India is entering a new era of digital transformation with 6G technology in India taking center stage. After the nationwide rollout of 5G, the Government of India has unveiled an ambitious Bharat 6G Mission, aiming to make the country a global leader in 6G research and development by 2030. With active involvement from the Department of Telecom (DoT), leading telecom companies like Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vodafone Idea, and strong academic-industry partnerships, India is positioning itself in the global 6G race.
In this article, we’ll explore 6G in India, expected 6G launch date in India, 6G internet speed, spectrum plans, trials, use cases, and how India stacks up against global competitors like China, the US, and Europe.
Government Plans for 6G in India – Bharat 6G Mission
Launched in March 2023, the Bharat 6G Mission is Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 6G vision to design, develop, and deploy 6G networks in India by 2030. Under this mission, the government has:
- Approved 111 research proposals for developing 6G technology in India.
- Set up two national 6G testbeds – one for THz spectrum trials and another for advanced optical communication.
- Established over 100 5G labs across Indian universities to build a pipeline of 6G-ready talent and startups.
- Formed the Bharat 6G Alliance (B6GA) to unite industry, academia, and R&D institutions.
- Signed MoUs with global 6G alliances to ensure India’s participation in international standards like ITU’s IMT-2030.
India’s contribution to the ITU framework ensured that “Ubiquitous Connectivity” was included as a core use case, reflecting the country’s focus on bridging the digital divide in rural and remote regions.
6G Launch Date in India – When Will 6G Come?
A common question is: “When will 6G launch in India?”
- Officially, 6G rollout in India is expected around 2030, aligning with the global IMT-2030 roadmap.
- 6G trials in India are already in motion with DoT-funded testbeds.
- Telecom companies like Airtel and Jio have expressed readiness to collaborate in 6G R&D.
- BSNL and Vodafone Idea are expected to join trials as the ecosystem matures.
So while there is no fixed 6G release date in India yet, early 6G India updates suggest that pre-commercial pilots may begin around 2027–28, with wider 6G availability in India closer to 2030.
6G Spectrum in India – The Next Wave
For 6G spectrum in India, the government is focusing on:
- Sub-THz and THz bands for ultra-high speed wireless data.
- Satellite-backed spectrum for 6G satellite internet in India, ensuring coverage in remote areas.
- Optical communication spectrum for ultra-fast backhaul.
This will be a major shift from 5G spectrum auctions, as 6G requires both higher frequencies and massive infrastructure upgrades.
6G Internet Speed in India – How Fast is 6G?
One of the biggest attractions of 6G internet in India will be its speed.
- Expected 6G download speed in India: 1 Tbps (terabit per second).
- 6G latency: Less than 100 microseconds (compared to 1–10 ms in 5G).
- 6G vs 5G speed in India: 6G could be 100x faster than 5G.
- Use of AI and 6G in India will make networks self-optimizing, energy-efficient, and ultra-reliable.
This means downloading a full-length 4K movie in less than a second may become a reality.
6G Applications in India – Use Cases
With 6G technology in India, new possibilities will emerge across industries:
- Healthcare: Real-time telemedicine, remote surgery using 6G IoT in India.
- Smart cities: Seamless IoT connectivity for traffic, utilities, and energy.
- Holographic communication: 6G internet in India will enable immersive hologram calls.
- Industry 4.0: Robotics, automation, and digital twins powered by 6G speed in India.
- Education: AR/VR classrooms for rural and urban students alike.
- 6G satellite internet in India: Ensuring digital access in remote Himalayas and deserts.
Indian Telecom Companies and 6G
Leading telecom companies in India are preparing for the 6G era:
- Airtel 6G in India: Already involved in DoT’s 6G research programs, investing in AI-native networks.
- Jio 6G in India: Building 6G-ready infrastructure with focus on edge computing and IoT.
- BSNL 6G launch date: Likely aligned with government-led pilots in 2028–2030.
- Vodafone Idea 6G India: Expected to collaborate through Bharat 6G Alliance projects.
India 6G Technology vs World – Global 6G Race
India is not alone in the global 6G race. Countries like China, South Korea, Japan, the US, and EU nations are investing heavily in 6G trials and spectrum research.
- Which country launched 6G first? – No country has launched commercial 6G yet. Trials are ongoing globally.
- India 6G vs China 6G – China is ahead in patent filings, but India is focusing on affordable, inclusive 6G solutions.
- 6G countries list – India, China, USA, Japan, South Korea, EU.
By 2030, India aims to secure at least 10% of global 6G IPRs and patents through Bharat 6G mission.
6G Price in India – What to Expect
While 6G recharge plans in India are not defined yet, the government and telcos are focused on affordable 6G internet in India. Key factors:
- Initial 6G SIM card in India will likely be bundled with 6G mobile phones.
- 6G mobile price in India may start high but could become affordable by 2032–33.
- Like 4G and 5G, competitive pricing from Jio, Airtel, BSNL, and Vodafone Idea will drive cheap 6G plans for the masses.
Future of 6G in India – Road Ahead
- PM Modi’s 6G vision sets a clear target: India as a global 6G hub by 2030.
- The India 6G roadmap emphasizes indigenous R&D, global standards influence, and affordable rollout.
- With AI, IoT, and satellite internet integration, future of 6G in India looks transformative.
- Expect the first 6G trial in India by 2027–28, and full 6G network in India launch by 2030.
Conclusion
The future of 6G in India is not just about faster internet speed, but about building a digitally inclusive society where healthcare, education, industry, and rural connectivity leap forward. With the Bharat 6G Mission, government support, and telecom giants like Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vodafone Idea, India is set to be a key player in the global 6G revolution.
The race to 6G has already begun—and India is not just catching up, but aiming to lead.