India Targets 10% of 6G Patents With Rs 271 Crore Push and Hybrid Network Plan
Updated
Updated · TimesTech · May 27
India Targets 10% of 6G Patents With Rs 271 Crore Push and Hybrid Network Plan
2 articles · Updated · TimesTech · May 27
India has set a goal of contributing 10% of global 6G patents, backing that ambition with Rs 271 crore for 104 projects under its Telecom Technology Development Fund.
The push builds on India’s 5G scale—more than 400 million users—and a Bharat 6G Alliance of over 80 organizations, including 30-plus startups, aimed at moving the country from adopter to standards co-creator.
Hybrid connectivity is central to the plan as India tries to close rural gaps: the country had about 1.003 billion internet subscribers in April-June 2025, but rural penetration was only about 46 per 100 people.
Satellite broadband is being positioned as mission-critical alongside fiber and 5G, with Starlink, Jio Satellite Communications and OneWeb India entering the market and Maharashtra partnering with Starlink for underserved districts.
India’s broader telecom reinvention also hinges on AI-native 6G networks and greener infrastructure, though terahertz spectrum rules, talent shortages and weak inter-ministerial coordination remain key obstacles.
As India races for 6G patents, how will it ensure its unconnected rural population isn't left behind in the 4G era?
With giants like Starlink and Jio deploying satellites, can rural India actually afford the future of connectivity?
Can AI-driven networks solve India's energy paradox, or will 6G's density consume even more power than 5G?
India’s 6G Ambition: Securing 10% of Global Patents and Leading the Next Telecom Revolution by 2030
Overview
India is making a strong push to become a global leader in 6G wireless technology, aiming for commercial deployment by 2030. Driven by goals of national security and economic self-reliance, India seeks to secure a major share of global intellectual property, targeting 10% of worldwide 6G patents. The country has already obtained over 127 international 6G patents, showing its growing technological strength. This progress has attracted collaboration interest from countries like the United States. India's efforts are focused on building a robust 6G ecosystem and shaping the future of next-generation telecommunications.