Global 6G Vision Framework: India Plays Key Role In Deciding Next Generation Of Mobile Wireless Communication Technology

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has approved the 6G Vision Framework, marking a significant milestone in the future of telecommunications.

The Geneva-based ITU is the specialised agency for Information and Communication Technologies of the United Nations.

The global telecom body approved the framework on 22 June, setting the stage for global research and development in 6G technology.

The 6th Generation or 6G Technology has been named ‘IMT 2030’ by ITU.

The recommendation of ITU for 6G Framework will serve as foundation document in 6G research and development and will pave way for development of 6G technology worldwide.

The ITU 6G Framework has been formulated with collaborative efforts of member countries of United Nations in which India has played front-runner role from the very beginning, said a statement from the Ministry of Communications.

India, through Department of Telecommunications, played a key role in framing the framework.

Earlier in March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had released India’s 6G Vision “Bharat  6G Vision” document, which envisages India to be a front-line contributor in design, development and deployment of 6G technology by 2030.

Bharat 6G Vision is based on principles of Affordability, Sustainability and Ubiquity. It  ensures that India takes its rightful place in the world as a leading supplier of advanced telecom technologies and solutions that are affordable and contribute to the global good.

"Thereafter, the efforts of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications in prioritising 6G standardisation have successfully resulted in adoption of Ubiquitous Connectivity, Ubiquitous Intelligence and Sustainability as key elements of 6G Technology and has also enhanced India’s position in the International Telecommunication space," the ministry said.

India's efforts were spearheaded by Rajesh Sharma, an Indian Telecom Services officer in the Permanent Mission of India to UN in Geneva.

Sharma is serving as technical expert at Permanent Mission of India, Geneva.

A 1988 batch ITS officer, Sharma had earlier worked as Deputy Director General at the DoT under the Ministry of Communications, Government of India.

He had earlier worked as deputy director general (IT) at the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), New Delhi.

He has more than 31 years of experience in telecom domain in various leadership roles- policy formulation, technology, business strategy, network operation, vendor management & capacity building.

Having an expert on the ground helped India's efforts at ITU, according to experts.

Further, the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of Ministry of Communications was also at forefront for India’s standardisation work on this 6G Framework.

The National Study Group (NSG), headed by TEC, has done extensive work in submitting regular Indian contributions towards the development of the ITU 6G framework.

"The inclusive approach adopted by TEC has resulted in wide stakeholder participation in the National Study Group with involvement of major industries, startups, academia and R&D organisations," the ministry said.

The TEC led NSG has been working on this framework since last few years, and has been advocating for India specific requirements at the International forum.

In past, India, through NSG, had also contributed in development of 5G technology- a key outcome of which was adoption of Low Mobility Large Cell (LMLC) by ITU as 5G use case, the ministry said.