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In a significant move, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) organised the inaugural “Telecom Design Collaboration Sprint”, convening 15 startups, academia, and research institutions at IIIT Bangalore. This first-time initiative aimed to foster rapid ideation and solution development in the deep-tech realm, setting the stage for a future-ready telecom ecosystem.
Participating in this collaboration were 15 prominent startups and MSMEs specialising in the Radio Access Network (RAN) and Core ecosystems, alongside esteemed institutions like IIT Madras, C-DOT, and IIT Delhi. Together, they embarked on a journey to craft innovative solutions geared towards building a comprehensive 5G infrastructure and laying the groundwork for future advancements into 6G technology.
Driven by three primary objectives, the Sprint aimed to leverage collective strengths, foster holistic solutions, and create market opportunities. By pooling their expertise, startups sought to accelerate innovation and streamline the development of a unified telecom stack tailored to industry needs, thereby unlocking new avenues for growth and competition in the telecom landscape.
Following intensive discussions during the Sprint, outcome-based focused groups were formed to address existing gaps in the Indian telecom ecosystem and prepare for the advent of 6G and other emerging technologies. These groups will focus on key areas such as core infrastructure, distribution units (DUs), radio units (RUs), and central units (CUs), with the aim of bridging current shortcomings and devising future-proof solutions. Additionally, two working groups were established to further refine these efforts.
Participants lauded this pioneering initiative as a first-of-its-kind endeavor in the industry, expressing keen interest in continued collaboration and urging the DoT to sustain such initiatives. The Sprint is evidence of DoT’s commitment to fostering innovation and industry collaboration, positioning India’s telecommunications sector for global leadership in the 5G era and beyond.
By harnessing the unique strengths and competencies of startups, MSMEs, academia, and industry stakeholders, the DoT aims to cultivate a robust and forward-looking mobile telecom stack, with a steadfast focus on advancing towards 6G technology and beyond.
India has emerged as a benchmark in global thought leadership in the telecommunications sector, spearheading innovation and driving transformative change both domestically and internationally. With a burgeoning market and a rapidly expanding user base, India has positioned itself as a pivotal player in shaping the future of telecommunications on a global scale.
OpenGov Asia’s report highlighted that a recent delegation to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Headquarters reinforced India’s prominence in the field. Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of India’s Department of Telecommunications, being appointed as Co-chair of the ITU’s Digital Innovation Board, reinforces India’s leadership in advancing digital innovation globally, showcasing its dedication to technology-driven socio-economic progress.
The Digital Innovation Board, consisting of representatives from 23 ITU member countries, focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in digital development to create a more inclusive digital future.
Participating in the Mobile World Congress 2024 (MWC24) has also underscored India’s commitment to technological advancement and international collaboration in the telecommunications sector. Led by Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, India showcased its telecom advancements and global collaborations at the conference themed “Future First,” stressing industry unity and innovation.
Secretary Mittal reiterated India’s dedication to leveraging innovation for socio-economic development, highlighting its role in propelling economic growth, addressing social challenges, and enhancing citizen well-being. India’s strategic initiatives aim to integrate advanced technologies into its developmental agenda, fostering inclusive growth and paving the way for a prosperous future.