Mobile networks have evolved significantly, advancing from 2G to 5G and delivering exponential improvements in connectivity. Each technological generation has been more efficient, utilising spectrum to enable broader connectivity and support a range of applications that benefit society. Among the defining features of 5G is its ability to provide faster mobile broadband speeds and reduced latency, unlocking new possibilities for advanced applications such as artificial intelligence (AI), the metaverse and internet of things (IoT). However, realising the full potential of 5G depends on communication service providers having adequate access to spectrum resources.
Spectrum, the backbone of wireless networks, is categorised into three main bands – low band, mid-band, and high band (mmWave). Low-band spectrum encompasses frequencies below 1 GHz. It has been the foundation of early wireless networks, such as analogue cellular systems in the 800 MHz band. Its standout feature is its ability to penetrate physical barriers like windows and walls, ensuring reliable indoor coverage. While ideal for extensive geographic coverage, low-band spectrum offers limited speed and capacity, making it less suitable for high-density, high-demand environments. At the other end of the spectrum lies the high-band or mmWave band. It provides exceptionally high speed connectivity, with potential speeds of 1-3 Gbps or even more. However, its drawback is its limited range and susceptibility to interference from obstacles such as trees, buildings and even glass.
Mid-band spectrum (1-6 GHz) offers an optimal balance of coverage and capacity. It combines the range and penetration capabilities of low-band spectrum with the speed and capacity of mmWave. Notably, mid-band can penetrate walls, making it ideal for urban and suburban environments where connectivity demand is high. Ookla noted that the deployment of 5G mid-band spectrum has significantly improved mobile network speeds, underlining its critical role in enhancing user experiences. According to the recently released Ericsson Mobility report, 5G mid-band is currently deployed at about 30 per cent of sites globally.
Relevance of mid-bands in India
India’s 5G journey has been a remarkable success, with over 200 million subscribers already experiencing the transformative potential of this technology. As per Ericsson, 5G subscriptions are projected to surpass 270 million by the end of 2024, accounting for 23 per cent of the region’s total mobile subscriptions. Central to this success is the mid-band spectrum, which has driven the rapid roll-out of 5G and is expected to deliver the majority of its socio-economic benefits. According to Ericsson’s estimates, India has made large-scale mid-band deployments and is on track to reach around 95 per cent population coverage by the end of 2024.
As in other countries, spectrum management is critical to India’s 5G landscape. Opensignal reports that 16 per cent of 5G connections in India operate on the 700 MHz low-band spectrum, known for its extensive coverage but limited speed. The majority rely on the upper mid-band (3.5 GHz spectrum) to balance coverage and capacity. However, as India experiences rapid 5G adoption, driven by one of the highest data usage rates globally, there is an increasing demand for additional spectrum resources.
Industry estimates suggest that mobile networks will require an average of 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum per country by 2030. For India, a mobile-first nation with densely populated urban centres such as Delhi and Mumbai, the demand for mid-band spectrum is expected to exceed global averages.
Refarming as a solution
A significant step in India’s 5G expansion has been refarming, which means repurposing spectrum previously allocated for other uses. Bharti Airtel recently started refarming its mid-band holdings, including 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz and 2300 MHz. By reallocating these frequencies to 5G, Airtel aims to improve browsing speeds and indoor coverage, addressing the growing demand for faster and more reliable networks.
Similarly, the Department of Telecommunications is working to refarm over 1100 MHz of spectrum currently held by various ministries. This includes reallocating airwaves in the mid-band and portions of the 6 GHz band, which are well suited for next-generation technologies. This initiative is expected to generate Rs 5 trillion in revenue and provide a much-needed boost to India’s digital infrastructure.
Applications of mid-band spectrum
Mid-band spectrum is essential for the transformative applications that 5G enables across industries. Smart cities, for instance, rely heavily on interconnected devices, ranging from traffic cameras and utility meters to parking sensors and public transport vehicles. Cellular networks and IoT play a crucial role in enabling these systems, with mid-band 5G providing the necessary bandwidth, capacity and reliability. Smart metering, a key component of smart city infrastructure, allows real-time monitoring of electricity consumption, improving grid efficiency and promoting sustainability. Mid-band spectrum ensures that IoT devices are not constrained by the limitations of older 3G networks, offering secure, high capacity connectivity.
In the manufacturing sector, the demand for efficiency, cost reduction and competitiveness drives the adoption of advanced technologies. Mid-band 5G supports high data rates, enhanced system capacity, reduced latency and massive device connectivity. Through automation, predictive maintenance and enhanced supply chain management, mid-band 5G is set to significantly enhance the sector’s contribution to global GDP.
Beyond smart cities and manufacturing, mid-band spectrum also enables innovative use cases in retail, healthcare and immersive technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality. Telemedicine and remote education rely heavily on the mid-band spectrum for seamless videoconferencing and data sharing, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas. These applications require high speed, reliable networks with sufficient capacity to handle demanding data requirements. As per Ericsson, scaling the mid-band spectrum is key to unlocking advanced features such as smarter, programmable networks.
What lies ahead?
In a rapidly digitising world, ensuring adequate mid-band spectrum availability is paramount, especially in densely populated and data-intensive regions like India. Globally, mid-band spectrum is projected to contribute over $610 billion to GDP by 2030, representing nearly 65 per cent of the socio-economic value generated by 5G. Moreover, its importance extends beyond frequency allocation; it is the foundation for building a connected, efficient and innovative digital future. However, challenges remain. The allocation and affordability of the mid-band spectrum are key concerns that require immediate policy intervention and strategic planning.
To meet the growing demand for 5G services and prepare for next-generation technologies, India must adopt a forward-thinking spectrum strategy. Expanding the 3.5 GHz band and incorporating the 6 GHz band into its telecom framework will ensure that networks remain robust and capable of supporting increasing user demands.
Going forward, timely access to the mid-band spectrum will be pivotal in sustaining India’s mobile-first economy and enabling its transition to the 6G era. Collaborative efforts between policymakers and industry stakeholders are essential to developing a cohesive strategy. Such an approach will not only unlock the full potential of 5G but also pave the way for a seamless transition to 6G.
Niha
