Date: 29/03/2023

Relevance: GS-3: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

Key Phrases: 6G, 5G, Technology, Intelligent Network Management, Ultra-Low Latency, Communication, Bharat 6G Vision, International Telecommunication Union, Hyper Connectivity, Apex Council.

Context:

• Recently, the Prime Minister announced India's aim to launch the 6G telecom network by the end of the decade, which promises ultra-high-speed internet connectivity.

Understanding 6G and its Advancements Over 5G Technology:

• The sixth generation or 6G is the next step in telecom network technology after 5G.
  • Building upon the foundation of 5G, 6G is expected to provide more reliable, affordable and ultra-low latency solutions, with speeds almost 100 times faster than 5G.
• These improvements will transform the way people interact with each other and technology, impacting user experience and economies worldwide.
• With intelligent network management and control, integrated wireless sensing and communication, and bandwidths reaching 1Tbps, 6G is poised to revolutionize communication technology.
  • This incredible bandwidth will be 100 times greater than that of 5G, creating potential for entirely new communication applications and experiences.

Key Features of the Government's 6G Vision Document:

• The Prime Minister recently released the 'Bharat 6G Vision' document, which aims to establish a national mission for 6G with a nine-year term from 2022 to 2031.
  • The project will be funded in three phases: Phase-1 for the first four years, Phase-2 for years 4-7, and Phase-3 for years 7-9.
• The mission's goal is to facilitate coordination and collaboration among various stakeholders in the central and state governments, as well as industry and academia, to drive fundamental and applied research for 6G technologies, creating new IP, knowledge, and skilling.
• From 2025 onwards, pilot scale demonstrations and validation of these technologies in field trials for various use cases, as well as participation and contribution to national and international standards, are expected.

Gaining Leadership in 6G:

• India is preparing for the next generation of telecommunications with 6G technology, securing more than 127 patents on the concept.
• Despite still rolling out 5G in limited areas, India is involving all stakeholders to identify priority areas for research, including industry, academia, and service providers.
• The country is also advocating for a stronger role in ongoing legislation at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), with a global focus on its telecom and digital industry

Potential Benefit from the 6G Rollout:

• The rollout of 6G is expected to bring hyper connectivity, which will provide advanced user experiences across all sectors.
  • It will enable access to required information, resources (both virtual and physical), and social services without constraints of time and physical location.
• The integration of AI/ML will play a significant role in sectors such as education, enabling students to experience industry interactions and virtual visits to gain knowledge via immersive experiences.
  • AI/ML will also play a critical role in agriculture and healthcare.
• Quantum technologies are being explored to understand their potential for unprecedented performance in quantum sensing, communication, security, and computing.
  • The rollout of 6G will likely leverage these technologies to deliver advanced services.
• With the increasing cost-effectiveness of Low Earth Orbit satellites and new technologies such as HAPS, non-terrestrial wireless networks will likely get integrated with the terrestrial network to offer ubiquitous coverage not only on ships and aircraft but also in rural areas underserved by the terrestrial network in the Indian context.

Role of the Apex Council in 6G Implementation:

• The Apex Council will play a critical role in the implementation of 6G.
  • Its purpose is to bring together government, industry, telecom service providers (TSPs), academia, and research institutions to collaborate and innovate, standardize, run pilots, manufacture, test, and supply at a global scale.
• The Apex Council will evaluate and approve roadmaps and action plans for 6G to ensure that all stakeholders work together to achieve the mission's objectives.

Benefits for Consumers:

• Hyper-connectivity and better experience delivered by 6G mobile communication technology will improve and enable access to required information, resources (both virtual and physical), and social services without time constraints.
• Broad deployment of 6G technology will reduce differences in regional and social infrastructure and economic opportunities providing alternatives to rural exodus and metro-driven urbanisation.
• The start of 6G will play an important role in filling the gap in the e-services availability between urban and rural communities, thereby improving people’s lives..

Conclusion:

• The rollout of 6G technology is set to be the next big leap in telecom network technology after 5G.
  • The 'Bharat 6G Vision' document, released by the Prime Minister, outlines the government's plans for a national mission to catalyze the coordination and interaction between various stakeholders in the Centre and State governments, industry, and academia.
• The rollout of 6G technology is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with each other and technology, impacting user experience and economies worldwide.
• The successful implementation of 6G technology will require collaboration and innovation from all stakeholders, including government, industry, telecom service providers, academia, and research institutions.

Source: The Hindu BL

Mains Question:

Q. Critically analyze the potential impact of 6G technology on India's digital infrastructure and economy, taking into consideration the Bharat 6G Vision document and the roles of various stakeholders such as the government, industry, and academia. (250 words).