Is India Ready to Lead the 6G Research Ecosystem with 100 New 5G Labs?
Synopsis
India has launched 100 new 5G labs nationwide to enhance the 6G research ecosystem. This initiative, backed by the Department of Telecommunications, aims for significant global patent contributions by 2030. With over 100 ongoing R&D projects, the country's telecom industry is set for a transformative leap forward.
Key Takeaways
India has established 100 new 5G labs to enhance 6G research.
The Bharat 6G Alliance aims to secure 10% of global patents by 2030.
Over 100 R&D projects are currently in progress.
Emphasis on Open RAN and AI-driven networks.
Event gathered over 3,000 participants from various sectors.
New Delhi, Nov 5 (NationPress) India has inaugurated 100 5G labs throughout the nation to innovate use cases and strengthen the 6G research and development framework, as stated by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Wednesday.
The government’s collaborative initiative, Bharat 6G Alliance, has also established 10 international partnerships with global 6G organizations, targeting a 10 percent stake in worldwide 6G patents by 2030, according to an official statement.
Neeraj Mittal, Secretary (Telecom), expressed these insights while leading the thematic session on ‘Digital Communication’ at the Emerging Science, Technology and Innovation Conclave held here.
Mittal underscored that this foundation is crucial for all productive endeavors, asserting that India’s telecom evolution significantly impacts national economic growth, noting that the country has achieved one of the swiftest 5G deployments globally.
The establishment of these 100 5G labs will strategically position India to take the lead in 6G technologies, he stated. Mittal pointed out that the government’s strategy for next-generation communication is multifaceted, bolstering research and development, promoting domestic manufacturing, and fostering robust partnerships among academia, industry, and government.
He revealed that over 100 R&D projects focused on 6G are currently underway, emphasizing advancements in Open RAN, indigenous chipsets, AI-driven intelligent networks, and regulatory sandboxes to stimulate innovation.
The event featured discussions about private networks and India's telecom ambitions from industry leaders, alongside a panel on promoting indigenous technologies.
The panel also addressed expanding the 5G ecosystem in India, enhancing indigenous PNT via the NavIC L1 signal, and developing disruptive technology stacks from D2M to 6G.
'ESTIC 2025' occurred from November 3 to 5, drawing over 3,000 participants from academia, research institutions, industry, and government, including Nobel laureates, prominent scientists, innovators, and policymakers.
Point of View
I believe India's establishment of 100 5G labs signifies a robust commitment to innovation and leadership in the telecommunications sector. This initiative not only enhances research capabilities but also positions India strategically in the global technology landscape. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, we can expect significant advancements that will benefit the nation.
NationPress
11 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the 100 new 5G labs in India?
The 100 new 5G labs aim to develop use cases and strengthen the 6G research ecosystem in India.
What is Bharat 6G Alliance?
Bharat 6G Alliance is a government collaborative platform that focuses on enhancing India's 6G capabilities through international partnerships.
How many international collaborations has Bharat 6G Alliance signed?
Bharat 6G Alliance has signed 10 international collaborations with global 6G bodies.
What is the goal for global 6G patents by 2030?
The goal is for India to secure a 10 percent share of global 6G patents by 2030.
What technologies are being focused on in the R&D projects?
The R&D projects are focused on Open RAN, indigenous chipsets, AI-based intelligent networks, and regulatory sandboxes.
