Guwahati, March 27, 2025: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier telecom research and development center under the Government of India, has inaugurated an indigenous 5G laboratory at Gauhati University. This initiative aims to enhance practical learning experiences for students and faculty, enabling them to gain comprehensive knowledge about 5G technology, its system capabilities, and real-world applications. The establishment of this lab marks a significant step in advancing research on next-generation communication technologies, including 6G.
Strengthening India’s Semiconductor Ecosystem
As part of its broader efforts to bolster India’s digital and telecom infrastructure, the government has sanctioned the Semicon India programme with an allocated budget of Rs. 76,000 crore. This initiative focuses on developing a robust semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystem within the country. Under this programme, Tata Electronics Private Limited (TEPL) has received approval to establish an Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facility in Morigaon, Assam. With an investment of Rs. 27,120 crore, this facility is set to achieve a production capacity of 48 million units per day, significantly contributing to India’s self-reliance in semiconductor manufacturing.
Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Assam
The government has undertaken multiple initiatives to improve digital connectivity in Assam’s rural regions. Based on demand, the BharatNet project is being implemented in phases to provide broadband access to all Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages beyond GPs. Under the Samriddh Gram Panchayat pilot project, a targeted strategy is being followed to facilitate Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) connections for public institutions, private enterprises, entrepreneurs, and households in selected Gram Panchayats across the country, including Assam. This initiative is expected to drive digital inclusion and enhance internet accessibility in remote areas.
Expansion of 5G Research and Innovation
In addition to the 5G lab at Gauhati University, the government has also set up similar 5G use-case laboratories at IIT Guwahati and NIT Silchar. These facilities are designed to support students, startups, and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in testing and developing 5G-based applications and solutions. By fostering research and innovation in the telecom sector, these labs will contribute to the advancement of India’s digital economy.
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R&D Projects to Propel Assam’s Digital Transformation
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has also funded various research and development projects at IIT Guwahati to promote public-private partnerships (PPP) and accelerate Assam’s digital transformation. Some of the key research initiatives include:
- Wearable IoT-Enabled Devices: Development of devices for early disease condition monitoring and epidemic surveillance in the post-5G era.
- Terahertz Topological Photonic Passive Devices: Research on Terahertz (THz) technology for potential 6G applications.
- Post-Quantum Secure Platforms: Creation of hardware and software solutions for secure quantum computing and encrypted data processing.
- THz Testbed for 6G: Establishment of a testbed featuring Orbital Angular Momentum and Multiplexing technology in collaboration with other institutions.
The information was shared by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications & Rural Development, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha.