Telcos Advocate for Lower 6GHz Band Allocation to Propel 5G and 6G in India
According to ET Telecom, leading telecom operators in India are actively lobbying for access to the lower 6GHz frequency band to boost the development and deployment of 5G and 6G services. The operators argue that harnessing this spectrum will dramatically improve network efficiency and aid India’s growing demand for advanced wireless connectivity.
The Push for the Lower 6GHz Band: What’s Happening?
Telecom giants such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea are pressing Indian policymakers and regulators to allocate the lower 6GHz band spectrum for exclusive use by the telecom industry. This particular band, ranging from 5925 MHz to 7125 MHz, is highly coveted due to its capacity to deliver ultra-fast data speeds and accommodate newer technologies like 6G.
The operators argue that the lower 6GHz band is pivotal for meeting the exponential rise in data consumption across India, primarily driven by smartphone proliferation, digital transformation, and IoT adoption. According to the Ericsson Mobility Report, data traffic per smartphone in India is projected to exceed 62GB per month by 2028, driven mainly by streaming services and automation.
Market Context: Why the Lower 6GHz Band Matters
The 6GHz spectrum is gaining prominence globally, with countries like the United States and South Korea already exploring its effective usage to fuel their next-gen connectivity ecosystems. Telecom operators in India emphasize the critical role of this band in maintaining the country’s competitive edge in 5G technology while preparing for the eventual transition to 6G.
Currently, India’s mid-band spectrum allocation for 5G is limited, leading to slower adoption in high-density areas. The lack of sufficient spectrum resources is a potential bottleneck for industry growth—especially as India positions itself as a global hub for emerging technologies.
However, there’s competition: tech firms, including Wi-Fi equipment manufacturers, are advocating for this spectrum to be adopted as an unlicensed band for Wi-Fi 6E and future Wi-Fi 7 expansions. This tug-of-war could significantly impact the decision-making of regulatory bodies like the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
Future Outlook: Expert Analysis and Potential Implications
Industry experts suggest that the eventual decision on spectrum allocation will not only shape India’s telecom industry but also define its trajectory for 6G development. “Spectrum policy decisions today will determine India’s position in the global telecom race over the next decade,” says Neeraj Gupta, a telecom policy analyst.
Allocating the 6GHz spectrum to telecom operators may lower deployment costs for 5G and improve affordability for end users, helping bridge the digital divide. On the flip side, failing to allocate the spectrum could hamper India’s goals to achieve 1 billion 5G connections by 2030, as estimated in the GSMA’s projection.
With TRAI’s recommendations expected in the next few months, all eyes will be on policy developments that could either propel India’s 5G and 6G ambitions forward or slow its momentum in emerging technologies.
Conclusion
The debate over the lower 6GHz band’s allocation is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by India’s telecom sector as it balances innovation with accessibility. How policymakers navigate this critical decision will directly impact not only telecom operators but also India’s trajectory as a digital economy leader. Should regulators prioritize telecom over Wi-Fi, or can a middle ground be reached?
