India stands at the threshold of a new era in telecommunications, driven by unprecedented growth in its mobile and internet infrastructure and a vision to lead the world in 6G technology. With one of the largest telecom markets globally, India has rapidly evolved from a technology follower to a key innovator. Minister of Communications, Jyotiraditya Scindia has boldly stated that India has the potential to lead in 6G technology after successfully keeping pace with the world in 3G and 5G (PIB, 2024).
India’s telecom sector has experienced remarkable growth over the last decade. Mobile phone usage and internet access have skyrocketed, making India the second- largest telecommunications market in the world. Recent data underscores this growth:
• Mobile Connections: India has witnessed an increase in mobile connections from 900 million to 1.16 billion, achieving nearly 85% penetration across its vast geography.
• Internet Subscribers: Internet users have surged from 200 million to 950 million in just a few years, reflecting a sharp rise in digital adoption.
• Tariff Reductions: The cost of mobile data has plummeted by 94%, making India one of the most affordable markets for internet access. The price for 1 GB of data dropped from ₹287 in 2014 to just ₹9 by 2023.
The Push for 4G Saturation and BSNL’s 4G Rollout
Despite this success, challenges remain. Approximately 20,000–22,000 towers still need to be installed to bring 4G coverage to India’s remaining 1,000 villages. This gap is critical as the government pushes for 4G saturation to ensure that all Indians have access to reliable mobile and internet services.
One of the most significant moves in this direction is the rollout of BSNL’s 4G stack. India has become one of the leading countries globally to develop its own 4G technology stack, encompassing the core, radio access network, and data centres.
India’s 6G Ambitions: The Next Frontier
India’s bold move toward 6G comes as global telecom giants and governments accelerate the race to the next generation of wireless technology. 6G promises unprecedented data speeds (100 times faster than 5G), ultra-low latency, and the ability to support innovative applications such as holographic communications, virtual reality, and real-time remote surgeries. Experts believe that by 2030, 6G will redefine how we interact with technology, driving new business models and reshaping industries.
India is already laying the groundwork for leadership in this transformation. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) have set up working groups to explore 6G use cases, spectrum management, and industry collaboration.
Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme
India’s commitment to strengthening domestic manufacturing is another key pillar in its 6G strategy. The Production- Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for telecom equipment manufacturing has been a resounding success. According to the Department of Telecommunications, the scheme has attracted ₹4,000 crore in capital expenditure, leading to ₹50,000 crore in production and ₹10,000 crore in exports.
This PLI scheme incentivises domestic companies to invest in R&D and manufacturing, reducing dependence on imports. The government has also announced plans to include more design- related incentives to push local innovation and product development, ensuring India emerges as a global hub for telecom hardware manufacturing.
Enhancing Quality of Service (QoS) and R&D Investments
A crucial aspect of India’s telecom future will be maintaining and improving the quality of service (QoS). As a consumer- facing industry, telecom operators must ensure seamless connectivity, faster data speeds, and minimal disruptions for the growing number of subscribers. The government is focused on reducing spam and fraud calls, which have become a nuisance for millions of users.
Beyond improving customer experience, India is investing heavily in research and development (R&D) to fuel telecom innovation. The government is promoting the establishment of 5G and 6G labs, developing an environment conducive to startups and homegrown innovations. With increasing R&D investments, India could play a pivotal role in developing key 6G technologies and standards, positioning itself as a technology leader in the global market.
India is poised to lead the world in 6G technology, having kept pace with global advancements in 3G and 5G. The country has made significant strides in its telecom sector, with mobile connections increasing from 900 million to 1.16 billion and internet users rising from 200 million to 950 million. This rapid expansion has been accompanied by a dramatic reduction in tariffs, with data costs decreasing from ₹287 to ₹9 per GB.
The government has set several priorities for the telecom sector. India has developed its own 4G technology, and the rollout of 100,000 base transceiver stations (BTS) by mid-next year is underway. Another key initiative is the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which has successfully boosted telecom equipment manufacturing. Plans are in place to further enhance domestic production, exports, and design capabilities.
The government is also focused on improving the quality of service (quality of service) for consumers, addressing issues like spam and fraud calls. Moreover, there is a strong emphasis on research and development (R&D) and promoting indigenous manufacturing.
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Industry’s Competitive Landscape
While India’s telecom sector is dominated by giants like BSNL, Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea continues to operate despite significant financial challenges. The Indian government holds a stake in Vodafone Idea but has set no specific timeline for divesting this stake. Nevertheless, Jyotiraditya Scindia has emphasised that the company is professionally run, and the government remains focused on ensuring a competitive and high-quality telecom landscape.
Path to Global Leadership in 6G
India’s telecom revolution is far from over. The country has made remarkable progress in 3G, 4G, and 5G technologies. With strong government support, a growing domestic manufacturing sector, and increasing R&D investments, India is well- positioned to lead the world in 6G. The roadmap will focus on closing the digital divide, enhancing service quality, and encouraging innovation. As the world looks toward 2030, India’s vision to become a global 6G powerhouse is aspirational and increasingly within reach.
Written by Kapil Suri, Sr. Sub Editor, Elets Technomedia
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