6G Rollout in India May Delay Beyond 2030 Due to Revenue Fears
COAI DG S P Kochhar warns that 6G rollout could extend past 2030 as telecom operators struggle with 5G monetisation and rising financial pressures.
The dream of a seamless 6G network across India might take longer than originally anticipated. While the technology is expected to emerge around 2030, a full-scale deployment could face significant delays as telecom operators grapple with the challenge of making money from new connectivity.
Speaking on the sidelines of the India Mobile Congress 2026 in New Delhi, S P Kochhar, Director General of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), suggested that the timeline for a complete 6G rollout might stretch well beyond the current projections.
The Search for 'Killer Applications'
The primary hurdle for the next generation of mobile technology is not just the hardware, but the ability to generate profit. Kochhar pointed out a critical gap in the current mobile landscape: the lack of high-revenue use cases.
"Since there are no killer applications in 5G, anybody who has to buy into 6G will have to think twice about whether there are going to be applications which can be monetised or not," Kochhar explained. He noted that while some developments will certainly arrive by 2030, a comprehensive nationwide rollout might be delayed until the industry finds ways to turn 6G capabilities into sustainable income.
Financial Strain on Telecom Operators
Beyond the technical and application-based hurdles, the telecom sector is facing a tightening financial squeeze. Operators are currently navigating a difficult landscape where the cost of maintaining and expanding networks is rising faster than the revenue they generate.
Kochhar highlighted several pressing economic concerns for the industry:
- Shrinking Profits: The gap between operational expenditure and income is widening, leading to dwindling profit margins.
- Regulatory Burden: There is an urgent need for the government to reconsider regulatory fees, various levies, and the high cost of spectrum.
- Investment Risk: Without clear returns on investment, the pace of network expansion could slow down significantly.
India's 6G Ambitions vs. Reality
This potential delay comes at a time when India is aggressively pursuing its Bharat 6G Vision. Launched in March 2023, the initiative aims to transform the country into a global leader in the design, development, and deployment of 6G technology. The government has set ambitious targets, including securing a 10 per cent share in global 6G patents and standards.
India is currently active in the international arena, participating in the creation of global standards through the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Domestic entities are also ramping up patent filings and searching for practical use cases that could eventually justify the massive capital expenditure required for 6G.
Will Consumer Tariffs Rise?
As operating costs continue to climb, the industry is looking for ways to balance the books. While the COAI is hopeful that government intervention regarding fees and levies will ease the pressure, the possibility of higher costs for the end-user remains on the table.
"I hope that the government reduces levies and fees on us so that we don't have to even look at tariffs. That's the last resort," Kochhar stated, indicating that price hikes for consumers would only be considered if all other financial avenues are exhausted.