India Takes Seat at Global 6G Standard-Setting Table, Bharat Alliance Expands
India has officially commenced its journey from 5G to 6G technology, with Communication Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announcing on Thursday that the country is now actively involved in setting global standards for the next-generation telecom network. This marks a historic shift, as India moves from being a passive observer in earlier generations to a key partner in the 6G era.
From Ideation to Implementation: India's Strategic Move
Scindia revealed that the process is being rolled out through international standard-setting bodies, including the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project). He emphasized that while the full rollout of 6G is projected only by 2030, India is no longer on the sidelines. "We are still in ideation mode, but the difference is that India was nowhere on the table with regard to global standard setting for telecom on 3G or 4G," he stated. The minister highlighted that India made its first foray into global standards with 5G by submitting a proposal for ubiquitous connectivity worldwide.
Bharat 6G Alliance: A Growing Force in Telecom Innovation
In a significant development, Scindia announced the expansion of the Bharat 6G Alliance, which started with 14 members in 2024 and has now grown to 85 members. This alliance implements the early vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who foresaw the need for 6G development even before 5G had fully rolled out in 2023 post-Covid. "This is the first time in the history of independent India that the country is on the standard-setting table for telecom tech that is being rolled out," Scindia added, underscoring the nation's proactive stance.
Global Partnerships and Future Prospects
As far as 6G is concerned, India is now a partner at the round table, collaborating with global entities to shape the future of telecommunications. The focus is on ensuring interoperability and adherence to global technology standards, which are crucial for seamless integration worldwide. With the Bharat 6G Alliance's rapid growth, India aims to leverage this platform to drive innovation and secure a leadership role in the telecom sector by the targeted 2030 rollout.
