Key Points
- 5G services now available in 99.9 per cent of districts across all states and union territories
- Government has installed 5.23 lakh 5G base stations nationwide as of 28 February 2026
- 104 research projects approved for 6G technology development under TTDF scheme
5G mobile services now cover 99.9 per cent of districts across all states and union territories, with 5.23 lakh base stations installed nationwide, the government informed Parliament on Wednesday.
Minister of State for Communications Dr Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar shared the figures in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. The data, current as of 28 February 2026, marks a significant milestone in India’s telecom infrastructure expansion.
The rollout means most Indians now have access to fifth-generation mobile networks, which offer faster download speeds, lower latency, meaning shorter delays between sending and receiving data, and the ability to connect more devices simultaneously. For users, this translates to smoother video calls, quicker app downloads and better connectivity in crowded areas.
5G Rollout Reaches Near-Universal Coverage
The 5.23 lakh Base Transceiver Stations, the equipment that enables mobile phones to connect to the network, form the backbone of India’s 5G infrastructure. These installations span urban centres, semi-urban towns and rural areas across the country.
The government is now promoting 5G adoption in specific sectors. These include telemedicine, where doctors can consult patients remotely with high-quality video; precision agriculture, which uses sensors and data to improve crop yields; smart manufacturing with automated factory systems; and education through enhanced digital learning platforms.
Dr Sekhar noted that efforts are also underway to build an indigenous 5G ecosystem while preparing for sixth-generation technology.
Indigenous 5G Test Bed and Research Labs
India’s preparation for advanced telecom began years before commercial 5G deployment. In March 2018, the government approved ₹224 crore to establish an Indigenous 5G Test Bed, a facility where engineers could develop and test 5G equipment suited to local requirements.
Eight institutions collaborated on this project: IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, IIT Hyderabad, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, IISc Bengaluru, the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research, and the Centre of Excellence in Wireless Technology in Chennai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the test bed to the nation on 17 May 2022.
The government has since established 100 specialised 5G labs across the country at a cost of ₹97.67 crore. Researchers at these facilities develop practical applications for sectors including healthcare, agriculture, power distribution, urban management, mining, logistics, tourism, sports, security and e-governance.
India’s 6G Vision and Global Collaboration
Looking beyond current technology, the Prime Minister released the Bharat 6G Vision document in March 2023. The document outlines India’s ambition to be a leading contributor to the design, development and deployment of 6G technology by 2030.
To achieve this goal, the Department of Telecom facilitated the creation of the Bharat 6G Alliance. This body brings together domestic companies, academic institutions, national research organisations and standards bodies to develop an action plan aligned with the vision document.
The alliance has signed memoranda of understanding with leading global 6G alliances. These partnerships aim to strengthen international collaboration on sixth-generation wireless technologies, which are expected to offer speeds and capabilities far exceeding current 5G networks.
Research Funding for Next-Generation Telecom
The Telecom Technology Development Fund scheme, launched on 1 October 2022 under Digital Bharat Nidhi, provides funding for research and development in communication technologies. The scheme encourages collaboration between academic institutions, start-ups, research bodies and established industry players.
As of 28 February 2026, the government has approved 136 research projects under the TTDF scheme. These projects cover cutting-edge areas including 6G, quantum communication, satellite and non-terrestrial networks, optical systems, indigenous 5G core technology and telecom security.
Of the total approved projects, 104 focus specifically on 6G technology. Research areas include terahertz test beds, which operate at extremely high frequencies; transmitter modules; cell-free access points that improve network coverage; Reconfigurable Intelligent Surface-based hardware systems, which use smart surfaces to direct radio signals more efficiently; and the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in 6G networks.
A further 11 projects address 5G technology, covering millimetre wave power amplifiers, core network development and fully integrated transceiver systems.
The government’s focus now shifts to expanding 5G use cases across sectors while accelerating 6G research. The 136 approved TTDF projects will continue through their development cycles, with outcomes expected to feed into country’s broader telecom strategy as the 2030 target for 6G readiness approaches.
Your Questions, Answered
How much of India has 5G coverage in 2026?
5G services are available in 99.9 per cent of districts across all states and union territories, according to government data current as of 28 February 2026.
How many 5G base stations has India installed?
India has installed 5.23 lakh Base Transceiver Stations across the country to support 5G services.
What is the Bharat 6G Vision?
Released in March 2023, the Bharat 6G Vision outlines India's goal to become a leading contributor to 6G technology design, development and deployment by 2030.
How many 6G research projects has the government approved?
Under the Telecom Technology Development Fund scheme, the government has approved 104 projects specifically focused on 6G technology, covering areas like terahertz test beds and AI applications.
