Introduction to 6G and Its Significance
The telecommunications industry is poised for a paradigm shift with the development of 6G technology, promising transformative advancements in connectivity, speed, and efficiency. As India solidifies its position as a global technology hub, the country is actively pursuing 6G innovation through initiatives like the “Bharat 6G Vision,” launched in 2023, aiming for commercial deployment by 2030. The test and measurement (T&M) sector plays a pivotal role in ensuring 6G networks meet stringent performance, reliability, and standardization requirements. In India, the T&M market is a cornerstone of this evolution, driven by government support, increasing digitalization, and a robust telecom ecosystem. Valued at USD 941.50 million in 2024, the Indian T&M equipment market is projected to reach USD 1,428.94 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.37%. This article delves into the intricacies of 6G testing in India, supported by recent quantitative data, and examines market trends, technological advancements, challenges, and future prospects.
The Emergence of 6G in India
Government Initiatives and Industry Leadership
India’s proactive stance on 6G is evident through strategic initiatives spearheaded by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). In 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a 6G testbed to accelerate research and development, targeting a leadership role in global 6G standardization. The establishment of Nokia’s 6G Lab in Bengaluru in October 2023, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), highlights India’s commitment to fostering innovation in 6G technologies. This lab focuses on advanced testing methodologies, including AI-driven network optimization and integrated sensing solutions, positioning India as a hub for cutting-edge T&M advancements.
Global and Indian Market Context
Globally, the communications T&M market is expected to grow from USD 11.35 billion in 2025 to USD 36.2 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 15.6%. In India, the telecom sector accounts for approximately 33% of the T&M market, driven by the rapid adoption of 5G and emerging 6G applications. The Indian T&M market’s growth is further supported by government policies like Digital India and Make in India, which promote domestic manufacturing and export capabilities. In 2024, India’s telecom market was valued at USD 40 billion, with significant investments in 5G and 6G technologies fueling T&M demand.
Technical Advancements in 6G Testing
High-Frequency Challenges and Solutions
6G technology is expected to operate in sub-terahertz (sub-THz) bands, ranging from 90 to 300 GHz, enabling data rates up to 1 Tbit/s and ultra-low latency below 100 microseconds. Early tests by Samsung in 2021 achieved 6 Gbit/s at 15 meters indoors using sub-THz spectrum, with 2022 experiments reaching 2.3 Gbit/s at 120 meters. These high frequencies pose challenges such as atmospheric absorption and signal attenuation, necessitating advanced T&M solutions. Spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, and anechoic chambers are critical for validating signal integrity and performance in these bands.
Innovative Testing Technologies
India is adopting state-of-the-art T&M solutions to address 6G’s unique requirements. Nokia’s 6G Lab in Bengaluru is developing “Network as a Sensor” technology, integrating sensing capabilities into wireless networks for applications like environmental monitoring and smart cities. Anritsu’s collaboration with the Korea Radio Promotion Association (RAPA) and Aalborg University focuses on channel sounding for FR3 (7–24 GHz) and sub-THz bands, ensuring accurate channel models for 6G networks. Keysight Technologies’ sub-THz testbed, introduced in 2024, supports waveform quality measurements with up to 10 GHz bandwidth, addressing modulation challenges like phase noise and digital predistortion.
AI and Automation in Testing
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in T&M is revolutionizing 6G testing. AI-driven tools automate network optimization, predict performance issues, and enhance power efficiency. For instance, Keysight’s AI-powered test platforms, launched in 2024, reduce testing times by 30% and improve accuracy by analyzing real-time data. In India, companies like Tata Electronics are leveraging AI-based T&M solutions for semiconductor testing, aligning with the USD 14 billion investment in Gujarat and Assam facilities announced in September 2024.
Market Dynamics and Economic Impact
Market Size and Growth Projections
The global T&M equipment market was valued at USD 35.96 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 56.30 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.58%. In India, the T&M market’s projected growth from USD 941.50 million in 2024 to USD 1,428.94 million by 2033 reflects the increasing demand for high-precision testing in telecom, automotive, and semiconductor sectors. The telecom segment, driven by 5G rollouts and 6G research, constitutes a significant portion of this growth, with India’s 5G subscriber base expected to reach 200 million by 2025.
Economic Opportunities and Industry Applications
6G’s deployment in India is expected to catalyze economic growth across multiple sectors. In smart cities, 6G-enabled IoT devices will enhance urban planning and resource management, with T&M ensuring reliable connectivity. The automotive sector, particularly electric vehicles (EVs), is a key driver, with EV sales in India surpassing 1.8 million units in the first 11 months of 2024, a 45% year-on-year increase. T&M solutions for high-voltage battery testing and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication are critical for ensuring safety and performance. Additionally, Industry 4.0 applications, such as automated manufacturing, will benefit from 6G’s ultra-low latency, with T&M playing a vital role in validating these systems.
