The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur) to collaborate on joint studies, research, and technical contributions in advanced telecom technologies and global standardisation activities.

The partnership aims to develop India-specific standards in future network technologies such as 6G, optical communication, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) along with joint collaboration in telecom technologies such as passive optical network technology, advanced antenna systems, multiple input multiple output (MIMO) technologies for 5G and future wireless networks, electromagnetic field (EMF) monitoring solutions, etc. The partnership also aims to enhance India’s participation in International Telecommunication Union’s Standardization sector (ITU-T) and other global forums.

The partnership creates a formal framework for TEC to work closely with IIT Kharagpur on next-generation telecom and standardisation activities.

Key areas of collaboration:

  • 6G: Exploration of 6G architecture and enabling technologies with contributions to research, pre-standardisation and standardisation activities in global forums such as ITU.
  • AI-enabled telecom systems: Joint research and development and standardisation of EMF monitoring solutions, including smart internet of thing sensor development through artificial intelligence and safety lab frameworks, for enhanced public safety and regulatory compliance.
  • Radio, antenna and MIMO technologies: Collaborative research in advanced antenna systems, massive MIMO and related radio access technologies.
  • Satellite and NTNs: Joint studies in satellite communication systems, NTNs, high-altitude platform stations and satellite-terrestrial integration, including disaster-resilient and emergency connectivity solutions.

This partnership aims to accelerate indigenous research and development and increase India’s influence in global standardisation processes by strengthening India’s contributions to global standardisation bodies.