Shillong : The Centre has established a state-of-the-art 5G laboratory at National Institute of Technology Meghalaya in East Khasi Hills district, marking a significant step in expanding next-generation technology infrastructure in the Northeast.

Officials said the facility has been set up under a nationwide initiative of the Department of Telecommunications aimed at accelerating research and development in advanced communication technologies.

With the commissioning of the NIT Meghalaya lab, eight 5G laboratories are now operational across the northeastern states, strengthening the region’s digital innovation and research ecosystem.

Advanced Technology Access

The new facility will provide students and researchers with hands-on access to cutting-edge technologies, including 5G networks, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), edge computing and other emerging digital systems.

Authorities stated that the lab is expected to significantly enhance skill development and research capacity, while fostering the creation of technology solutions tailored to the specific needs of the Northeast.

Aligned with National Programmes

The initiative aligns with the Centre’s flagship programmes such as Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, which seek to build domestic technological capabilities and expand youth participation in high-end research and innovation.

According to officials, innovations emerging from the 5G labs are likely to support critical sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, smart infrastructure and disaster management – areas considered vital for the region’s long-term development.

The 5G laboratory at NIT Meghalaya is also expected to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry by enabling real-world experimentation, application-based research and innovation-driven growth in the state.