Nokia has inaugurated a new ‘6G Lab’ in India, a pioneering initiative aimed at expediting the development of fundamental technologies and innovative applications based on 6G technology to meet the future needs of both industry and society. This lab aligns with the Indian government’s ‘Bharat 6G Vision,’ championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which envisions a significant global role for India in the standardization, development, and implementation of 6G technology.
The lab, located in Bengaluru, focuses on researching ‘Network as a Sensor’ technology, enabling networks to sense objects, people, and movement without the need for onboard sensors. In the sixth-generation (6G) era, ‘Network as a Sensor’ is identified as a pivotal enabling technology that seamlessly integrates sensing capabilities into wireless networks, operating simultaneously with communication services.
Nokia’s 6G Lab in India will serve as an experimental platform for studying algorithms, privacy, and sustainable system design. Collaborating with premier research institutes such as IISc/IITs, Nokia aims to scale up its 6G research efforts in the country.
This initiative reflects Nokia’s commitment to driving 6G technology globally, evidenced by its involvement in projects like 6G Hexa-X and Hexa-X-II, the first and second phases of the European 6G Flagship, as well as its participation in the Next G Alliance, contributing to the development of the 6G ecosystem in North America.
“The inauguration of the Nokia 6G research lab in Bengaluru today is another step toward PM Narendra Modi’s vision of making India an innovation hub. The lab’s findings will lead to compelling applications in areas such as transportation safety, healthcare, and education, contributing significantly to India’s Digital India initiative,” stated Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Telecom Minister.
Pekka Lundmark, President & CEO of Nokia, expressed satisfaction with India’s rapid 5G network rollout, making it the world’s second-largest 5G installed base. He affirmed Nokia’s commitment to supporting India’s digital transformation across industries, society, and public services.
Nishant Batra, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer at Nokia, emphasized Nokia’s eagerness to collaborate with key stakeholders to establish India as a major player in 6G technology development and adoption, solidifying its position globally as a leading developer and supplier of advanced telecom technologies and solutions.
