The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) has emphasised the need for identifying spectrum in the 6 GHz range for 5G mobile services in India.
In a letter to secretary, Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Information and Broadcasting, Apurva Chandra, dated August 10, 2023, COAI said the most optimal allocation for the country in the 6 GHz band is to identify the entire 5925-7125 MHz (i.e., 1200 MHz spectrum) for international mobile telecommunications (IMT) applications.
Telecom operators in India have been requesting the government to specify frequencies in the 6 GHz (6425-7125 MHz) band, as well as seek support at the APT conference preparatory group for the WRC-2023 (APG23-6) summit. Telcos argue that the mid-band will be pivotal for the development of 5G in the future, including the launch of 6G in India.
Meanwhile, technology players argue that 6 GHz airwaves should be defined and earmarked for Wi-Fi services in the country to increase internet penetration.
According to the Broadband India Forum (BIF), the government should delicense the spectrum available in the 6 GHz band for Wi-Fi services or partially allot radiowaves so that the PM-WANI scheme can be used to fulfil the Digital India vision. COAI, on the other hand, feels that the 6 GHz frequency band will help in 5G expansion and promote India’s digital economy, since the current ecosystem does not enable the adoption of Wi-Fi 6E.
