NEW DELHI: In a milestone for India’s telecom sector, the country is hosting the first-ever 3GPP Radio Access Networks (RAN) Working Group meetings in Bengaluru from August 25–29.
The meetings, covering RAN1 through RAN5, mark the launch of formal discussions on 3GPP Release 20, the foundation of global 6G specifications, alongside the finalization of Release 19 that will advance 5G Advanced technologies.
The event, held at Whitefield, Bengaluru, is being organized with the support of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, and hosted by the Telecommunications Standards Development Society, India (TSDSI).
The Bengaluru edition has attracted the highest-ever participation in a 3GPP working group meeting, with over 1,500 delegates from more than 50 countries, including representatives from major telecom companies, research institutions, and technical experts.
TSDSI, the recognized Standards Development Organization (SDO) of India and one of the seven organizational partners of 3GPP, has played a pivotal role in bringing these discussions to India.
3GPP specifications are the backbone of mobile communication networks worldwide, and India’s active involvement will give its researchers and companies direct access to influence future telecom technologies.
The DoT delegation is participating in the meetings, reflecting the government’s commitment to India’s 6G vision and its long-term engagement in international telecom standardization efforts.
A Landmark Opportunity for Indian Stakeholders
For the first time, Indian researchers, companies, and academic institutions are able to participate locally in 3GPP discussions. This provides them with real-time access to global deliberations, reduces barriers to participation, and creates opportunities for meaningful contributions to 6G standardization.
Industry experts believe this step will encourage deeper industry-academia collaboration, boost domestic innovation, and enhance India’s standing in the global telecom standards ecosystem.
Shaping the Future of 6G
By hosting the 3GPP RAN meetings, India has positioned itself as an emerging leader in the global technology landscape. The move signals a shift in global standard-setting dynamics, with countries like India expected to play a more influential role in driving the transition from 5G Advanced to 6G.
