New Delhi, March 18 The decision regarding 6G spectrum will be made by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and 3GPP, likely after the standards are finalized, Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Wednesday.
The 3rd Generation Partnership Project, or 3GPP, is a global collaboration of seven telecommunications standards organizations (SDOs) that develops technical specifications.
India has a commitment that the Bharat 6G Alliance will work diligently across its seven working groups to ensure India's participation in setting standards for 6G, he said.
"6G is a technology with exponential possibilities. It will not only bridge the digital divide, but it will also provide tremendous opportunities worldwide. India is working with the Bharat 6G Alliance to be a partner in setting these standards," the Minister told reporters.
Asked about the allocation of 6G spectrum, Scindia said: "That will be decided by ITU and 3GPP and will likely come after the standards are finalized."
The era of 6G will mark the next leap in human civilization, Scindia said while addressing an international workshop on 6G standardization.
He emphasized that global interoperability across networks, devices, and services, a common technical framework, accelerated innovation, and a strong commitment to inclusivity would be key to unlocking the full potential of 6G technology.
The Minister noted that the world is at the threshold of a new technological epoch.
The era of 6G will not only represent an exponential jump in speeds and latency but also the next leap for human civilization from both a digital and technology perspective, he said.
The minister emphasized the need for a multi-pronged approach, highlighting four key elements.
"Our decisive role has to be based on four key pillars. First, to ensure global interoperability between devices, networks, and services. And this has to be the case worldwide, so that the world communicates seamlessly across a global unified communication ecosystem," he said.
Other aspects include the creation of a common technical framework and the acceleration of innovation and research for transforming lab breakthroughs into real-world solutions.
"... Second, developing a common technical framework, in collaboration with global bodies such as 3GPP and ITU, to establish shared standards across radio interfaces, core networks, spectrum, and service architecture. Third, accelerating innovation and research, where clear global standards guide researchers, startups, and industry in transforming breakthroughs into real-world solutions," he said.
The fourth element, and the most important, is about ensuring inclusive growth and indigenous innovation. Open standards create a level playing field, enabling nations to contribute, build intellectual property, and ensure that the benefits of technology reach every citizen across the globe.
To realize these pillars, sustained international cooperation, global dialogue, and continuous engagement are essential, the Minister said.