The Indian telecom sector finds itself at a critical juncture centered on how to best utilize the 6 GHz spectrum band—a resource pivotal for the rollout of current 5G networks and the anticipated 6G evolution. At the heart of this debate is the Department of Telecommunications’ (DoT) proposal to delicensed the lower portion of this band (5925–6425 MHz). By opening roughly 500 MHz of airwaves for unlicensed use, primarily to boost Wi-Fi broadband speeds at homes and enterprises through cutting-edge technologies like Wi-Fi 6E and the upcoming Wi-Fi 7, the government aims to accelerate high-speed internet access. Yet, this seemingly straightforward proposal has ignited intense opposition from major telecom players such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea. Their contention is that such a move could undermine mobile broadband infrastructure expansion and degrade the quality and future scalability of 5G and 6G services. This complex situation underscores the broader struggle of spectrum allocation between competing interests in a country hungry for next-level connectivity.
The entire 6 GHz band is strategically significant for telecom operators gearing up for a comprehensive 5G rollout and the eventual transition toward 6G technology. Mid-band spectrum—from 1 GHz to 6 GHz—strikes the critical balance between coverage and capacity. It’s this balance that supports not just extensive outdoor mobile service but also better signal penetration indoors, which is vital to contemporary mobile users. India’s mid-band spectrum resources are already in tight supply, intensifying the telecom industry’s resistance to relinquishing the lower 6 GHz segment for unlicensed Wi-Fi use. According to the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), the loss of this spectrum would severely limit their ability to meet escalating mobile broadband demands, which are fueled by surging data consumption and the rapid spread of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Telcos argue that the industry needs over 1,200 MHz of spectrum to support future mobile requirements effectively. This need encompasses both the currently allocated bands and those that might be auctioned soon, such as the upper 6 GHz band (6425-7125 MHz). The government’s intention to auction this upper band demonstrates the critical economic and operational role it anticipates from the 6 GHz range. However, delicensing the lower portion potentially fragments the spectrum and raises deployment costs, making it harder to build a cohesive mobile broadband network. For telecom companies, this is not just an operational headache—it’s a potential risk to the quality of service their customers expect and to the long-term financial planning of network investments. Moreover, delicensing sidesteps a lucrative source of auction revenue that government coffers could use to fund other infrastructure initiatives.
Conversely, proponents of delicensing advocate fervently for liberalizing the lower 6 GHz band to accelerate Wi-Fi capacity and performance within homes, offices, and public spaces. They emphasize the limitations of 5G’s existing mid-band frequencies, such as the commonly used 3.5 GHz band, in penetrating building structures effectively. This gap in indoor coverage leads to calls for more unlicensed spectrum to empower Wi-Fi, which supports countless devices and applications critical for daily life and innovation. Advocacy groups like the Broadband India Forum underscore that opening up this spectrum would encourage the rapid adoption of faster Wi-Fi standards such as Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, spurring next-generation smart home and enterprise technologies.
Internationally, several countries have already embarked on similar paths. The United States and South Korea, for instance, have delicensed parts of the 6 GHz spectrum, setting a precedent for India to consider. Their early adoption has catalyzed faster Wi-Fi deployments, emphasizing that mobile and Wi-Fi technologies can coexist with judicious spectrum policies. Supporters also point out that current spectrum allocations are adequate for the near-term needs of 5G, and that future mobile operations may expand into higher frequencies in the 7-24 GHz range, which the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is examining. In this view, permitting unlicensed access to the lower 6 GHz band aligns India with global technology trends, advancing both consumer experience and economic vitality.
The DoT’s role is undeniably challenging, caught between the urgent demands of various stakeholders and the broader vision for India’s digital infrastructure. These challenges extend beyond telecom and tech firms to include government organizations like the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which uses parts of the 6 GHz range for satellite communications. Ensuring that reallocations don’t disrupt vital space operations adds an unexpected layer to what might otherwise seem a straightforward frequency reassignment.
Economically, the government must weigh the immediate benefits of a delicensing approach against the long-term fiscal gains from auctioning prime spectrum. While delicensing offers quick gains in Wi-Fi accessibility and innovation, it might restrain mobile network evolution and reduce auction revenues crucial for future investments. On the flip side, prioritizing auctions could stifle Wi-Fi-driven consumption and impact sectors reliant on affordable broadband services.
At its core, this spectrum debate reflects the broader complexities of managing finite wireless resources amid surging demand and rapid technological shifts. Telcos warn that fragmenting the 6 GHz band risks impairing the performance and scaling of 5G and upcoming 6G services, which are vital for India’s digital aspirations. Meanwhile, tech advocates champion the notion that a balanced spectrum policy—including freeing up unlicensed space—can drive connectivity breakthroughs inside buildings, enhance broadband speeds, and foster a smarter, more connected economy.
As the DoT navigates this maze of priorities and pressures, its decisions will determine how seamlessly mobile broadband and advanced Wi-Fi services coexist and complement each other in India’s digital future. Careful balancing of these interests, informed by technological realities and international best practices, will be essential to optimizing spectrum use and delivering the robust, high-speed connectivity that millions of Indians depend on daily.
Ultimately, how India resolves the 6 GHz spectrum allocation will shape the trajectory of its wireless networks and digital innovation for years. The outcome promises to either bolster integrated connectivity or deepen the divides between mobile and Wi-Fi ecosystems, making it arguably one of the most significant telecom policy decisions of the decade.
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