Strong domestic innovation boosting India's 6G ambition: Neeraj Mittal
Is there any new relief package in the works for the telecom sector?
There is no proposal at present.
Industry has been demanding a cut in Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) levy for a long time. Is DoT considering any reduction?
There is no proposal of reduction.
Do you think a 3+1 telco market is healthy enough for a country like India?
India has large numbers of telecom licensees having authorisation to offer various telecom services. Market dynamics determine equilibrium.
How has been the progress of Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) so far? How much disbursement has been made till date?
A total of 120 proposals covering areas such as
5G
development under the 'India 5G Stack', 6G and beyond technology development, Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) development, and other telecom technologies are being funded under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme, amounting to ₹500 crore. These also include 100 proposals aimed at advancing the development of 6G technologies and ensuring robust, efficient, and sustainable connectivity solutions. As of now about ₹180 crores have been disbursed.
India's 6G preparedness seems to be slow-paced as against the ambition of at least 10% of the global patents by 2030. What steps are you taking to fast-forward the progress?
India is gearing up for 6G by 2030 with a strong push for domestic innovation, guided by the
Bharat 6G Vision
. Building on its 5G research foundation, the country has launched over 100 research and development (R&D) projects and set up indigenous test beds and labs. Key events like the TTDF Symposium 2025 and the upcoming 3GPP RAN meeting in Bengaluru underscore India's growing role in shaping global telecom standards.
Do you think terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks will be complementary to each other?
Terrestrial networks offer dense, high-speed coverage, while non-terrestrial networks like satellites extend reach to remote and underserved areas. Together, they enable seamless, global connectivity across land, air, and sea.
Share an update on terahertz band (95 GHz-3THz) and terahertz experimental authorisation (THEA), as proposed by Trai, to promote R&D and trials?
TRAI recommendations on Terahertz band and Terahertz Experimental Authorisation, are under the Department of Telecommunications' consideration.
What are the top 2-3 focus areas for BSNL in the current fiscal? What steps are you taking to sustain profitability?
The focus areas of BSNL include rollout of indigenous 4G network, improving quality of service, improving customer service, and eventually make the company profitable.
Share an update on Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) and Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) assets monetisation exercise?
Total earnings generated through asset monetization of BSNL and MTNL, is ₹12,984 crores since the approval of 2019 revival plan, from sale and rental.
By when will the BharatNet 3 program be completed?
The amended BharatNet project is for ten years.
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