The Department of Telecom has issued draft rules to delicense the 5925–6425 megahertz (MHz) – lower band – of the 6 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum band. The draft, titled ‘Use of Low Power and Very Low Power Wireless Access System including Radio Local Area Network in Lower 6 GHz Band (Exemption from Licensing Requirement) Rules, 2025’, was notified via gazette on May 16, 2025. It is issued under powers granted by sections 3(3), 4(6), and clauses (b) and (h) of sub-section (2) of section 56 of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 (44 of 2023).
According to the draft, no prior authorisation or frequency assignment will be needed to set up, operate, or use wireless devices in this band, provided they function on a non-interference, non-protection, and shared basis within prescribed technical limits.
Further, the draft includes operational restrictions for the use of wireless equipment in the 6 GHz band. Use on oil platforms is strictly prohibited. Indoor usage is not allowed on land vehicles such as cars and trains, nor on boats and aircraft, except when aircraft are flying above 10,000 feet. Furthermore, communication with or control of drones and unmanned aerial systems using this band is also expressly banned.
The move seeks to accelerate the deployment of low-power and very low-power wireless devices across the country. It is expected to boost Wi-Fi speed and capacity in homes and allow access to advanced wireless technologies from global tech companies like Sony, Meta, Apple, and Google. It is also likely to impact several high-growth sectors, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, digital healthcare, gaming, and immersive technologies like AR and VR.
