News Desk
CHENNAI, India—In a brightly lit lab at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, a team of young engineers erupted in cheers late last year as their screens confirmed what had once seemed improbable: a successful test of a terahertz-based communication system, a key component of the next-generation 6G wireless technology. The system, capable of transmitting data at over 200 gigabits per second, marked a milestone for India’s growing ambitions in the global telecommunications race.
The breakthrough, led by researchers at IIT Madras and supported by the Bharat 6G Alliance, is part of India’s sweeping effort to position itself as a leader in sixth-generation wireless technology. Launched in 2023 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bharat 6G Mission aims to make the country a major player in the field by 2030.
India’s rapid progress in telecommunications has already been striking. Just two years after rolling out 5G, the country has achieved near-total coverage, reaching 99% of its districts. Now, with a growing portfolio of 6G patents—more than 200 and counting—India is no longer just a consumer of technology but an emerging force in its development.
Central to this effort is an ecosystem of researchers, startups, and industry giants like Reliance Jio, working together to solve not just technical challenges but real-world connectivity issues. Priya Sharma, a young engineer on the IIT Madras team, recalled how her village in Rajasthan, once disconnected from reliable internet, inspired her to join the project. “I wanted my family to experience the future I’m helping build,” she said.
The potential impact of 6G extends far beyond speed. Researchers envision a world where rural ambulances can transmit real-time diagnostics to city hospitals, students in remote areas attend holographic classrooms, and industries harness ultra-fast networks for automation. To accelerate these innovations, the Indian government has invested $30 million in a national 6G testbed, developed in collaboration with leading technical institutes.
At the 2024 India Mobile Congress, Ashwini Vaishnaw, India’s telecom minister, stood before a packed hall as he unveiled the country’s latest 6G advancements. “We are not just adopting technology,” he declared. “We are shaping it.”
For Priya and her team, this is more than just an engineering feat—it is a step toward bridging India’s digital divide and redefining global connectivity. As 6G trials expand in 2025, India’s ambitions in the sector seem poised to grow, turning what was once a distant dream into a reality.