Key Market Players and Innovations
Major players like Keysight Technologies, Rohde & Schwarz, Anritsu, and VIAVI Solutions are driving T&M innovation in India. In July 2024, VIAVI Solutions launched NITRO Fiber Sensing, a real-time monitoring solution for critical infrastructure, enhancing 6G network reliability. Anritsu’s 2024 automated test platforms have reduced operational costs by 25% for telecom operators, while Rohde & Schwarz’s advanced spectrum analyzers support sub-THz testing with unprecedented accuracy. Indian companies like Mextech Technologies are also contributing to the market with cost-effective T&M solutions tailored to local needs.
Challenges in 6G Testing
Technical and Infrastructure Challenges
The high-frequency nature of 6G presents significant technical challenges. Sub-THz waves are highly sensitive to obstacles, requiring advanced power amplifiers and phase noise management techniques like digital predistortion. India’s T&M infrastructure faces gaps, including limited access to state-of-the-art testing facilities and a shortage of skilled engineers. The complexity of 6G testing, involving multi-gigahertz bandwidths and massive MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) systems, demands significant investment in equipment and training.
Regulatory and Standardization Issues
The lack of a finalized 6G standard, expected to be defined by 3GPP Release 21 in 2028, complicates testing efforts. Geopolitical tensions, such as bans on Chinese suppliers like Huawei, may lead to fragmented standards, impacting interoperability testing. India must balance global alignment with local innovation to ensure its 6G solutions are competitive. Additionally, regulatory compliance with international standards, such as those set by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), requires robust T&M frameworks to validate network performance.
Economic and Competitive Barriers
Despite government support, India’s T&M market faces competition from low-cost global players, particularly in Asia-Pacific. The high cost of advanced T&M equipment, such as sub-THz spectrum analyzers, poses a barrier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, the decline in global semiconductor sales in 2024, as noted by industry reports, has impacted T&M equipment sales, increasing capital expenditure (CAPEX) challenges for Indian companies.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Government Support: The “Bharat 6G Vision” and initiatives like the 6G testbed and Nokia’s 6G Lab underscore India’s leadership in 6G development.
- Robust Market Growth: The Indian T&M market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.37% from 2025 to 2033, driven by telecom and EV advancements.
- Technological Innovation: AI-driven testing, sub-THz spectrum analyzers, and channel sounding technologies are critical for 6G testing.
- Economic Potential: 6G will drive growth in smart cities, EVs, and Industry 4.0, with T&M ensuring reliability and performance.
- Challenges Remain: Infrastructure gaps, standardization delays, and competition from low-cost players pose significant challenges.
Future Scope of 6G Testing in India
Emerging Technologies and Applications
The future of 6G testing in India is poised for significant advancements, driven by emerging technologies like AI, ML, and digital twins. AI-powered T&M solutions will enable autonomous network optimization, reducing testing times and improving accuracy. Digital twins, virtual replicas of physical networks, will facilitate real-time performance analysis, with applications in smart cities and autonomous vehicles. Projects like 6G-ADLANTIK and 6G-TERAKOM, focusing on THz communications and integrated antennas, will drive innovation in high-speed data transfer, with data rates exceeding 100 Gbit/s.
Collaborative Efforts and Global Positioning
India’s collaboration with global leaders like Ericsson, Nokia, and Keysight Technologies will enhance its role in 6G standardization. The Bharat 6G Alliance, formed in 2023, aims to foster partnerships between academia, industry, and government, ensuring India’s contributions to global 6G standards. By 2030, the anticipated commercial rollout of 6G will demand scalable, cost-effective T&M solutions to support applications like holographic communication, extended reality (XR), and digital twinning.
Sustainability and Scalability
Sustainability will be a key focus of 6G testing, with T&M solutions addressing power efficiency and environmental impact. For instance, 6G networks are expected to achieve a 50% reduction in energy consumption per bit compared to 5G, necessitating advanced power measurement tools. Scalable T&M solutions, such as modular instruments and software-based testing platforms, will enable cost-effective deployment across diverse applications, from telecom to healthcare.
Conclusion
India’s journey toward 6G leadership is underpinned by a dynamic T&M ecosystem, driven by government initiatives, industry collaborations, and technological innovation. The Indian T&M market’s projected growth to USD 1,428.94 million by 2033 reflects its critical role in ensuring the success of 6G networks. Despite challenges like infrastructure gaps and regulatory complexities, India’s strategic investments in advanced testing facilities, AI-driven solutions, and skilled workforce development position it as a global contender in 6G technology. As the country prepares for the 2030 commercial rollout, the T&M industry will continue to evolve, enabling a connected, efficient, and innovative future powered by 6G.
