Telecom operators are making ready to oppose the Division of Telecommunications’ (DoT) draft proposal to delicence the decrease 6GHz spectrum band, citing main issues over 5G community growth in India, Enterprise Normal reported, quoting Trade sources. The DoT has proposed unlicensed use of the 5925–6425 MHz band — a part of the coveted 6GHz mid-band spectrum — for low-power indoor and really low-power outside functions, equivalent to Wi-Fi providers. The proposal, presently open for public session, goals to boost broadband entry and promote next-generation Wi-Fi applied sciences with out the necessity for spectrum task or prior authorisation.
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Telcos Increase Issues Over 5G Protection Affect
Nevertheless, telecom firms have raised sturdy objections, arguing that the decrease 6GHz band is important for delivering nationwide 5G protection. They declare that delicensing the band will severely restrict entry to worthwhile mid-band spectrum, which affords the optimum steadiness of capability and protection required for dense city environments.
“To this point, restricted spectrum has pressured Bharti Airtel to re-farm its current mid-band spectrum to assist hovering 5G visitors, whereas Reliance Jio has pushed for extra airwaves within the 3.5GHz band,” the report quoted sources as saying.
6GHz Spectrum
A part of the coveted mid-band spectrum — which affords a steadiness of protection and capability — the 6GHz band has lengthy been contested between cellular operators and tech corporations. A senior private-sector telecom govt was quoted within the report as saying that the 6GHz band is “important for national-scale 5G protection” and that telcos will quickly increase the problem formally with the federal government. The DoT is accepting suggestions on the draft for 30 days.
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GSMA and COAI’s Stance
A latest report by the GSM Affiliation (GSMA) estimated that allocating the 6GHz band for licensed cellular use might save India as much as USD 10 billion yearly in 5G community deployment prices. The Mobile Operators Affiliation of India (COAI) has additionally asserted that India should unlock not less than 1,200 MHz of mid-band spectrum — notably within the 6GHz vary — to satisfy the IMT-2020 international normal for 5G consumer expertise, which benchmarks 100 Mbps downlink and 50 Mbps uplink speeds.
Jio’s Method
“Jio’s method aligns with international operators,” one telecom govt was quoted as saying. “With many international locations reserving most or all the 6GHz band for unlicensed use like Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7, carriers are relying on C-band and mid-band spectrum (3.3–3.8 GHz) for 5G networks.”
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International Spectrum Panorama
The 6GHz band has turn out to be a flashpoint globally, with divergent approaches taken by main economies. America and South Korea have opened your entire 5925–7125 MHz band for unlicensed use, prioritising Wi-Fi. Conversely, on the World Radiocommunication Convention in December 2023, the Worldwide Telecommunication Union (ITU) designated the higher portion (6425–7125 MHz) for licensed cellular operations. Brazil, after initially delicensing the total band, later reallocated a part of it for cellular providers. The UK is presently reviewing its stance.
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Telecom operators are anticipated to formally method the federal government, urging it to protect a part of the 6GHz band for licensed 5G use, in keeping with the ITU framework and to safeguard India’s long-term digital infrastructure targets.
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