In a recent high-profile meeting with India's leading telecommunications companies, Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia unveiled a bold vision for the nation's tech future. The aim? To secure a remarkable 10% share of the global 6G technology patents within just three years and to contribute significantly to telecom standards development worldwide.
The question on everyone's mind now is whether India is on the right path to realizing these lofty ambitions. To achieve such groundbreaking goals, a robust research and development (R&D) funding strategy is paramount.
Experts in the telecom sector emphasize the urgent need for a substantial 6G research fund, estimating that investing billions of dollars in cutting-edge innovation is essential for India to become a key player in the global 6G patents arena. They argue that relying solely on private sector funding will not suffice; the government must step in by establishing a multi-billion-dollar fund to drive national R&D efforts in 6G technology.
However, a stark reality check reveals a significant gap between India's tech aspirations and the current state of affairs. Budget data for the fiscal year 2025 indicates a meager government allocation of INR 1,100 crore for telecom-related R&D, a paltry 0.030% of the country's GDP. In comparison, China, a frontrunner in 6G research, has earmarked a staggering USD 1.55 trillion for telecoms R&D.
To bridge this gap, industry insiders suggest a substantial increase in government funding for telecoms R&D post-India's ambitious 6G patents announcement. Leveraging the approximately INR 80,000 crore lying idle in the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) could serve as a substantial initial funding source for driving 6G research initiatives.
The government's 6G Vision document from March 2023 emphasizes the critical need for a robust R&D funding mechanism to propel 6G innovations forward. It is recommended that the outcomes of such funding align with emerging 6G wireless standards, especially as India gears up for the potential deployment of 6G technology by 2030.
In addition to securing adequate funding, India must actively engage with global standards organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the 3GPP. By cultivating a pool of local technical experts well-versed in the latest 6G advancements, India can effectively advocate for its interests on the global stage during the development of international 6G standards.
Furthermore, telecom operators have put forward specific requests to facilitate their transition towards 6G readiness. These include the suspension of mandatory contributions to the USOF, customs duty waivers on 4G/5G network equipment to lower deployment costs, and a reduction in license fees to boost sectoral investments in 6G-related R&D.
As India charts its course toward becoming a global leader in 6G technology, a combination of strategic funding, active participation in global standardization efforts, and industry support will be instrumental in turning this ambitious vision into a reality.
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