Spectrum is Key to India's Smooth 6G Launch: Nokia
Nokia's Ulrich Dropmann highlights the importance of spectrum availability and AI integration for India's upcoming 6G rollout by 2030.
For India to successfully transition into the next era of connectivity, the availability of the right spectrum at the right time will be the most critical policy priority. This was the key takeaway from Ulrich Dropmann, Head of Standardization & Industry Environment, Strategy and Technology at Nokia Standards, speaking on the sidelines of the India Mobile Congress.
As the global telecom industry enters a decisive phase of developing 6G standards, Dropmann emphasized that the decisions being made today will dictate the success and efficiency of the technology for the next decade.
The Race to 2030
While the world is currently focused on perfecting 5G, the groundwork for the next generation is already being laid. According to Dropmann, 6G is expected to be commercially available by 2030. He compared the current standardization process to designing a car, noting that the fundamental design decisions made now will determine how the technology performs over the next ten years.
He acknowledged that while differences among global stakeholders are inevitable during standardization, the industry remains committed to finding common ground to ensure a seamless global rollout.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence
One of the most significant shifts in the upcoming 6G era will be the deep integration of Artificial Intelligence. Dropmann highlighted that 6G is being built from the ground up to support AI-driven ecosystems.
"AI is everywhere. How the technology works, but also the traffic that you and me are consuming will be dominated by this, by AI," Dropmann stated. This suggests that future networks will not just carry data but will be actively shaped by AI-driven traffic patterns.
Spectrum Requirements and Infrastructure
A major hurdle for network operators will be the massive investment required for deployment. To make the business case for 6G, operators must see clear, tangible benefits that justify the high costs. Regarding the technical requirements, Dropmann provided specific insights into what operators will need:
- Bandwidth: An operator may require at least 200 MHz of spectrum, though ideally, even more will be needed.
- Commercial Viability: The spectrum must be in bands that are commercially viable for widespread use.
- Infrastructure Leverage: Selecting spectrum with the right radio characteristics is vital. This allows operators to use existing cell towers across cities like Delhi and throughout India, rather than having to build entirely new networks of base stations.
India's Ambition
India has set its sights on becoming a global leader in the 6G landscape. However, achieving this status depends heavily on how the government and regulators handle spectrum allocation. Dropmann concluded by noting that India possesses strong ambitions, but "sufficient spectrum is the foundation" upon which those ambitions must be built.