The Ministry of Communications has announced a push to establish India as a leader in next-generation telecom technology. Union Minister of State for Communications Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani outlined the government’s vision to secure at least 10% of global 6G patents and standards, while building homegrown alternatives to critical imported network technologies.
The announcement came as the ministry highlighted achievements in connecting over a billion Indians to telecom networks and emphasised the need to reduce dependence on imported technologies in sectors ranging from chipsets to optical systems.
Key facts
- Target: secure at least 10% of global 6G patents and standards
- Nearly 136 research and development projects worth approximately ₹500 crore funded under the Telecom Technology Development Fund
- India has deployed almost 5.6 lakh Base Transceiver Stations, connecting every district with 5G
- Government priority: identify and develop Indian alternatives to 10-20 critical imported network technologies
- Focus areas: component manufacturing, chipsets, radios, routers and optical systems
- Major initiatives: BharatNet and 4G saturation projects for village connectivity
- 5G testbeds established in academic institutions for student and startup experimentation
India’s current telecom progress
Over the past five years, India has made substantial progress in telecom infrastructure. The country has connected more than a billion people to telecom networks and extended 5G coverage to every district. The government has also developed its own indigenous 4G technology stack, reducing reliance on foreign providers for this critical infrastructure.
The Ministry of Communications has also implemented most rules under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, creating what it describes as a simpler and technology-neutral regulatory framework. Two flagship projects—BharatNet and the 4G saturation initiative—aim to bring high-speed fibre and reliable connectivity to every village and home across the country.
Six key technology priorities ahead
The government has identified six priority areas for the coming years. First, it plans to identify 10 to 20 critical network technologies that India currently imports and develop domestic alternatives. This includes chipsets, radios, routers and optical systems used in telecom networks.
Second, the ministry wants major telecom operators to set measurable annual and quarterly targets for contributing to international standards, standard-essential patents (SEPs) and university research, coupled with stronger industry partnerships.
Third, on quantum communications, Dr Pemmasani called for moving beyond research phases to real-world trials. The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has been asked to begin operator trials of quantum-safe encryption on critical network links and Quantum Key Distribution technology wherever economically justified.
Fourth, the government aims to transition from AI-assisted networks to AI-native networks. This means building telecom infrastructure that uses artificial intelligence as a core operating principle rather than as an add-on tool.
Fifth, the ministry emphasised national security across multiple dimensions: equipment security, supply-chain security, fraud prevention and protection of critical telecom infrastructure.
Sixth, the Telecom Technology Development Fund continues to support 136 research and development projects worth ₹500 crore. These projects span 5G, 6G, quantum communications, non-terrestrial networks, advanced optical systems, indigenous core network components and telecom security.
Shifting to intelligent infrastructure
Dr Pemmasani framed the government’s ambition in broader terms, stating that while the last decade focused on achieving digital connectivity across India, the next decade should focus on making India an “Intelligent India.” This implies moving beyond mere connectivity to building smarter, more secure and self-reliant telecom systems.
The ministry called for close cooperation between government, telecom operators, equipment manufacturers and technology companies to realise these goals. It also invited industry to submit priority areas requiring regulatory simplification or policy changes to support technological development.
What this means for you
Students and researchers benefit from expanded 5G testbeds in academic institutions where they can experiment with next-generation technologies. Startups can access these facilities to develop new telecom solutions. Citizens in villages and smaller towns should see improved broadband and mobile connectivity through BharatNet and 4G saturation projects.
For the telecom industry, these announcements signal the government’s commitment to reducing imports of critical technologies and creating a more self-reliant ecosystem. Businesses in chipset, radio and optical equipment manufacturing may find new policy support and investment opportunities as the ministry pushes for domestic alternatives to imported technologies.