The allocation of India’s coveted 6GHz spectrum has reached a deadlock. Amid an intensifying dispute between telecom operators and technology companies, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has postponed a decision. According to an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) report, until a resolution is reached, the entire 6GHz spectrum will continue to be used for satellite purposes. Financial Express.
6GHz band is ideal for 5G and WiFi services
The 6 GHz band, which spans the 5925-7125 MHz frequency band, is considered ideal for both 5G and WiFi services due to its faster speeds. Telecommunications carriers have been pushing for the band to be allocated to them to expand 5G services. Meanwhile, technology companies such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have been pushing for the band to be designated exclusively for WiFi services. Telecommunications carriers are concerned that their own services could be compromised if technology companies were to use the band for WiFi.
Ministry of Transport in consultation with government, telecommunications and tech companies
To address this growing conflict, the Ministry of Transport has initiated informal discussions among stakeholders, including government representatives, telecom operators, and technology companies. Reliance Jio has reportedly proposed continuing these discussions to find a compromise. The Ministry has also formed three working groups to come up with a revised spectrum allocation plan within the next six months.
The findings will be included in a report to be prepared by the National Spectrum Allocation Plan (NFAP) Committee, led by the government’s wireless communications adviser.
6GHz band could interfere with ISRO satellite operations
The allocation of the 6 GHz band has been particularly contentious due to concerns about potential interference with ISRO’s satellite operations. Experts suggest that while mobile services could interfere with satellites, WiFi is low-power and therefore unlikely to pose such problems. ISRO has also voiced its opposition to the allocation of spectrum to telecommunications services.
Technology companies and telecommunications companies vying for 6GHz band allocation
Technology companies argue that unless the entire 6 GHz spectrum is delicensed, India could find itself isolated in international policy, stifling domestic manufacturing and slowing the growth of its digital economy. Moreover, if the spectrum is allocated to telecommunications services, it could lead to increased imports from unreliable sources, posing national security risks.
On the other hand, telecom operators argue that allocating the 6 GHz band to WiFi without an auction could result in significant losses to the country’s finances. The 6 GHz band is crucial for the telecom industry as it is the only mid-band spectrum that allows for 300-400 MHz of contiguous bandwidth per telecom service provider, making it essential to meet the rapidly evolving demand leading up to 2030.
The DoT’s final decision is likely to depend on the outcome of a coexistence study between international mobile telecommunications (IMT) and satellite services. India has until 2027 to take a final decision on allocation of the 6 GHz spectrum.
First Edition: August 23, 2024 | 12:57 PM IST
