C-DOT Chief Outlines Telecom Roadmap and Global Ambitions at IMC 2026
C-DOT CEO Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay outlined the organization's telecom technology roadmap at India Mobile Congress 2026. His remarks covered 4G-to-5G upgrades, work toward 6G, quantum communication methods like QKD and PQC, and a cell-broadcast system for disaster alerts. C-DOT is also pursuing international growth, with a Rs 6,000 crore revenue target and trials of its emergency alert solution in four countries.
C-DOT operates as an autonomous R&D body under India's Department of Telecommunications. At IMC 2026 it presented five solution areas. Its wireless work includes moving networks from 4G to 5G, while its 6G-related efforts involve radio, sensing and reflector technologies. Its quantum communication portfolio has 16 products, including QKD and PQC methods.
Cybersecurity offerings include Cyber Probes for tracing threat origins and Trinetra-Shakti, an AI-driven enterprise security operations tool. A disaster-alerting cell broadcast system is also in development. AI is being woven into these areas and into Sanchar Saathi. Internationally, C-DOT aims for Rs 6,000 crore revenue and is trialing its emergency alert solution in four countries.
If these efforts mature, Indian mobile users may see smoother 4G-to-5G transitions and more reliable emergency alerts during disasters. Quantum and cybersecurity tools could strengthen protection for networks, businesses and citizens against evolving threats. International trials and revenue goals may boost India's telecom R&D ecosystem, creating opportunities for engineers and startups. However, benefits depend on deployment, affordability and adoption, so impacts could vary across urban and rural communities.