Union Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has declared that “Bharat” will lead the world in sixth-generation (6G) technology. Speaking at an industry conference on 18 July, Scindia emphasized India’s advancement in the telecom sector under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a country that followed the world in 4G, a country that marches with the world in 5G, our Bharat will now lead the world in 6G,” he stated.
India followed the world in 4G, is marching with the world in 5G, and will lead the world in 6G. pic.twitter.com/QeNmQpx1Wa
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) July 19, 2024
Technology’s Role in Bridging Divides
Scindia highlighted the pivotal role of technology in bridging divides across the country, aligning with PM Modi’s commitment. “It is technology and communications that will provide a platform of opportunities. Communications and networks will bring together the people from the first village of India to the people of central villages of India,” he said. Scindia, who is also the Union Minister for the Development of the North Eastern Region, noted that India has transitioned from being a consumer to a supplier of technology.
Telecom Interventions and Future Commitments
He recounted various telecom initiatives such as the Telecommunications Act, 2023, the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for equipment manufacturing, and the rapid 5G rollout. Scindia also committed that the rules of The Telecommunications Act, 2023, will be notified within the next 180 days.
Reimbursement Scheme for Startups and MSMEs
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has launched a reimbursement scheme to ease financial burdens for startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the telecom sector. This scheme will reimburse up to Rs 50 lakhs per startup or MSE for testing and certification costs essential for product quality and market access, with a total fund allocation of Rs 25 crore. The application process will be entirely online, offering 75% reimbursement for startups, 60% for micro-enterprises, and 50% for small enterprises.
Launch of Testing Scheme and MoU
Scindia also launched the testing scheme for startups and MSMEs and oversaw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Telecommunications Institute for Policy Research, Innovation and Training (NTIPRIT) and IIT Jammu. This MoU focuses on capacity building in cybersecurity.
