Nokia has taken a significant step in the realm of telecommunications technology, as the company has officially established a 6G Lab at its global R&D center located in Bengaluru. This pioneering initiative, the first of its kind has been launched with the primary objective of expediting the development of fundamental technologies and innovative applications empowered by 6G technology. The overarching goal is to cater to the future requirements of both industries and society at large.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics, and IT, graced the momentous occasion with his esteemed presence during the inauguration of this groundbreaking lab. Nokia's commitment to advancing the frontiers of telecommunications technology and its dedication to shaping the future of global connectivity is underscored by this development.

“The inauguration of the Nokia 6G research lab in Bengaluru today is another step towards PM Narendra Modi’s vision of making India an innovation hub. Interesting use cases coming out of this lab will be related to transportation safety, health care and education which will be another big contribution to the entire Digital India suite,” said Ashwini Vaishnaw.

The lab will serve as a collaborative platform for industry stakeholders, fostering the testing of innovative solutions. Within its facilities, research on Network as a Sensor technology will be conducted, enabling the network to detect objects, people, and movements without the need for onboard sensors.

Network as a Sensor is recognized as a critical enabling technology, aligning with the vision of bridging the digital and physical realms. It involves full integration of sensing capabilities into the wireless network, allowing simultaneous operation with communication services. Moreover, the lab will offer an experimental platform for the study of algorithms, privacy measures, and sustainable system design.

Nishant Batra, who holds the esteemed position of Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Nokia, made this significant statement, “We look forward to collaborating with key stakeholders to help India become a major player in 6G technology development and adoption; and take its place in the global arena as a leading developer and supplier of advanced telecom technologies and solutions.”

Image source: Times of India