India launches Bharat 6G Alliance

Introduction

India has taken a significant stride forward in the field of telecommunications, with the acquisition of over 200 patents for 6G technology. The announcement was made by the Communications and IT Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, during the launch of the Bharat 6G Alliance in New Delhi. The alliance, consisting of industry, academia, and the central government, aims to spearhead all 6G-related initiatives in a systematic and methodical manner.

Objectives of Roll Out of 6G

• To offer enhanced capabilities such as improved reliability, ultra-low latency, and affordable solutions
• To revolutionise communication by providing speeds nearly 100 times faster than 5G
• To open up exciting possibilities for the development of novel communication applications.

Need for Bharat 6G Alliance

Recognizing the rapidly evolving nature of the telecom sector and the importance of staying ahead of technological obsolescence, the Department of Telecommunications launched the Bharat 6G Alliance. The primary objective of this alliance is to go beyond technical requirements and understand the business and societal needs of 6G technology. By fostering consensus and promoting open research and development initiatives, the B6GA aims to drive the design, development, and deployment of 6G technologies in India.

Connecting Rural India

Another remarkable achievement in the telecom sector has been the provision of nearly 1,50,000 broadband connections in rural areas over the past nine years. Bridging the digital divide and ensuring that rural communities have access to affordable and reliable internet services has been a priority for the Indian government. These efforts have opened up new avenues for education, healthcare, e-commerce, and overall socio-economic growth in rural India.

Government’s Commitment and Reforms

• The launch of the Bharat 6G Alliance is a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering the growth of the telecom sector. This achievement further solidifies India’s position as one of the world’s top three 5G ecosystems, with an impressive number of 2,70,000 5G sites already prepared across the country.
• Over the past nine years, the government has undertaken significant reforms to position the telecom sector as a sunrise industry. Government has made significant progress in reducing data costs, which have dropped from Rs 300 per GB in 2014 to Rs 10 per GB in 2023. These reforms have not only made data more accessible and affordable for the Indian population but have also positioned India as a leader in technology adoption.

Key takeaways for competitive examinations

• Union Minister of Ministry of Communications is: Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw
• South Korea to launch 6G network and services by: 2028