The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) in India has recently proposed draft regulations to delicence the lower segment of the 6 GHz spectrum band, specifically the 5925–6425 MHz range. This initiative aims to promote the growth and adoption of advanced Wi-Fi technologies like Wi-Fi 6E and the upcoming Wi-Fi 7, unlocking significantly faster internet speeds for consumers. While this move promises a leap from current home Wi-Fi speeds of around 1.3 Gbps (on the 5 GHz band) to potentially up to 9.6 Gbps, it has sparked a heated debate involving key stakeholders. Telecom operators express concerns about how delicensing might encroach upon the spectrum required for expanding 5G networks, whereas technology companies and advocacy groups emphasize the broad benefits that increased unlicensed spectrum access could provide. This unfolding conflict encapsulates the broader challenge of spectrum management—balancing the growing demand for connectivity with the strategic expansion of telecommunications infrastructure.
At the core of the telecom industry’s objections lies the critical importance of mid-band spectrum for 5G networks. Providers such as Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio, Vodafone Idea, and their representative body, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), caution that delicensing the lower 6 GHz band for unlicensed Wi-Fi use will shrink the valuable spectrum pool essential for an efficient and affordable 5G rollout. Mid-band frequencies strike an effective balance between coverage and capacity, which is vital for delivering 5G’s promised enhancements, especially in dense urban and rapidly developing semi-urban regions. Operators argue that breaking up or surrendering this spectrum risks stalling the deployment of crucial 5G features like ultra-reliable low-latency communications and supporting massive Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystems. Adding weight to these concerns, previous recommendations from a Department of Telecommunications committee have suggested reserving the upper portion of the 6 GHz band (6425-7125 MHz) exclusively for licensed international mobile telecommunications (IMT) use, signaling the need to safeguard spectrum for mobile networks. This stance reflects a cautious approach to spectrum allocation amid India’s ambitions to move swiftly toward 6G trials and next-generation network capabilities.
Conversely, the technology sector and advocacy groups champion delicensing as a powerful catalyst for digital infrastructure expansion and innovation. The ITU-APT Foundation of India has actively called for government support to open up the lower 6 GHz spectrum, highlighting its capacity to accelerate the growth of India’s digital ecosystem. Global tech giants including Intel, Cisco, Google, Microsoft, and Meta have voiced their support, underscoring how Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 can revolutionize connectivity across homes, businesses, and public venues. Enhanced Wi-Fi capacity addresses increasing demands for reliable, high-speed internet, especially in last-mile connectivity—often the bottleneck in many digital transformations. The proponents also emphasize the substantial economic opportunity tied to delicensing. Delays or outright rejection of these policies could potentially cost India several lakh crore rupees annually, with losses stemming not only from slower consumer adoption but from diminished progress in key emerging areas such as Industry 4.0 automation and critical IoT applications. Importantly, they argue that Wi-Fi should complement rather than compete with cellular networks, suggesting a mutually reinforcing coexistence that benefits the broader ecosystem.
This spectrum tug-of-war highlights the intricate challenges India faces in crafting a cohesive national strategy for digital infrastructure. Spectrum remains a finite resource, and policy decisions on its allocation fundamentally shape the country’s technological trajectory. Telecom operators view maintaining licensed access across the entire 6 GHz band as pivotal to scaling 5G and future-proofing capabilities for 6G technologies. Meanwhile, technology advocates stress that a balanced delicensing approach can unleash next-generation Wi-Fi innovations necessary for democratizing high-speed access, particularly where cellular coverage may be constrained or costly. Indian policymakers are thus navigating between two competing priorities: unlocking the social and economic benefits of readily available unlicensed spectrum while ensuring the expansive rollout and long-term sustainability of cellular networks that underpin national digital ambitions. The government’s willingness to partially delicense the lower 6 GHz band suggests a tentative step toward equilibrium, but persistent pushback from the telecom sector indicates that this debate will shape future spectrum auctions, regulatory reforms, and industry dynamics for years to come.
Looking forward, the resolution of this debate underscores the urgency of developing flexible, adaptive spectrum policies that harmonize licensed and unlicensed uses. As 5G adoption accelerates and India positions itself for 6G breakthroughs, ensuring sufficient mid-band spectrum availability for cellular carriers will remain a foundational requirement. At the same time, facilitating innovation and accessibility through strategic spectrum delicensing can drive widespread improvements in connectivity, spurring innovation in sectors ranging from manufacturing to education. Achieving this balance necessitates ongoing collaboration among telecom operators, technology companies, policymakers, and regulatory bodies to foster a competitive yet cooperative environment. Such dialogue will be critical to crafting policies that not only encourage technological progress but also support inclusive access to digital resources. Ultimately, how India navigates the 6 GHz band allocation will serve as a bellwether for its broader digital infrastructure policy—impacting everything from economic growth to social equity in the digital age.
In essence, the current controversy around delicensing the lower 6 GHz band spotlights the complex interplay between expanding Wi-Fi capabilities and sustaining a robust, scalable 5G network. Telecom operators warn that releasing this spectrum to unlicensed Wi-Fi users could undermine the availability of mid-band frequencies critical to 5G’s cost-effective expansion, thereby threatening network coverage and capacity. Conversely, advocates stress that delicensing is key to unlocking cutting-edge Wi-Fi technologies, accelerating digital infrastructure deployment, and capturing significant economic advantages. Striking the right balance demands thoughtful policy making that simultaneously supports licensed and unlicensed spectrum innovation, enabling India to advance its digital agenda comprehensively. The outcome of this dispute will extend beyond spectrum allocation decisions, influencing the pace, inclusivity, and strategic direction of India’s next-generation connectivity ecosystem for years to come.
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