C-DOT and IIT-Roorkee Partner to Develop Millimeter Wave Transceiver for 5G Rural Connectivity.

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the telecom R&D arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology-Roorkee (IIT-Roorkee) to develop a millimeter wave transceiver aimed at enhancing 5G connectivity in rural areas. The collaboration focuses on advancing millimeter wave backhaul technology, which connects a limited number of small cell-based stations (SBSs) to gateways via fiber.

C-DOT explained that the innovative mixed optical and millimeter wave approach in the transceiver’s design is expected to reduce the overall size and cost of the technology, making it a promising solution for rural 5G deployment. The project is also expected to stimulate the growth of small and medium-scale industries in India, particularly by encouraging the establishment of manufacturing units that will provide job opportunities for engineering graduates. The use of polymer-based structures in conjunction with metals is a key feature of this development.

Furthermore, the initiative will help reduce India's reliance on foreign semiconductor fabrication industries and contribute to the creation of intellectual property rights (IPRs). It also aims to build a skilled workforce to support the emerging millimeter wave and Sub-THz technologies for 5G and 6G networks.

This project is being funded under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the DoT, which supports Indian startups, academic institutions, and R&D organizations in the design, development, and commercialization of telecommunication products and solutions.

HBL