New Delhi: The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Government of India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (IIT Kharagpur TEC MoU) to collaborate on joint studies, research, and technical contributions in advanced telecom technologies and global standardisation activities.
The IIT Kharagpur TEC MoU marks a significant step toward strengthening India’s capabilities in advanced telecom technologies and global standardisation.
Under the IIT Kharagpur TEC MoU, the partnership aims to develop India-specific standards in future network technologies such as 6G, optical communication, and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs).
The collaboration will also focus on joint research in Passive Optical Network technology, advanced antenna systems, MIMO technologies for 5G and future wireless networks, and EMF monitoring solutions.
The initiative seeks to enhance India’s participation in the International Telecommunication Union Standardization Sector (ITU-T) and other global forums.
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The IIT Kharagpur TEC MoU was signed at IIT Kharagpur by Kamal Kumar Agarwal, DDG (FA), TEC, DoT, and Prof. Debdeep Mukhopadhyay, Associate Dean (R&D), in the presence of Director Prof. Suman Chakraborty, Prof. Goutam Das, Dr. Debarati Sen from IIT Kharagpur, and Shri Souvick Kumar Das, DDG (RTEC).
This IIT Kharagpur TEC MoU establishes a formal framework enabling TEC to work closely with IIT Kharagpur on next-generation telecom technologies and standardisation initiatives.
The collaboration is designed to accelerate indigenous research and development and enhance India’s influence in global telecom standard-setting processes.
Key Areas of Collaboration Under IIT Kharagpur TEC MoU
- 6G Technologies: The IIT Kharagpur TEC MoU includes exploration of 6G architecture and enabling technologies, with contributions to research, pre-standardization, and standardization activities in global forums such as the ITU.
- AI-Enabled Telecom Systems: Joint research and development will focus on AI-driven telecom solutions, including EMF monitoring systems and smart IoT sensor development through AI & Safety Lab frameworks. These efforts aim to enhance public safety and regulatory compliance.
- Radio, Antenna & MIMO Technologies: The collaboration covers advanced antenna systems, massive MIMO, and related radio access technologies to support 5G and future wireless networks.
- Satellite & Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs): The IIT Kharagpur TEC MoU also encompasses joint studies in satellite communication systems, NTNs, High Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), and satellite-terrestrial integration. The focus includes disaster-resilient and emergency connectivity solutions.
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Through the IIT Kharagpur TEC MoU, both institutions aim to strengthen India’s contributions to global standardisation bodies such as the ITU.
The initiative aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision by promoting indigenous research, design, and manufacturing in telecom.
It also seeks to develop India-specific standards, test frameworks, and home-grown solutions to secure critical communications infrastructure and reduce dependence on imports.
