India-US alliance in 6G tech – At the G20 Summit in 2023, India and the United States formed a vital alliance focused at bringing 6G technology to the forefront. This collaboration is a significant step forward in the development of the next-generation wireless network, which will provide high-speed internet, improved coverage, and expanded use cases. As the world awaits the arrival of 6G, Business Today TV’s Managing Editor Siddharth Zarabi spoke with key stakeholders in the future 6G technology to better grasp the consequences of this collaboration and its far-reaching repercussions for India and the world.
Former Telecom Secretary and NASSCOM President R Chandrashekhar stressed the changing technological landscape. He highlighted that the emphasis has switched from technology advancement to trust and norms. Geopolitical dynamics have usher in a new era in which trust, or lack thereof, is fundamental. In an increasingly digital age, the security of telecommunications infrastructure is a concern of national security as well as data security. Because this infrastructure is dependent on a global supply network, it is practically difficult for any single country to be completely self-sufficient. As a result, protecting communication infrastructure is a difficult task. India has pursued “atmanirbharta,” whereas the United States has pursued “friendshoring.” 6G looms as the next frontier in this environment.
“Technology is advancing at an incredible rate,” he remarked. Recently, the emphasis has turned away from technology and economics and toward trust and norms. The reason for this is because, as global geopolitics have progressed, trust, or the lack thereof, has become a crucial element. As more and more things become digital, the trust factor and the security of telecommunication infrastructure become more than just a problem of data security; they also become a question of national security. It is dependent on technology and items produced through a worldwide supply chain. And it is nearly difficult for a single country to be completely self-sufficient.
And it is nearly difficult for a single country to be completely self-sufficient. As a result, protecting the telecom infrastructure is incredibly difficult. Consequently, what has happened is that countries like India have gone ‘atmanirbhar’, and countries like US have embraced policies like ‘friendshoring’. All of these changes are happening right now. 6G is the next generation, therefore preparation is essential, not only in terms of technology, economics, and production, but also in terms of trust and supply chain, because those foundations must be set now.”
India-US alliance in 6G tech
The Chairman of the 6G Indian Alliance Association, NG Subramaniam, offered his thoughts on the future of 6G networks. He emphasized the increasing importance of software over hardware in shaping these networks. Software, artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and algorithms will power 6G intelligence. This type of intelligence will improve network configurability and interoperability. Collaboration among academia, industry, startups, society, and government is critical for attaining the needed levels of flexibility and adaptability. In this context, the collaboration between Bharat 6G and the Next G alliance in the United States is an important step forward.
Sanjay Kapoor, a well-known telecom specialist, emphasized India’s increasing importance in the digital and data landscape. India has emerged as a prominent player, comprising OTT (over-the-top) providers as well as equipment providers. Kapoor emphasized the need of stakeholder collaboration and interoperability. The alliance with the United States is viewed as a catalyst for bringing together diverse parties. The ultimate goal is to establish 6G standards that are generally approved, guaranteeing that this technology benefits everyone, regardless of borders or nationalities.
“India is a fundamental part and now a large geography and now a significant player in digital and data for all stakeholders, whether OTT players or equipment providers,” he said. Where we are now in terms of electricity generation, I believe it will be a shared effort in which India will have a say. I’m delighted to see India collaborating with the US, but because of interoperability, more stakeholders will join forces. Everyone will participate, and eventually, standards will emerge to ensure that everyone is good. It cannot be that one country is better than another. Ultimately, 6G will pay dividends to everyone.”
Add Comment