Reliance Jio Launches 6G Test Network Across 5 Cities

When the buzz around 6G starts to pick up, Reliance Jio has already taken a step forward. The telecom giant announced that it will begin testing 6G technology in five major Indian cities, marking the first time a private operator is venturing into this next generation of wireless connectivity. The move signals a new chapter in India’s telecom story, one that could reshape how we use data, drive innovation, and unlock economic opportunities across the country.

Jio’s 6G test network will operate on frequencies above 70 GHz, offering speeds that could reach up to 1 Tbps under ideal conditions. While the full commercial rollout is still years away, the initial trials will help the company gauge real‑world performance, assess infrastructure needs, and fine‑tune the technology for future deployment. This article walks through the five cities where the trials will begin, explains why each location was chosen, and looks at what the tests mean for users, businesses, and the broader telecom ecosystem.

1. Delhi – The Capital’s Tech Hub

Delhi, the nation’s capital, is an obvious first choice. The city already hosts a dense mix of corporate offices, research institutions, and a large population of early adopters. Jio’s 5G network has delivered impressive coverage in Delhi’s central districts, and the 6G trials will build on that foundation. By placing test nodes in key commercial zones, Jio can measure latency, signal penetration, and peak data rates in a setting that mirrors real‑time business usage.

During a recent visit, a Jio engineer noted that the city’s existing 4G and 5G infrastructure will need minimal upgrades to support the higher frequencies. The trials will also involve collaborating with local universities to run pilot applications such as remote surgery simulations and high‑definition virtual reality meetings, offering a glimpse into how 6G could power next‑generation services.

2. Mumbai – The Financial Powerhouse

Mumbai’s bustling streets and towering office blocks present a challenging yet rewarding environment for testing 6G. The city’s financial sector relies heavily on real‑time data feeds and secure, low‑latency connections. Jio’s trial nodes will be positioned in the business districts of Bandra and Nariman Point, areas known for their high data traffic.

Industry insiders say that the 6G test will focus on ultra‑reliable, low‑latency communications (URLLC) – a key requirement for high‑frequency trading platforms and fintech startups. By evaluating 6G performance in Mumbai, Jio hopes to demonstrate the network’s potential to support complex, latency‑sensitive applications that go beyond what 5G can offer.

3. Bengaluru – The Startup Capital

Bengaluru, often dubbed the Silicon Valley of India, is home to a vibrant ecosystem of tech startups, research labs, and software firms. The city’s dense cluster of co‑working spaces and tech parks makes it an ideal testing ground for 6G’s high‑bandwidth capabilities.

Jio plans to set up test sites in Whitefield and Electronic City, areas already known for their robust 5G rollout. The trials will involve deploying edge computing nodes to reduce data travel time, a critical factor for applications like autonomous drones, real‑time analytics, and immersive gaming. Observations from early runs suggest that 6G can sustain data rates that are several times higher than the current maximum, which could open doors for data‑intensive services that are still in the conceptual stage.

4. Hyderabad – The IT and Pharma Hub

Hyderabad’s dual identity as an IT and pharmaceutical hub brings unique testing opportunities. The city’s pharma companies require secure, high‑throughput data links for clinical trials, while the IT sector pushes the boundaries of cloud services and artificial intelligence.

By installing 6G nodes near HITEC City and Madhapur, Jio can evaluate how the network handles large data transfers, such as genomic sequencing data or real‑time drug discovery simulations. The trials will also explore the use of 6G for remote monitoring of manufacturing processes, where precision and speed are paramount.

5. Chennai – The South India Connectivity Anchor

Chennai stands out as a strategic southern city with a growing tech corridor and a significant manufacturing base. Its coastal location and dense population make it a prime candidate for assessing 6G’s resilience against environmental challenges like high humidity and occasional flooding.

The test network will focus on dense urban scenarios, deploying multiple small‑cell sites across the city’s commercial districts. Early results point to strong signal stability even in congested areas, which is encouraging for deploying 6G in future smart city projects that require reliable connectivity for traffic management, public safety, and citizen services.

What the Trials Mean for India

Launching 6G tests in these five cities serves several purposes. First, it allows Jio to collect data on real‑world performance, helping to shape the technology’s evolution in India. Second, it provides a platform for local developers and businesses to experiment with 6G‑enabled applications, fostering an ecosystem that can thrive once the technology becomes commercially available.

From a regulatory standpoint, the trials will inform the Department of Telecommunications on spectrum allocation, infrastructure requirements, and safety standards for the 70 GHz band. As the telecom sector moves toward a future where connectivity is not just faster but also smarter, the insights gained from these tests could influence policy decisions across the country.

For consumers, the 6G trials signal that India is keeping pace with global advances. While the average user may not see a direct impact today, the groundwork laid by these tests will eventually translate into richer experiences—whether that means seamless high‑definition video calls, real‑time industrial automation, or immersive educational tools.