In this blog, let’s take a look at India’s plans for 6G technology and whether the country is prepared to meet these big goals.
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The Big Picture
Elon Musk recently made headlines again with his futuristic technologies—self-driving cars and humanoid robots that feel like they’re straight out of a sci-fi movie. These inventions are becoming more real and closer to our daily lives.
Now, why are we talking about Elon Musk and Tesla in a post about 6G?
Because all these advanced technologies need one crucial thing—a super-fast and reliable network that can handle tons of data. That’s where 6G comes in.
We’re all familiar with 5G, right? Maybe you’re even using it now. But 6G will be a massive upgrade, offering speeds 100 times faster than 5G and a connection so quick it almost feels instant. Imagine a world where AI, smart cities, and self-driving cars run smoothly, all thanks to 6G.
India’s Big 6G Plans
India has big dreams when it comes to 6G. In fact, the country is among the top six in the world when it comes to filing 6G patents. India’s government has set an ambitious target—securing 10% of the world’s 6G patents in the next three years.
Why do patents matter? They’re like tickets to the future. Holding patents gives countries the power to shape the technology, set global rules, and even make money through licensing. For India, getting these patents means taking part in building the tech foundation for tomorrow.
The Indian government also aims to contribute to one-sixth of the world’s 6G standards by 2027. To achieve this, a group called the Bharat 6G Alliance was created, bringing together experts to focus on 6G research and development. The government has a 9-year plan (from 2022 to 2031), with field tests and international collaborations expected soon.
But the big question remains: Is India really ready for 6G?
What is 6G?
So, what exactly is 6G?
If 5G is like a high-speed sports car, 6G is a jet—100 times faster. It will power advanced technologies like robots, virtual reality, and even holograms. With 6G, everything will be more connected, and things will happen in real time.
But making this vision a reality requires lots of advanced technology, research, and a skilled workforce.
Challenges on the Road to 6G
India’s path to 6G isn’t without obstacles.
First, building a 6G network will need huge investments in infrastructure. While India has made good progress in setting up 5G networks, we’re not fully ready for 6G yet. India currently has about 450,000 5G towers (out of a total of 2.9 million), but for 6G, we’ll need more than just towers—we’ll need things like satellites, fiber optics, and higher-frequency tech.
Second, research and development (R&D) are key. India has set aside ₹10,000 crore for 6G research over the next decade, which is promising. But compared to other countries like Japan and the U.S., which are investing billions, India’s investment seems small. China, for example, has been working on 6G since 2019, and companies like Huawei are spending billions on R&D.
If India wants to compete globally, it needs to invest more in developing new technologies.
The Skills Gap
Another big challenge is the lack of skilled workers. Running and maintaining 6G networks requires highly trained engineers and AI experts. While India produces about 1.5 million engineering graduates each year, many remain unemployed, and a lot of them move abroad for better opportunities.
If India wants to lead in 6G, it needs to invest in education and training programs to create a workforce that can build and manage these advanced systems.
Sustainability and the Environment
There’s also the issue of sustainability. Many 6G devices will run on batteries, which could create a bigger carbon footprint. As India aims for carbon neutrality by 2070, balancing the energy needs of 6G with environmental concerns will be a major challenge.
Cybersecurity Concerns
With faster networks come bigger cybersecurity risks. 6G will bring new threats, including more advanced cyberattacks. As India pushes forward with 6G, it must also ramp up its cybersecurity efforts to keep data safe.
So, Is India Ready for 6G?
India’s progress in filing 6G patents is a positive sign, but we still have a long way to go. A 2021 study showed that China held 40% of 6G patents, while the U.S. held 35%. India, on the other hand, accounted for only 1.5%. That’s a huge gap.
China is also leading in setting global standards for 6G, while India still has some catching up to do. Being involved in international standard-setting bodies is crucial for influencing the future of 6G.
The Future of 6G in India
Despite the challenges, India’s 6G dreams aren’t out of reach. The country’s rollout of 5G has been impressive, and major telecom players like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel are already preparing for the 6G era.
Collaboration between the government and private sector will play a key role in speeding up 6G development. India is already working with international partners to move forward.
Conclusion
India has bold plans for 6G and has made promising moves in the right direction. However, to truly become a leader in 6G, the country needs to focus on boosting its R&D investments, developing better infrastructure, and upskilling its workforce.
The clock is ticking, and 2030 is not far off. If India continues its rapid progress in 5G and builds on that foundation, it could become a key player in the global 6G race.
Let’s wait and see if India can lead the world into the 6G future.
Story Sources: Business Standard [1] [7], Indian Express [2], European Parliament [3], 6G World [4] [5], Nikkei Asia [6]
