IIT Kanpur rolls out new eMasters degree in Communication Systems

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur has rollout out an eMasters degree in Communication Systems. Designed and developed by the Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Kanpur, the degree aims at skilling professionals in designing modern communication systems based on 5G, 6G, and edge computing platforms, the Institute said in a statement.

India is moving towards being a leading 5G technologies hub. The recent developments in 5G testbed launch and ongoing research on 6G technologies have brought potential for a new workforce to take lead in this regard, it is in this tune the institute has designed this course, the statement read.

The executive-friendly format provides a lot of flexibility for professionals to complete the degree anywhere in between 1-3 years.

According to the statement, the curriculum is an amalgamation of theory and application. The theory focuses on signal processing and communication systems, to ensure professionals are industry-ready for application-oriented work. It allows professionals to learn to develop systems and processes for all 5G-enabled technologies.

Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G technology will drive talent demand in India's telecom sector by 20% in 2022, according to a report by the Telecom sector Skill Council.

It further said that the talent demand in India's telecom sector is expected to grow by 18-20% in 2021 on account of wide-spread adoption of internet services, demand for better telecom networks, and the rollout of fifth-generation or 5G technology

The recent launch of India’s first 5G testbed named 5Gi has proved to become a stepping stone towards rolling out this futuristic technology that will build smarter infrastructures and effective facilities. IIT Kanpur was assigned to develop the Baseband Unit (BBU) of the 5G NR base station, as part of the testbed. However, while countries like the USA, South Korea, Japan, and China have deployed the powerful 5G technologies in various cities, India has been struggling due to the lack of industry talent, capital, and advancement constraints, the statement said.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Communications, Electronics & Information Technology and Railway, on 19 May announced the successful testing of the 5G call at IIT Madras.