India’s Challenges in Securing 6G Technology Leadership

India aims to capture share of global 6G technology patents. However, recent analyses indicate that this ambition faces substantial hurdles. The country has not yet secured the necessary funding for 6G research and the upgrade of its existing telecommunications infrastructure. The government’s budget allocation for telecom R&D is viewed as insufficient compared to global competitors.

Current Investment Landscape

India’s budget for FY25 allocates ₹1,100 crore for telecom R&D. This amount represents only 0.03% of the GDP. The actual funding for the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is even lower at ₹400 crore. In contrast, China has committed a staggering $1.55 trillion towards telecom R&D, more than India. The US and China invest around 2-3% of their GDPs in technology research.

Challenges in Infrastructure Readiness

India faces considerable challenges in upgrading its existing 4G and 5G infrastructure to support 6G services. The transition to 6G will require extensive investments in new technologies. Experts highlight that operational expenses for maintaining 6G networks will also be high, including costs related to energy consumption and network monitoring.

Technological Advancements of 6G

6G technology promises to revolutionise broadband networks. It is expected to deliver data speeds over 100 Gbps. This is more than 100 times faster than 5G. The latency is anticipated to be nearly one microsecond, lower than the current 5G latency. Such advancements could enhance applications like self-driving cars and smart factory management.

Funding and Research Framework

To achieve its goal of owning 10% of global 6G patents by 2030, India must align funding with its ambitions. Experts suggest that a structured R&D framework is essential. The unused corpus of ₹83,468 crore in the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) could be tapped for initial funding to drive 6G research.

Private Sector Initiatives

Major telecommunications companies in India, such as Reliance Jio, are beginning to invest in 6G technology. Their efforts could play important role in advancing India’s position in the global 6G landscape. However, sustained government support and a robust funding strategy are critical for long-term success.

Global Competitive Landscape

The global race for 6G technology is intensifying. Countries like China and the US are already ahead in terms of funding and research initiatives. India’s ability to compete will depend on its capacity to mobilise resources and encourage innovation in the telecommunications sector.

Strategic Recommendations

For India to secure a foothold in the 6G domain, it needs to prioritise substantial investments in R&D. Collaboration between government and private sectors is essential. A clear policy direction and financial commitment will be vital to overcoming existing challenges.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the implications of low investment in telecommunications R&D on India’s 6G ambitions.
2. Critically discuss the role of the Universal Services Obligation Fund in advancing India’s telecommunications infrastructure.
3. Analyse the potential impact of 6G technology on industries such as transportation and manufacturing.
4. Point out the differences in investment strategies for telecommunications R&D between India and China.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the implications of low investment in telecommunications R&D on India’s 6G ambitions.

1. Low investment limits technological advancements and innovation in the telecom sector.
2. Insufficient funding hampers infrastructure upgrades necessary for 6G implementation.
3. India risks falling behind global competitors like China and the US, impacting patent acquisition.
4. Reduced investment affects talent retention and research capabilities in the telecommunications field.
5. Long-term economic growth and digital transformation goals may be jeopardized due to inadequate R&D funding.

2. Critically discuss the role of the Universal Services Obligation Fund in advancing India’s telecommunications infrastructure.

1. The USOF has unused corpus that could finance telecom infrastructure upgrades.
2. It aims to promote universal access to telecommunications services across rural and underserved areas.
3. Leveraging USOF could enhance investment in R&D and innovation in the telecom sector.
4. Effective utilization of USOF can support projects that align with national digital goals.
5. USOF can bridge the funding gap between government allocations and industry needs for 6G research.

3. Analyse the potential impact of 6G technology on industries such as transportation and manufacturing.

1. 6G promises ultra-fast data speeds, enhancing real-time communication in transportation systems.
2. It can enable advanced automation and smart management in manufacturing processes.
3. Lower latency benefits applications like self-driving cars, improving safety and efficiency.
4. 6G can facilitate IoT integration, leading to smarter logistics and supply chain management.
5. Industry innovation driven by 6G could boost productivity and economic growth across sectors.

4. Point out the differences in investment strategies for telecommunications R&D between India and China.

1. China allocates approximately 2-3% of its GDP to telecom R&D, higher than India’s 0.03%.
2. China has committed a staggering $1.55 trillion for telecom research, showcasing its prioritization.
3. India’s budgetary allocations are viewed as modest and insufficient for ambitious 6G goals.
4. China’s strategic focus on state-supported initiatives contrasts with India’s reliance on limited public funding.
5. China’s investments are backed by a robust ecosystem of private sector participation and innovation.