Paving the Way for India's Telecom Future
India is accelerating its journey into next-generation connectivity with a major investment in 5G and 6G technologies. The central government has approved over ₹304 crore for 110 projects aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities in advanced telecom systems. These efforts, coupled with new digital safety tools, reflect India’s dual approach—fostering innovation while safeguarding users in an increasingly connected ecosystem.
Powering Innovation: ₹304 Crore Allocated to Telecom R&D
Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, informed the Lok Sabha that 110 projects have been sanctioned under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme. The TTDF, launched on October 1, 2022, is designed to support research and innovation in cutting-edge 5G and future 6G technologies.
The scheme seeks to cultivate a vibrant telecom innovation ecosystem by bringing together academia, startups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), research institutions, and industry players. The duration of these government-supported projects ranges from one to five years, with most initiatives currently in their early development stages. By funding both public and private organizations, the scheme encourages broad participation in India's telecom evolution.
Combating Cyber Threats: Financial Fraud Risk Indicator Introduced
In parallel with its tech development initiatives, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has also unveiled a new tool—the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator (FRI)—to combat rising digital threats. The FRI categorizes mobile numbers based on their risk level for financial fraud: medium, high, or extreme.
This risk-assessment tool empowers banks, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), and UPI service providers to monitor suspicious activity and respond in real time. Following guidance from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), financial institutions are integrating FRI into their systems to trigger alerts, delay transactions, or even reject them outright when fraud is suspected.
Crackdown in Action: Over 10 Lakh Accounts Frozen
The impact of these measures is already visible. So far, 34 financial entities—including banks and UPI platforms—have frozen more than 10.02 lakh bank accounts and wallets identified through FRI as potential threats. Additionally, 3.05 lakh accounts have had debit and credit operations suspended to prevent further misuse.
The crackdown aims to curb the misuse of mobile numbers and financial platforms in cybercrime schemes. These figures highlight both the scale of the problem and the government's swift response in containing it.
Digital Intelligence Unit: Strengthening Cybersecurity Enforcement
Complementing these efforts, the Digital Intelligence Unit (DIU), under the DoT, is actively working across multiple levels to counter the exploitation of telecom infrastructure in cybercrime and financial fraud. The DIU’s mandate includes coordination with law enforcement, telecom operators, and digital platforms to prevent misuse of digital resources.
Building a Secure and Smart Digital India
India’s simultaneous push for advanced telecom research and robust cybersecurity signals a strategic vision—one that balances technological growth with protective oversight. The ₹304 crore investment in 5G and 6G lays a foundation for self-reliance and global competitiveness, while tools like FRI and the efforts of the DIU safeguard digital trust. As these projects evolve, India is poised to lead not only in innovation but also in securing its digital future.
(With agency inputs)
