Key Highlights:
- 6G Testbeds: Functional 6G testbeds in IIT Madras and IISc Bangalore.
- Patent Power: India holding over 15% of global 6G-related patents in 2026.
- Rural Connectivity: Using 6G technology for holographic tele-medicine in remote villages.
While the world is still optimizing 5G, India in 2026 has positioned itself as a leader in 6G research. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched the “Bharat 6G Mission,” focusing on Terahertz communication and AI-native air interfaces.
The government has prioritized “Indigenous Standards,” ensuring that Indian startups own the Intellectual Property (IP) for the next generation of connectivity. In 2026, 6G is being piloted for “intelligent transport systems” and precision agriculture, where sub-millisecond latency is a requirement for autonomous drone clusters.
