India has achieved a significant milestone in the global race for next-generation wireless technology by ranking among the top six nations in 6G patent filings. This advancement underscores the country’s growing influence in shaping the future of telecommunications.
Strategic Push for 6G Leadership
Under the ‘Bharat 6G Vision,’ India aims to become a leader in the design, development, and deployment of 6G technology by 2030. The government is actively supporting this initiative through various programs, including funding research and development, establishing testbeds, and fostering collaborations between academia and industry. These efforts are expected to contribute to India’s goal of securing a 10% share of global 6G patents and one-sixth of contributions to global standards within the next three years .
Terahertz Frequency Bands: The Heart of 6G Innovation
6G technology is set to revolutionize wireless communication by operating in terahertz (THz) frequency bands, specifically between 95 GHz and 3 THz. This spectrum allows for data rates up to 1 terabit per second, marking a hundredfold increase over 5G speeds. Such capabilities will enable applications like immersive extended reality, digital twins, and seamless integration of terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks .
To facilitate research and development in these high-frequency bands, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended setting up experimental authorizations for operations in the THz spectrum. This move is expected to position India as a global hub for 6G R&D .
Collaborative Efforts and Future Outlook
India’s ascent in 6G patent filings is attributed to a combination of government initiatives, private sector investments, and academic collaborations. Telecom giants like Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Tata Communications are investing heavily in 6G research, establishing research centers, and forming international partnerships to drive innovation .
Looking ahead, India is set to host the World Telecommunications Standardisation Assembly (WTSA) in Delhi from October 14 to 24, 2024.
Conclusion
India’s entry into the top six nations for 6G patent filings signifies a strategic leap towards becoming a global leader in next-generation wireless technology. With continued investment in research, infrastructure, and international collaboration, India is poised to play a pivotal role in defining the future of telecommunications.