Ashwini Vaishnav was speaking at the launch of Chardham Fiber connectivity and 2,00,000th 5G site in Dehradun. (PTI file)
Ashwini Vaishnav says, “The most advanced and complex equipment in a telecom tower is the radio equipment. In this category, equipment made in India is mostly being installed in the US.”
Union Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnav said that engineers in India have started getting patents in 6G technology, the number of which is now around 100.
Talking about the vision of PM Narendra Modi, Vaishnav said that India will share the stage with the world in the matter of 5G, but in this 6G technologyThe country can lead.
“The country is now becoming a technology exporter. Today, Additional Secretary called me and said that US wants to use India’s 4G, 5G technology,” he said during a press event for the launch of Chardham Fiber connectivity and 2,00,000th 5G site in Dehradun.
He further said that going by the pace it is possible that by December 31 there will be 3,00,000 sites.
Elaborating on India as a technology provider, the minister said: “The most advanced and complex equipment in a telecom tower is the radio equipment. Made in India equipment in this category is mostly being installed in the US.”
India launched 5G in October 2022 and has been the fastest technology roll-out in the country.
According to statistics, Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) are setting up around 10,000 Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) every week. Services were available in 500 cities across the country by the end of March, and 5G networks have now reached over 3,000 cities spread across 685 districts.
Talking about BSNL, the Union Minister said: “The deployment of India’s 4G and 5G stack started with BSNL. Installation at 200 locations between Chandigarh and Dehradun has been completed and will go live in the next two weeks.”
“The BSNL stack is basically 4G which is upgradeable to 5G. In November or December, with just a small software adjustment, the network will be 5G.”
In the context of connectivity in border areas, Vaishnav said that the scheme of vibrant villages would help such areas. He also said that 1,581 villages need 4G service. To do this, the cabinet has already approved the funds and the responsibility has been given to BSNL.
Vaishnav said, “It is important to utilize India’s 4G and 5G stack so that concerns related to cyber security can be mitigated.”
In March 2023, details related to India’s 6G plans were released. PM presented the India 6G Vision Document and inaugurated the 6G R&D Test Bed. This paper will be important to accelerate the adoption of new technology by India.
The government has already constituted an apex committee to deal with concerns such as project management and standardisation, identification of spectrum for 6G use, funding for research and development and creating an ecosystem.
The government has decided to split India’s 6G mission into two parts – the first phase between 2023 and 2025 and the second phase between 2025 and 2030.
