India Accelerates 6G Development: Government Approves ₹271 Crore for 104 Research Projects

The Government of India is intensifying its push toward next-generation telecom technology by approving 104 research and development projects worth ₹271 crore for 6G technology. The initiatives are being funded under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme and are part of the broader roadmap outlined in the Bharat 6G Vision Document, aimed at positioning India as a global leader in future communication networks.

Government Approves ₹271 Crore for 6G Research Projects

The Government of India has approved 104 research and development projects focused on advancing 6G technology, with a total investment of ₹271 crore. The funding is being provided under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF), a scheme designed to support indigenous telecom innovation and strengthen India’s capabilities in next-generation communication technologies.

The development was shared in Parliament by Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, in a written response in the Rajya Sabha.

According to the Ministry of Communications, the projects represent a major step in preparing the country for the next wave of digital connectivity that will succeed current 5G networks.

Bharat 6G Vision Sets Roadmap for Future Networks

As part of its long-term telecom strategy, the government has already released the Bharat 6G Vision Document, which outlines India’s plan for research, development, and eventual deployment of 6G technologies.

The vision document defines the country’s goals in areas such as:

• Advanced wireless communication technologies

• Spectrum planning and allocation

• Development of indigenous telecom infrastructure

• Strengthening global collaboration in next-generation networks

The roadmap also identifies potential spectrum bands that could be used for 6G services in the future.

Through these efforts, India aims to become a key contributor to global standards and innovations in the telecom sector.

Spectrum Roadmap Prepared for 6G Deployment

To support the development of 6G technology, the government has also prepared a comprehensive Spectrum Roadmap.

This roadmap provides clarity on spectrum availability and timelines across different radio frequency bands over the coming decade.

The strategy divides the rollout into three phases:

Short-Term Phase (2025–2026)

This phase focuses on early research, experimental deployments, and spectrum planning.

Medium-Term Phase (2027–2030)

During this stage, the government expects further development of infrastructure, pilot projects, and early-stage deployment of 6G technologies.

Long-Term Phase (2031–2035)

The final phase aims at large-scale deployment of advanced 6G networks across the country, supporting emerging applications that require ultra-fast connectivity.

Such structured planning is intended to ensure a smooth transition from 5G to 6G in the coming years.

Global Research Underway for IMT-2030 Standards

India’s 6G efforts are also aligned with global telecom research initiatives.

Studies on 6G technologies are being conducted at international forums such as the International Telecommunication Union.

Within the ITU framework, the Radiocommunication Sector has issued recommendations for IMT-2030, the global standard currently under development for 6G networks.

The research includes analysis of:

• Spectrum feasibility

• Radio signal propagation characteristics

• Advanced antenna technologies

• Network architecture and deployment models

These studies will help define how next-generation wireless communication systems will operate globally.

TTDF Scheme Supporting Indigenous Telecom Innovation

The Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) plays a crucial role in promoting domestic telecom research.

As of February 2026, a total of 136 research projects have been approved under the scheme.

Among these, 104 projects are specifically focused on 6G technology, highlighting the government’s emphasis on preparing for the future of connectivity.

These projects cover a wide range of advanced research areas, including:

• Terahertz (THz) communication testbeds

• Advanced transmitter modules

• Cell-free access points for improved network coverage

• Reconfigurable intelligent surface hardware systems

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in telecom networks

Such research initiatives aim to develop homegrown telecom technologies, reducing dependence on foreign systems and strengthening India’s digital infrastructure.

5G Expansion Reaches Nearly All Districts

Alongside preparations for 6G, the government highlighted the rapid expansion of 5G technology across the country.

According to official data, 5G services have now been rolled out in all states and Union Territories, covering 99.9 percent of districts.

As of February 28, 2026, India has installed 5.23 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) nationwide.

This extensive network expansion has positioned India among the fastest countries to deploy 5G infrastructure at scale.

5G Applications Expanding Across Multiple Sectors

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched several initiatives to promote the use of 5G technology in critical sectors of the economy.

Key application areas include:

• Telemedicine and remote healthcare

• Precision agriculture

• Smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0

• Digital education and remote learning

These applications are expected to boost productivity, improve service delivery, and drive economic growth across industries.

Indigenous 5G Test Bed Developed with Leading Institutions

To strengthen domestic telecom innovation, the government supported the creation of an Indigenous 5G Test Bed.

The project was established with a grant of ₹224 crore and developed through collaboration among several leading academic institutions, including:

• Indian Institute of Technology Madras

• Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

• Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

• Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur

• Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru

The test bed was officially dedicated to the nation by Narendra Modi in May 2022.

This initiative enables researchers and startups to experiment with new telecom technologies in a controlled environment.

Establishment of 100 5G Laboratories

The government has also launched 100 dedicated 5G laboratories across India to support the development of innovative applications.

These labs have been set up with an investment of ₹97.67 crore.

They focus on developing solutions in areas such as:

• Agriculture

• Healthcare

• Logistics

• Urban governance

• Smart city management

The initiative aims to encourage startups, students, and researchers to create practical applications using 5G technology.

Bharat 6G Alliance Strengthens Industry Collaboration

To accelerate progress in next-generation telecom technology, the government has also facilitated the creation of the Bharat 6G Alliance.

The alliance brings together:

• Telecom companies

• Academic institutions

• Research organizations

• Standards bodies

Its objective is to develop action plans aligned with the Bharat 6G Vision and enhance international collaboration in emerging telecom technologies.

Preparing India for the Next Telecom Revolution

The government’s investment in 6G research, combined with large-scale 5G deployment, reflects a broader strategy to strengthen India’s position in the global digital economy.

By encouraging domestic innovation, building research infrastructure, and collaborating with international institutions, India aims to become a major contributor to the development of next-generation communication systems.

As technologies such as artificial intelligence, immersive computing, and autonomous systems continue to evolve, advanced connectivity like 6G will play a critical role in powering the digital future.