• 6G opportunity: TCS says India is progressing from an indigenous 4G stack through 5G toward 6G, where it expects to excel. It has begun contributing to 6G standards and patents, and sees scope for a leading role because 6G will rely heavily on software and intelligence.
• AI-native networks: AI should be built into network planning, design, rollout and operations—not confined to operational support. New equipment is being designed with AI and programmability, while older infrastructure will need to evolve alongside it; intelligent networks could anticipate failures, reroute traffic and rebalance loads.
• Telco ecosystem role: Operators should shift from responding to market needs toward anchoring or orchestrating industry ecosystems, using their communications infrastructure and AI capabilities to help businesses adopt AI and improve the speed of business. Systems integrators such as TCS can connect telecom technology with knowledge of industries and their efficiency needs.
• Digital sovereignty: Kumar argues sovereignty should protect citizens’ data and privacy, not mean walking alone or forgoing speed. India can use available AI models while building its own capabilities, including models suited to local needs and the country’s 500 different dialects.