INDIA: Ericsson, the Swedish telecom equipment manufacturer, has announced the establishment of a dedicated 6G research and development centre in Chennai. This strategic initiative signifies Ericsson’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of next-generation wireless technology and further solidifies India’s place on the global technology map.
The announcement came during the India Mobile Congress 2023, where Ericsson’s Head of Market Area South-east Asia, Oceania, and India, Nunzio Mirtillo, unveiled the plans for the new centre. Ericsson’s 6G research and development facility in Chennai will join the ranks of the company’s existing 6G centres, which are located in Sweden and the United States. These centres will collaborate closely to drive innovations in 6G technology.
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, emphasized the nation’s commitment not only to expanding its 5G network but also to taking the lead in 6G technology during his inaugural address at the India Mobile Congress. Ericsson’s move aligns well with this vision for India’s technological future.
Nunzio Mirtillo stated, “We have almost 2000 people working in the R&D department of Ericsson in India, not because of the competitive cost but because of the skill and the environment that we have in this country.” Ericsson’s investment in India’s research and development is a testament to the nation’s technical prowess and conducive innovation ecosystem.
India is currently home to three Ericsson R&D centres, located in Chennai, Bengaluru, and Gurgaon. These facilities have played a crucial role in Ericsson’s global R&D efforts. The decision to set up a 6G centre in Chennai underscores the increasing importance of India in the company’s global research network.
Ericsson’s nett sales in India have grown significantly, reaching around Rs 7,400 crore (9.6 billion Swedish Krona) in the third quarter of 2023. The company’s presence in India spans nearly two decades, marked by a commitment to harness India’s talent and innovation.
Ericsson envisions 6G as a network platform that seamlessly connects humans and machines, enabling the complete fusion of the physical and digital worlds. This vision aligns with India’s “Bharat 6G” plan, which focuses on ubiquitous connectivity, sustainable networks, and affordable communications. Nitin Bansal, Ericsson India head, reiterated the company’s commitment to these goals.
This move by Ericsson follows the recent announcement by Nokia, its rival in the telecom equipment industry, which also unveiled plans to establish a 6G lab in Bangalore. Nokia’s lab will focus on developing potential use cases for 6G technology and researching algorithms, privacy, and sustainable system design.
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