Bharat 6G Alliance Next Gen Wireless Innovation launched

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has introduced the Bharat 6G Alliance, a collaborative initiative aimed at promoting innovation and collaboration in next-generation wireless technology.

This alliance aligns with the vision of the Honorable Prime Minister to achieve universal and affordable connectivity, foster indigenous technology development, and nurture the telecom and semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem in India.

Key Announcements

1. Consortium-based Initiatives:

A 6G THz Testbed featuring OAM and Multiplexing was launched by a consortium including SAMEER, IIT Madras, IIT Guwahati, and IIT Patna.
An Advanced Optical Communication Test Bed was introduced in collaboration with consortium members including IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIIT Delhi, Signalchip Innovations, Signaltron Systems Pvt Ltd, Sasmos het Technologies Ltd, SFO Technologies Pvt. Ltd, ERNET India, Quanfluence Private Ltd, Sterlite Technologies Limited, Nav tech, and Tejas network.

2. Support for Startups and MSMEs:

Granting of Rs. 48 crore to 66 startups and MSMEs under the DCIS (Digital Communication Innovation Square) program.
Felicitation of 75 innovators by the DoT, recognizing their remarkable contributions to the field. The DCIS scheme continues to fund startups and MSMEs in the telecommunications sector.

Remarkable Achievements and Industry Reforms

The Minister of State for Communications, Shri Devusinh Chauhan, acknowledged India’s exceptional performance in the global economy, with the telecom sector shining as a beacon.

He commended the stakeholders for their efforts and highlighted the transparent spectrum auction, rapid deployment of 5G sites, and the indigenous design of 4G and 5G technologies. He expressed confidence that India, through the Bharat 6G Alliance, will now lead in 6G technology.

Shri Devusinh Chauhan highlighted India’s remarkable technological progress over the past nine years:

Reduction in data costs from Rs. 300/GB (2014) to Rs. 10/GB (2023).
Drastic reduction in Right of Way permission time from 230 days to 9 days.
Four-fold increase in BTS sites, reaching 25 lakh.
FDI in the telecom sector increased to 24 billion dollars.
Investments of over 2.25 lakh crore in 5G by the Indian telecom industry.
Swift allocation of spectrum to Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) within 24 hours after auctions.
Transformation of BSNL into a market stabilizer, generating operating profits.
Export of technology to 12 countries, including the USA.
Broadband connections provided in rural areas, exceeding 1.5 lakh.
Telecom Manufacturing attracting over 1,600 crore in investments under the PLI scheme.
Over 200 patents in 6G technology.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Prospects

Shri Devusinh Chauhan highlighted the collaboration between India and the United States, which will lead to co-creation of technology for a developed India. Notable achievements include the Semiconductor Mission, fast-tracking approvals for chip manufacturing, and the development of advanced optical communication for applications such as telemedicine and telesurgery.

He reiterated that the Bharat 6GAlliance will propel India to become a global leader in 6G technology and intellectual property rights. Through collaborations with startups, industry, academia, and research institutes, the government is dedicated to empowering citizens with last-mile digital revolution and rapid proliferation of mobile and digital services.

About Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) and Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)

B6GA promotes innovation and collaboration in next-gen wireless technology. It brings together startups, companies, and the manufacturing ecosystem to drive 6G technology in India, accelerating patent creation and contributing to international standardization organizations. Additionally, the website for Bharat6G Alliance was also launched.
TTDF scheme supports indigenous technology development through grants to Indian entities, bridging the digital divide and creating an ecosystem for research, design, and prototyping to meet national requirements.

Commenting on the announcement, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Communications, Railways and Electronics & IT, said:

The Telecom Sector has been transformed into a sunrise sector thanks to a series of structural, procedural, and relief measures undertaken under the leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister over the past nine years.