In a landmark moment for India and the global telecom industry, Bengaluru is hosting the first-ever 3GPP Radio Access Networks (RAN) Working Group meetings focused on 6G. The sessions—RAN1 through RAN5—were inaugurated in Whitefield with the support of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the Ministry of Communications, and the Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI). This marks the beginning of discussions on 3GPP Release 20, which will serve as the foundation for global 6G specifications, while also finalising Release 19 that advances the evolution of 5G Advanced. The meetings will run until August 29, 2025.
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Govt’s Strong Commitment
The Department of Telecommunications has provided complete institutional and financial support to make this global event possible. A dedicated DoT delegation is also participating in the deliberations, underlining India’s commitment to shaping the future of global communications and ensuring the country has a voice in defining 6G technologies.
India’s Role in Global Standards
TSDSI, India’s recognised Standards Development Organisation and one of the seven organisational partners of 3GPP, plays a pivotal role in this process. As the global body responsible for creating specifications for mobile technologies, including 5G and 6G, 3GPP sets the foundation of mobile connectivity worldwide. India’s active presence in these discussions emphasises its growing ambition to contribute to and influence the future of telecom.
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Record-Breaking Global Participation
Over 1,500 delegates from more than 50 countries are attending the Bengaluru meetings—making it the largest-ever gathering for any 3GPP working group session. Participants include representatives from major telecom companies, research institutions, and technical experts, reflecting the critical importance of these discussions in shaping the evolution from 5G to 6G.
A Game-Changer for Indian Stakeholders
This is the first time global 3GPP meetings have been held in India, giving domestic researchers, companies, and academic institutions direct access to the deliberations. By engaging locally, Indian stakeholders can align with global developments in real time, without the limitations of international travel. This inclusive platform is expected to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and enable India to play a more meaningful role in 6G standardisation.
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India Emerges as a Telecom Powerhouse
Bringing 3GPP meetings to India signals a significant shift in global telecom dynamics. With India increasingly recognised as a rising leader in technology, the event is set to strengthen industry-academia partnerships, boost domestic innovation, and establish India as a central contributor to the global telecom standards ecosystem.