India's instrumental contribution to the ITU 6G Vision Framework solidifies its position as a global leader
In a noteworthy development for the global telecommunications sector, India's important role in shaping the ITU-approved 6G Vision Framework has garnered significant attention. The Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, India, has been instrumental in shaping this framework, marking a significant milestone in India's journey towards becoming a global leader in advanced telecom technologies.

Earlier this year, on March 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled India's 6G Vision, the "Bharat 6G Vision" document. This ambitious blueprint, grounded in the principles of Affordability, Sustainability, and Ubiquity, envisions India as a front-line contributor in the design, development, and deployment of 6G technology by 2030.

According to information released by the Ministry of Communications on Wednesday (June 28, 2023), the Bharat 6G Vision is not just a roadmap for India's technological advancement but also a commitment to contribute to the global good with affordable and advanced telecom solutions.

The Department of Telecommunications' efforts in prioritising 6G standardisation have borne fruit. The ITU's 6G Vision Framework has adopted Ubiquitous Connectivity, Ubiquitous Intelligence, and Sustainability as key elements of 6G Technology. This adoption has significantly enhanced India's standing in the international telecommunication space.

The 6G Technology, christened 'IMT 2030' by ITU, a specialised agency for Information and Communication Technologies of the United Nations, is set to revolutionise the global telecom landscape. The ITU's recommendation for the 6G Framework, approved on June 22, 2023, will serve as a foundation document in 6G research and development, paving the way for the development of 6G Technology worldwide.

The formulation of the ITU 6G Framework has been a collaborative effort of member countries of the United Nations, with India playing a front-runner role from the outset. The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Ministry of Communications, has spearheaded India's standardisation work on this 6G Framework. The National Study Group (NSG), headed by TEC, has made significant contributions towards the development of the ITU 6G framework.

The NSG, under TEC's leadership, has been working on this framework for several years, advocating for India-specific requirements at the international forum. The inclusive approach adopted by TEC has resulted in wide stakeholder participation in the NSG, involving major industries, startups, academia, and R&D organisations. This is not the first time India has made significant contributions to global telecom standards. The NSG had previously contributed to the development of 5G technology, resulting in the adoption of the Low Mobility Large Cell (LMLC) by ITU as a 5G use case.

The Bharat 6G Vision Statement, available on the Department of Telecommunications' website, provides a detailed account of India's vision for 6G technology. It outlines the country's commitment to ensuring that India takes its rightful place in the world as a leading supplier of advanced telecom technologies and solutions.

With the recent conclusion of spectrum auctions in India, the implementation of 5G mobile services has been set in motion, marking an important milestone. While the full potential of 5G is yet to be realized, it is evident that it will have a transformative impact on the Indian and global telecommunications landscape. Building upon this enhanced state of technology, 6G is expected to push the boundaries even further.

The global community has already begun exploring the potential of 6G, aiming to stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving telecom sector. Although 6G does not exist in its technical form today, it is envisioned as a vastly superior successor to the highly anticipated 5G. It promises unprecedented speeds, connective intelligence, and a highly mature Internet of Things (IoT) model. These advancements will enable and empower automated cars, smart home networks, and further integrate everyday life with the internet.

The vision for 6G is to revolutionize connectivity, making big data analytics and holographic displays commonplace when the technology is finally implemented in the 2030s. This transformative leap in technology will open up new possibilities and reshape various industries, paving the way for a more connected and technologically advanced future.

India's pioneering role in shaping the ITU 6G Vision Framework stands as a testament to the nation's unwavering commitment to technological advancement and its steadfast vision of a connected and sustainable future. This remarkable achievement serves as a significant milestone in India's ongoing journey towards assuming a global leadership position in the telecommunications sector.

By actively driving the development of this framework, India has not only demonstrated its capability but has also set the stage for continuous contributions that will shape and redefine the global telecom landscape. This accomplishment cements India's position as an influential player and paves the way for further transformative advancements in the field, positioning the country as a key influencer and facilitator of future telecommunication innovations on a global scale.