New Delhi
In a bold announcement at the Indian Mobile Congress 2024 (IMC) in New Delhi, Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia declared that India is ready to take the lead in the global adoption of 6G technology. He expressed confidence that, having previously followed the world in 4G and kept pace with 5G, India will now spearhead the development of 6G.
Scindia highlighted India’s significant advancements in the telecommunications sector over the last decade, noting the country’s emergence as a leader in innovation and technology. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for this transformation, stating, ‘The Prime Minister has always prioritized the people in progress, and his vision of ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’ helps position India as a leader among nations.’
The minister emphasized the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, particularly through the BharatNet program, which aims to connect every panchayat in the country. He mentioned that in the last three years, over USD 10 billion has been invested, resulting in the laying of 700,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables in rural areas.
Scindia also pointed out the impressive growth in mobile and broadband connectivity, with mobile subscriptions increasing from 94 million to 1.16 billion and broadband users rising from 60 million to 924 million over the past decade. By mid-next year, India is expected to achieve 100% 4G coverage, including remote villages, as part of its vision to be at the forefront of global telecom advancements.
