During the Indian Mobile Congress 2024, Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia expressed confidence that India will lead the world in adopting 6G technology. He highlighted India’s significant progress in telecommunications over the last decade, crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for the country’s transformation into a global leader in innovation and technology. Scindia stated that India, which followed the world in 4G and marched with it in 5G, is committed to taking a global leadership role in 6G technology.
The minister further highlighted the government’s initiatives to bridge the digital gap through the BharatNet program, which aims to connect every village. Over the past three years, the government has invested over USD 10 billion and laid 7 lakh kilometres of fibre across rural India. Mobile connections have increased from 94 million to 1.16 billion, and broadband users have grown from 60 million to 924 million in the last decade. Additionally, there have been developments in digital payment systems, the 4G stack and the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which are expected to contribute significantly to the global digital infrastructure. The recent changes to the Telecommunications Act 2023 reflect the government’s efforts to keep pace with the evolving digital landscape, especially in satellite communications and cyber security.
By the middle of next year, India will have 4G coverage in every part of the country, including remote villages. The minister further emphasised the telecom sector’s important role in India’s development during the shift from Amrit Kaal to Shatabdi Kaal. He highlighted India’s telecom progress is crucial to its economic transformation and its goal to become a global leader in digital technology. The speech reaffirmed India’s dedication to shaping the future of telecommunications and leading innovation in 6G.