The Indian Department of Telecommunications has introduced the Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) to promote collaboration and innovation in next-generation wireless technology. The alliance is a collaborative platform that brings together public and private companies, academic institutions, research organizations, and standards development bodies. As mobile services have evolved from 2G to 3G to 4G and 5G, the introduction of 6G is now on the horizon.
It is worth noting that high-speed 5G services were launched by telecom service providers in India in October 2022, following spectrum allocation letters issued by the government in August 2022. The 5G spectrum auction generated total bids amounting to Rs 1.50 lakh crore. The telecom sector is constantly evolving, with rapid technological advancements. It has transitioned from wireline to mobile services over the years.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Communications, Electronics, and Information Technology, announced the launch of the Bharat 6G Alliance on Monday. The official website for the alliance, https://bharat6galliance.com, was also unveiled. The government has stated that the Bharat 6G Alliance will collaborate and form synergies with other 6G Global Alliances. Its primary objective is to understand the business and societal requirements of 6G technology beyond technical aspects, establish consensus on these needs, and facilitate high-impact open research and development initiatives. The B6GA aims to bring together Indian startups, companies, and the manufacturing ecosystem to establish coalitions that drive the design, development, and deployment of 6G technologies in India.
During the announcement, Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the series of reforms implemented in the telecom sector over the past nine years, positioning it as a sunrise sector. He emphasized that India’s technological path is being followed by the rest of the world. In addition, he noted that the cost of data has significantly reduced, from Rs 300 per GB in 2014 to Rs 10 per GB in 2023. Furthermore, he mentioned that the technological collaboration between India and the US, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, is instrumental in India’s development.
With the launch of the Bharat 6G Alliance, India is taking a significant step towards driving advancements in next-generation wireless technology. By fostering collaboration and innovation, the alliance aims to propel India’s position in the global 6G landscape. This strategic move aligns with the government’s focus on leveraging technology to fuel economic growth and societal development. As the telecom sector continues to evolve, the Bharat 6G Alliance will play a pivotal role in shaping India’s future in wireless communication.
