5G is Here, But 6G is Coming! How India is Gearing Up for 2030?

As per the Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, the development of 6G technology is currently in progress globally, with an expected launch around 2030. India has set ambitious goals to become a leader in this next-generation telecom revolution. 

On March 23, 2023, the Hon’ble Prime Minister released the Bharat 6G Vision document, which outlines India’s strategic roadmap for the design, development, and deployment of 6G technology by 2030. This vision is guided by three key principles, affordability, sustainability, and ubiquity, ensuring that 6G services are accessible to all sections of society.

To achieve this vision, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has facilitated the establishment of the Bharat 6G Alliance, bringing together domestic industries, academic institutions, national research bodies, and standards organisations. This alliance aims to develop a structured action plan for advancing 6G technology in India.

6G Frequency Bands Under Consideration

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is currently studying several frequency bands for potential 6G (IMT-2030) deployment. These include:

• 4400-4800 MHz
• 7125-8400 MHz
• 14.8-15.35 GHz

A final decision regarding the identification of these bands for 6G use will be made at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) in 2027. 

Currently, India has allocated several frequency bands, such as 600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2500 MHz, 3300 MHz, and 26 GHz, for IMT-based services. Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) that have acquired spectrum in these bands through auctions can deploy any technology, including 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and future 6G services, depending on device ecosystem readiness.

India’s 5G Rollout and Government Initiatives

The Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development also stated that the Government of India has taken several steps to facilitate the widespread adoption of 5G services, including:

1. Auctioning of 5G spectrum to ensure fair access to telecom operators.
2. Financial reforms to streamline Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), reduce Bank Guarantees (BGs), and lower interest rates.
3. Eliminating Spectrum Usage Charges for spectrum acquired in the 2022 auction and beyond.
4. Simplify SACFA clearances to accelerate telecom infrastructure development.
5. Introducing the PM GatiShakti Sanchar portal and Right of Way (RoW) Rules to streamline permissions for telecom infrastructure.
6. Allowing time-bound permissions for the installation of small cells and telecom lines using street furniture.

5G Expansion in India

As of February 28, 2025, 5G services are available in 773 out of 776 districts, including remote regions such as Lakshadweep. Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have installed 4.69 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) across the country.

TSPs have exceeded their minimum rollout obligations outlined in the Notice Inviting Application (NIA) for the spectrum auction. The further expansion of 5G services will depend on the techno-commercial feasibility of the telecom operators.

Conclusion

India is actively preparing for the 6G era while ensuring a robust 5G rollout nationwide. With strategic initiatives such as the Bharat 6G Vision and Bharat 6G Alliance, the country is poised to emerge as a global leader in next-generation telecom technologies by 2030.

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