurity measures to protect 6G infrastructure and user data.
• Rural Connectivity: Bridging the digital divide is a key goal for India’s 6G strategy. The focus is on developing affordable and accessible 6G solutions for rural areas, promoting inclusive growth and development.

While India’s proactive approach towards 6G is commendable, challenges remain. Building the necessary infrastructure, attracting skilled talent, and ensuring equitable access across the country will require consistent effort and collaboration. Despite these challenges, the potential rewards are immense. 6G can revolutionize sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, and manufacturing, propelling India’s economic growth and improving the lives of its citizens. By embracing 6G with a clear vision, strategic investments, and a focus on inclusivity, India has the potential to become a global leader in this transformative technology.

Here is a glimpse, how 6G will change the world:

• Cyber-physical continuum: 6G will blur the lines between the physical and digital, enabling seamless interaction between the two. Imagine smart cities with real-time traffic management based on autonomous vehicles communicating with each other and infrastructure.
• Metaverse integration: 6G’s ultra-low latency and immersive capabilities will power the next level of the metaverse. Think hyper-realistic experiences, collaborative workspaces in virtual worlds, and even remote surgery with haptic feedback for surgeons.
• Enhanced AI: 6G will fuel the development of ever-more intelligent machines, capable of real-time decision-making and collaboration without human intervention. Imagine clouds of drones monitoring ecosystems, robots performing complex tasks in hazardous environments, and AI companions seamlessly assisting us in everyday life.

In summary, despite the challenges, 6G promise an innovative future that relies on supporting data-intensive applications, delivering high network speeds and enhancing customer experiences.Building a sustainable future with 6G requires a concerted effort from various stakeholders, including governments, industry players, and the public. Continuous innovation, collaboration, and responsible deployment are key factors in overcoming these challenges and ensuring a successful transition to 6G technology. The potential of 6G is vast and exciting, but its success will hinge on responsible development and global collaboration. As we approach the 2030s, the world watches with anticipation to see how this next wave of connectivity will reshape our lives.”

CT Bureau