India Set To Lead Global 6G Race, Says Telecom Minister
Indian is going to achieve full 4G coverage by mid-next year, bridging digital divide, he says
Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, in his address at the Indian Mobile Congress 2024 (IMC) on Tuesday, said that India is poised to lead the world in the adoption and development of 6G technology. Emphasising the country's rapid strides in telecommunications, Scindia highlighted India’s commitment to being at the forefront of future tech innovations.
"India, which followed the world in 4G and marched with it in 5G, will lead the world in 6G," Scindia affirmed during his keynote speech, highlighting the nation’s shift from a follower to a leader in the global telecom space. He attributed this transformation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and vision for a digitally empowered India.
Scindia pointed to India's significant achievements in telecommunications over the past decade, positioning the nation as a global leader in innovation and technology. He further highlighted the government's ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide, particularly through the BharatNet program, which aims to connect every panchayat with broadband.
"In the last three years, we have laid 7 lakh kilometres of fibre across rural India, investing more than USD 10 billion to bring high-speed internet to every corner of the nation," Scindia said. By mid-next year, India is expected to achieve 100 per cent 4G coverage, reaching even the most remote villages.
The minister also noted that India's rise in the telecom sector is reflective of the broader growth in its digital economy, driven by innovations like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and the successful 4G stack. These advancements, Scindia said, are set to contribute significantly to the global digital infrastructure, further cementing India’s leadership in telecommunications.
Scindia concluded by reinforcing India's vision of being a "first mover" in 6G technology, marking a new chapter in the nation’s digital journey. "Our telecom sector is aggressive, ambitious, and committed to leading the world from Amritkal to Shatabdikal," he said.
