Key Points
- Centre approves 104 projects worth ₹271 crore for indigenous 6G research
- Spectrum roadmap released covering 2025 to 2035 across multiple RF bands
- Bharat 6G Vision Document outlines deployment timeline through 2035
The Centre has approved 104 research projects worth ₹271 crore to develop indigenous 6G technology, the next generation of mobile networks that will succeed current 5G systems. Minister of State for Communications Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar confirmed the funding in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha on 12 March 2026.
The projects, funded under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme, aim to reduce India’s dependence on foreign telecom equipment. For consumers, successful 6G development could mean significantly faster internet speeds, near-instant response times and new applications in healthcare, manufacturing and smart cities over the next decade.
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Dr Chandra Sekhar told Parliament that the government has released the Bharat 6G Vision Document. This roadmap outlines how India plans to research, develop and deploy 6G networks domestically. The document also identifies which radio frequencies, known as spectrum, will be allocated for 6G services.
Spectrum Roadmap Covers Three Phases Until 2035
The government has published a detailed spectrum roadmap that tells telecom companies and researchers which radio frequency bands will become available for 6G testing and deployment. Spectrum refers to the range of radio waves used to transmit wireless signals; different frequency bands offer different trade-offs between coverage area and data speed.
The roadmap divides spectrum availability into three phases. The short-term phase covers 2025 to 2026, the medium-term phase spans 2027 to 2030 and the long-term phase extends from 2031 to 2035. This phased approach gives the telecom industry visibility on when specific RF bands, the portions of radio spectrum used for wireless communication, will open for advanced 6G applications.
Global Standards Bodies Define 6G Framework
India’s 6G push aligns with international efforts to standardise the technology. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations agency responsible for global telecom standards, has been conducting studies on 6G at various forums.
The ITU’s radiocommunication sector has issued a framework document numbered ITU-R M.2160-0. This document outlines usage scenarios for what the body calls IMT-2030, the technical designation for 6G networks. IMT stands for International Mobile Telecommunications, the ITU’s standard classification for mobile network generations.
Additional ITU reports provide technical guidance on spectrum feasibility for 6G. These reports, numbered M.2376-0 and M.2541-0, cover propagation characteristics, meaning how radio signals travel through different environments. They also address antenna techniques, deployment architectures and other technology components that will enable future mobile networks.
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TTDF Scheme Funds Indigenous Telecom Research
The 104 approved projects receive funding through the Department of Telecommunications’ TTDF scheme. This programme specifically supports Indian institutions and companies working on homegrown telecom solutions rather than importing technology from abroad.
The scheme provides financial and institutional backing for several stages of technology development. Funding covers initial research, the creation of testbeds where new technologies can be trialled, innovation in specific applications and eventual commercialisation of emerging telecom technologies.
India currently imports a significant portion of its telecom equipment, particularly for advanced network components. The government views indigenous 6G development as strategically important for both economic self-reliance and national security.
The government expects the first 6G testbeds to begin operations during the short-term phase ending in 2026. Commercial deployment remains several years away, with most industry estimates placing widespread 6G availability in the early 2030s globally. Indian researchers will continue submitting technical contributions to ITU working groups as international standards take shape over the coming years.
Your Questions, Answered
What is 6G and how does it differ from 5G?
6G is the next generation of mobile networks expected to succeed 5G. It promises significantly faster speeds, lower latency and new applications in areas such as holographic communication and advanced automation. Commercial deployment is expected in the early 2030s.
How much funding has India allocated for 6G research?
The Centre has approved ₹271 crore across 104 projects under the Telecom Technology Development Fund scheme. This funding supports research, testbeds, innovation and commercialisation of indigenous 6G technology.
When will 6G be available in India?
The government’s spectrum roadmap covers three phases: short-term (2025–2026), medium-term (2027–2030) and long-term (2031–2035). Commercial 6G deployment is expected during the long-term phase, aligning with global timelines.
What is the TTDF scheme?
The Telecom Technology Development Fund is a Department of Telecommunications programme that provides financial and institutional support for indigenous telecom research and development, reducing India’s dependence on imported equipment.
