Reliance Jio Launches 6G Testbed in Mumbai, Claims 100 Gbps Speeds

Reliance Jio has launched India's first 6G testbed in Mumbai, demonstrating download speeds of up to 100 Gbps using a combination of sub-terahertz frequencies and advanced beamforming technology. The testbed, set up at Jio's network operations centre in Navi Mumbai, showcases the company's indigenous 6G research that has been underway for the past three years.

Technology Behind the Testbed

The demonstration used frequencies in the 140 GHz band, which is expected to be a key spectrum range for 6G networks globally. Jio's engineers have developed proprietary antenna arrays that can maintain stable connections at these ultra-high frequencies over distances of up to 200 meters — a significant achievement given the propagation challenges at sub-THz bands.

The testbed also showcased AI-native networking, where machine learning algorithms dynamically optimize network resources in real-time. This approach reduces latency to under 0.1 milliseconds, enabling applications like holographic communication and real-time digital twins that are impractical on current 5G networks.

"India missed the bus on 2G, 3G, and 4G. With 5G, we caught up. With 6G, we intend to lead. This testbed is proof that Indian engineers can develop world-class telecommunications technology," said Mukesh Ambani at the inauguration event.

Commercial 6G deployment is still several years away, with global standards expected to be finalized by 2028-29. However, Jio's early testbed gives Indian researchers valuable data and positions the country as a contributor to global 6G standards rather than merely an adopter. The Department of Telecommunications has allocated Rs 500 crore for 6G research over the next five years.