India is making serious moves in telecom innovation: IIT Hyderabad says it has already developed 6G prototypes and is targeting readiness for a full rollout by 2030. According to Professor Kiran Kuchi, this isn’t just about making 5G faster, but creating a completely more connected world urban, rural, indoors, outdoors, even across skies and seas all infused with AI.

Some of the actual innovations already underway include prototypes in the 7 GHz band, advanced massive MIMO antenna arrays, and systems compatibles with both Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Orbit (GEO) satellites. Also, a home-grown system-on-chip (SoC) that's low power is being developed; this chip is intended to support both terrestrial and satellite connectivity, for civilian and defence uses. 

The work is backed by government institutions and research funding, pushing India to be not just a user of 6G tech but a creator and standard setter. The goal is to have global standards lined up by 2029, so when 6G begins broadly rolling out around 2030, India has its own ecosystem of companies, technologies, and applications ready. 

Potential applications are exciting: real-time AR & VR experiences, autonomous mobility, massive IoT (Internet of Things), AI-powered devices. The idea is also to help remote areas, defence, disaster response, healthcare all to be improved via this next generation of connectivity.

In addition, IIT Hyderabad’s efforts show a two-fold promise: tech advancement and self-reliance. As these prototypes mature, they could help India leapfrog many existing challenges in connection, while also contributing globally to what 6G will ultimately look like.