Next-gen telecom tech to get R&D boost under new policy

Govt is targeting spends of ₹1,000 crore per year to support research in new technologies

- Jatin Grover

Research and development (R&D) on new telecom technologies will be a key focus area in the draft five-year National Telecom Policy 2025-2030, according to the policy document seen by Mint.

The government is targeting spends of ₹1,000 crore per year—compared to just ₹400 crore in FY26—to support research in new technologies such as 5G/6G, quantum communications, blockchain and satellite communication, as part of the upcoming policy.

The policy, currently in the draft stage, will be notified soon by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), an official said on the condition of anonymity.

An improvement in R&D spends will help the country reduce its dependence on telecom equipment imports. However, going by previous years, the annual budget allocation for R&D has been underutilized, as per the Union budget documents.