Unveiling India’s 6G Future: Key Technologies and Expected Impact

India is aggressively pursuing the development of a Made-in-India 6G network, as revealed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This announcement comes alongside the anticipated debut of the country’s first indigenous semiconductor chip by the end of 2025. Modi noted that India is rectifying past delays in the semiconductor sector and highlighted the emergence of related factories within the country. 6G represents a significant leap forward in wireless technology, building upon the foundation laid by 5G. It promises data speeds exceeding 1 Tbps with latencies as low as 100 microseconds, enabling a new era of connectivity. Key technological aspects of 6G include the use of Terahertz (THz) frequency bands, integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the implementation of edge computing and distributed networks, and enhanced security protocols. The potential benefits are wide-ranging, including the creation of immersive digital experiences, the development of smarter cities and infrastructure, and improvements in healthcare applications, such as remote surgery. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is at the forefront of 6G research and development, leading the 6G Technology Innovation Group (6G-TIG). The successful rollout of 6G hinges on efficient spectrum allocation, specifically in the THz frequency bands, and will require substantial investments in network infrastructure, supported by the National Broadband Mission and Digital India programs.