Indian Telecom Giants Nokia and Ericsson Set Up 6G Research Centers, Leading the Global Race for Next-Gen Technology
In a significant development for the future of telecommunications, Indian telecom giants Nokia and Ericsson have established research centers in India to focus on the development and implementation of 6G technology. Both companies aim to lead the global race in this cutting-edge technology that is set to revolutionize mobile phones and other connected devices by 2030.
Nokia set up its 6G Lab at its global R&D center in Bengaluru. The lab will concentrate on research related to network as a sensor, a key enabling technology for 6G. This technology will allow the 6G network to sense objects, people, and movement without the need for onboard sensors, bridging the gap between the digital and physical worlds. Nokia will also collaborate with prestigious Indian research institutes like the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to further enhance its 6G research initiative in India.
On the other hand, Ericsson launched its ‘India 6G’ program by establishing a research team at its Chennai R&D center. The team will work on radio, networks, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud technologies to develop fundamental solutions for the future of telecommunications. Ericsson has also entered into a five-year partnership with the interdisciplinary Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras.
India has emerged as an attractive destination for telecom majors like Nokia and Ericsson due to its burgeoning ecosystem of startups, government and private labs, and educational institutions. Unlike 5G, where India was a late starter, the country has already begun preparatory work on 6G. In March this year, the Indian government released the ‘Bharat 6G Vision’ to position the nation as a leading contributor in the design, development, and deployment of 6G technology.
The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Ministry of Communications, has been leading India’s standardization work on the 6G framework. A National Study Group (NSG), headed by the TEC, has been actively contributing to the global 6G framework development by submitting Indian proposals to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
The ITU accepted the draft 6G framework, now known as IMT-2030, on 22 June 2023, with Indian experts playing a crucial role in its drafting. The Bharat 6G Vision aligns perfectly with the ITU’s 6G framework and upholds the principles of affordability, sustainability, and ubiquity.
With Nokia and Ericsson’s research centers in India, and the country’s strong focus on 6G development, India is poised to lead the global race in this groundbreaking technology. The collaboration between these telecom giants and Indian research institutes showcases the nation’s commitment to being at the forefront of innovative advancements, ensuring a future that is interconnected, efficient, and technologically advanced across various industries.
