The Telecommunications Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) to jointly advance research on 6G network architecture, artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) applications in telecom networks, and non-terrestrial networks (NTN) including satellite communication. The MoU was signed as part of India's broader 6G technology development roadmap targeting design, development and deployment of 6G technology by 2030.
The partnership between TEC and IIT Kanpur will focus on three key research verticals: (1) 6G network architecture — next-generation radio access, core network design, and spectrum utilisation; (2) AI/ML in telecom — intelligent network management, predictive maintenance, traffic optimisation, and autonomous network operations; (3) Non-terrestrial networks — satellite-based connectivity for remote and rural areas, low earth orbit (LEO) satellite integration with terrestrial 5G/6G networks.
In a related development, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) listed RANext as a registered Digital Connectivity Rating Agency. RANext will assess and rate telecom service quality and digital connectivity infrastructure across India, providing standardised benchmarks to guide investment and policy decisions.
India launched its 6G vision document and the Bharat 6G Alliance in 2023 under the leadership of the DoT, committing to lead in 6G standardisation and IPR creation. India aims to file 10% of global 6G patents by 2030, reflecting ambitions to move from a technology consumer to a technology contributor in next-generation telecommunications.