♦ The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur to collaborate on joint studies, research and technical contributions in advanced telecom technologies and global standardisation efforts.

♦ Under the partnership, the two institutions will work together to develop India-specific standards for future networks, including 6G, optical communications and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). 

♦ The collaboration also covers key telecom technologies such as Passive Optical Networks, advanced antenna systems, MIMO technologies for 5G and future wireless networks, and electromagnetic field (EMF) monitoring solutions.

♦ A key objective of the MoU is to strengthen India’s engagement in international standardisation platforms, including the International Telecommunication Union (ITU-T) and other global forums.