The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) to collaborate on joint studies, research, and technical contributions in advanced telecom technologies and global standardisation activities. The partnership creates a formal framework for TEC to work closely with IIT Kanpur on next-generation telecom and standardisation activities.
The partnership will focus on the development of India-specific standards and testing frameworks for emerging and future communication technologies, including 6G, artificial intelligence in telecom, non-terrestrial networks (NTNs), internet of things (IoT), digital twin, metaverse, and quantum communication. It also aims to enhance India’s active participation and leadership in global standard-setting and radiocommunication bodies and relevant international forums.
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 third generation partnership project (3GPP) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
- Telecom networks and architecture: Joint studies and technical contributions in 4G, 5G, LTE Advanced (LTE-A), narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) and future networks covering architecture, signalling, protocols and interoperability testing.
- AI-enabled telecom systems: Joint research in AI/ machine learning (ML) for network automation, optimisation and intelligent management, with a roadmap towards AI-native capabilities for future networks.
- Radio, Antenna and multiple input multiple output (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 pseudo-satellite system (HAPS) and satellite-terrestrial integration, including disaster-resilient and emergency connectivity solutions.
- IoT, digital twins and immersive systems: Joint research in IoT ecosystems, digital twin technologies and immersive communication platforms.
- Quantum communication: Joint studies in quantum communication technologies including quantum key distribution (QKD), post-quantum cryptography (PQC), quantum random number generator (QRNG) and related components for secure communications.
- This partnership aims to increase India’s influence in global standardisation processes by strengthening India’s contributions to global standardisation bodies. The collaboration will further the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by strengthening indigenous research, design and manufacturing in telecom – developing India-specific standards, test frameworks and home-grown solutions that bolster national self-reliance, secure critical communications infrastructure and reduce dependence on imports.