India’s Bharat 6G Mission aims to establish the country as a global leader in 6G by 2030, following the swift 5G rollout that reached nearly 98% of districts in under two years. Aligned with SDG 9-B, which advocates for domestic technology development and industrial diversification, this mission focuses on innovation, security, and a robust digital infrastructure, positioning India as a pivotal force in shaping global 6G standards and driving value-added growth across industries.
Credits: Inter Digital
Key Features of 6G Technology
Terahertz (THz) Frequencies: 6G will operate on THz bands, dramatically increasing data transfer capabilities compared to 5G.
Massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output): By using numerous antennas, it can accommodate a high density of devices and boost data throughput.
Network Slicing: Allows for the creation of smaller, tailored networks optimized for specific applications like streaming or automation.
Enhanced Security: With advanced encryption and authentication, 6G will offer a secure platform for sensitive information.
Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC): Low latency is ideal for applications where immediate response times are critical, such as industrial automation and immersive VR/AR.
Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS): These surfaces improve signal quality, particularly in low-reception areas.
High-Speed Data Transfer: Supports communication at much faster speeds over GHz and THz frequencies.
Credits: Manorama Yearbook
Applications of 6G Technology
Advantages of 6G Technology
Ultra-Fast Speeds: 6G offers speeds up to 100x faster than 5G, supporting seamless high-quality video streaming, real-time AR/VR, and rapid downloads.
Low Latency: Near-zero latency enables mission-critical applications such as industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, and telemedicine.
Enhanced Connectivity: Massive support for billions of IoT devices, ideal for smart cities and large-scale industrial IoT networks.
Improved Security: Advanced encryption and authentication strengthen data protection against cyber threats.
Environmental Monitoring and Sustainability: 6G enables real-time environmental data collection, aiding climate monitoring, resource management, agriculture, pollution control, and conservation efforts.
Challenges Ahead
Technical Complexity: 6G technology requires sophisticated components, which increase the difficulty of development and deployment.
Infrastructure Investment: Upgrading infrastructure will need significant financial and regulatory support.
Spectrum Allocation: Limited spectrum necessitates careful allocation amidst high demand.
Cybersecurity: High-speed data transfers require robust security to combat potential cyber threats.
Standardization: Achieving global standards for interoperability is complex and time-consuming.
Global Collaboration: International cooperation is essential for technological progress and regulatory alignment.
Government Steps Toward 6G Development
Bharat 6G Vision and Strategy:
Vision: To design, develop, and deploy 6G technologies for global connectivity that is intelligent, secure, and pervasive.
Credits: IBEF
Technology Innovation Group (TIG) on 6G:
Launched on November 1, 2021, the TIG serves as a blueprint for 6G, with six task forces focusing on areas such as:
Multidisciplinary innovation.
Spectrum management.
Devices and network technology.
Global standardization.
Funding and research initiatives.
Bharat 6G Alliance:
This coalition of academia, industry, and research bodies collaborates on 5G advancements, 6G product innovation, and patent creation, engaging with global counterparts like the Next G Alliance (US), 6G Flagship (Finland), and South Korea’s 6G Forum.
Conclusion
"India followed the world in 4G, marched with the world in 5G, and will lead in 6G." This ambitious mission reflects India’s commitment to setting global standards in 6G, driving transformative growth through strong R&D, partnerships, and secure, intelligent connectivity.
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