The working group on device technology, sensors, and manufacturing systems, part of the Bharat 6G Alliance, has proposed extending the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for mobile devices until 2030. It also recommended maintaining the policy of discouraging imported phones through the end of the decade, a key strategy to boost local 6G device manufacturing.
The current PLI scheme, now in its fourth year, is set to conclude in 2025-26. Beneficiaries of the scheme include global players like Apple Inc. and Samsung, as well as Indian electronics manufacturing services (EMS) companies like Dixon Technologies. The program provides incentives of 4–6% to eligible companies, with a budget allocation of Rs 45,000 crore.
"India will be setting the trend in 6G"
— DoT India (@DoT_India) October 24, 2024
– Hon'ble Minister of Communications @JM_Scindia pic.twitter.com/YnCefLVBms
The working group, which includes members from the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), IISc Bangalore, Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), telecom companies, and telecom equipment manufacturers, has submitted its recommendations to Communications Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
A technology-focused working group within the alliance also set targets for India’s 6G role. These include increasing 6G patents tenfold by 2030 (from the current 200 patents), developing at least one new radio technology originating from India, and creating a minimum of 10 standard essential patents (SEPs). SEPs are patented technologies necessary for implementing 6G standards, and the group also aims to develop 100 specification-dependent SEPs by 2030.
The Bharat 6G Alliance, launched by DoT in 2023, is a platform bringing together government, industry, and academia to spearhead 6G technology development in India. It has established seven working groups focusing on areas like spectrum, technology, devices, manufacturing ecosystems, applications, green technology, sustainability, and outreach.
India has already made significant strides in 6G standardization, hosting the International Telecommunication Union-World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly, a 10-day event attended by representatives from 190 countries. This was the first time such an event was held in Asia, and it is set to conclude on October 24.
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The working group on device technology and manufacturing also suggested that the government incentivize large brands, both consumer and industrial, to enter device manufacturing. India currently lacks major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in consumer electronics.
To reduce dependence on Chinese original design manufacturing (ODM) players, the group proposed introducing a design-linked incentive scheme. This would encourage EMS companies to collaborate with independent design houses to build Indian ODM players. According to TEC data, India had 126 6G-related patents as of 2022-23, with academic institutions leading the charge at 36 patents, followed by WiSig Networks with 28, the Centre of Excellence in Wireless Technology (CEWiT) with 16, and Tata Consultancy Services with five.
