The telecom sector, known for its rapid technological advancements and constant evolution, has witnessed a significant transition from wire-line to mobile services, becoming an essential lifeline for people. Over the years, mobile services have progressed from 2G to 3G, then to 4G and most recently, to 5G, with the anticipation of 6G on the horizon.

Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, launched the Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) to advance universal and affordable connectivity in India. The alliance comprises public and private companies, academia, research institutions, and standards development organizations, with a focus on developing indigenous technology, strengthening the telecom and semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem, and leading in 6G technology. B6GA aims to collaborate with other global 6G alliances for international cooperation and knowledge exchange.

Under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), grants of Rs 240.51 crore were provided for two projects. The first project, led by SAMEER, IIT Madras, IIT Guwahati, and IIT Patna, will establish a 6G THz Testbed with Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) and Multiplexing. The second project, involving consortium members like IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIIT Delhi, Signalchip Innovations, Signaltron Systems, Sasmos het Technologies, SFO Technologies, ERNET India, Quanfluence Private, Sterlite Technologies, Navtech, and Tejas Network, focuses on an Advanced Optical Communication Test Bed.

The Digital Communication Innovation Square (DCIS) announced grants of Rs 48 crores for 66 startups and MSMEs, supported by the Department of Telecommunications. Additionally, 75 innovators were recognized for their remarkable contributions.

Minister of State for Communications, Devusinh Chauhan, praised India's telecom sector for its exceptional performance in the global economy. He highlighted transparent spectrum auctions and the rapid rollout of 2.7 lakhs 5G towers within nine months, positioning India among the top three 5G ecosystems worldwide. Chauhan appreciated contributions to indigenous 4G and 5G technology and emphasized India's leadership in 6G through the Bharat 6G Alliance.

Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw acknowledged transformative reforms in the telecom sector, including reduced data costs, streamlined Right of Way processes, increased BTS sites, and higher FDI. He mentioned successful spectrum allocations, BSNL's market stabilization, technology exports to 12 countries, enhanced rural broadband connectivity, investments in telecom manufacturing, and progress in 6G technology patents.

Vaishnaw highlighted collaboration with the United States for technology co-creation and the upcoming semiconductor mission, aiming to establish chip manufacturing units with swift project approvals. He emphasized India's development of advanced optical communication with zero latency and the crucial role of the Bharat 6G Alliance in making India a leader in 6G technology.

Image source: Public TV English