In a decisive move to accelerate broadband connectivity, the Indian government has approved licence‑free usage of the lower 6 GHz spectrum for Wi‑Fi networks. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), opens up the 5.925‑6.425 GHz band for unlicensed operations, promising faster speeds, lower latency, and reduced congestion for both residential and enterprise users. By aligning with global standards such as Wi‑Fi 6E, the policy aims to future‑proof India’s digital infrastructure, support the rollout of high‑density smart‑city solutions, and narrow the digital divide. This article unpacks the regulatory shift, its technical implications, industry response, and the roadmap for implementation.
Regulatory clearance and timeline
The Ministry’s notification, published on Moneycontrol, confirms that the lower 6 GHz band will be made available without the need for individual licences. The move follows a series of consultations with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and industry stakeholders, and aligns with the National Digital Communications Policy 2018. The rollout is slated to begin in Q3 2024, with a grace period for equipment manufacturers to certify devices that operate in the newly opened spectrum.
Technical advantages of the lower 6 GHz band
The newly freed spectrum sits between the traditional 5 GHz Wi‑Fi band and the higher 6 GHz segment already earmarked for unlicensed use in many countries. Its wider bandwidth enables the deployment of up to 160 MHz channels, which can double the data‑rate compared with the 80 MHz channels used in the 5 GHz band. The table below summarises the key characteristics:
| Band | Frequency range | Typical channel width | Maximum theoretical speed* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 GHz | 5.150‑5.825 GHz | 80 MHz | ≈ 3.5 Gbps |
| Lower 6 GHz | 5.925‑6.425 GHz | 160 MHz | ≈ 7 Gbps |
| Higher 6 GHz (Wi‑Fi 6E) | 6.425‑7.125 GHz | 160 MHz | ≈ 9 Gbps |
*The speeds are theoretical maximums under ideal conditions and assume Wi‑Fi 6/6E hardware.
Impact on consumers, enterprises and the IoT ecosystem
For households, the expanded spectrum translates to smoother streaming of 4K/8K video, more reliable online gaming, and fewer dead zones in dense apartment complexes. Enterprises stand to benefit from higher‑capacity back‑haul links for office Wi‑Fi, enabling seamless video conferencing and cloud‑based collaboration tools. Moreover, the lower 6 GHz band offers a less‑crowded playground for industrial IoT devices, smart‑city sensors, and edge‑computing nodes, which often suffer from interference in the congested 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
- Reduced latency: Wider channels lower the time needed for packet transmission.
- Higher device density: More non‑overlapping channels allow a larger number of simultaneous connections.
- Future‑proofing: Aligns Indian networks with the global shift toward Wi‑Fi 6E and beyond.
Industry response and rollout challenges
Leading chipset manufacturers such as Qualcomm and MediaTek have already announced roadmaps for chips supporting the lower 6 GHz band, while major router vendors are preparing firmware updates to unlock the spectrum on existing hardware. However, challenges remain: legacy devices will not benefit until they are replaced, and network planners must ensure coexistence with existing services like satellite links that operate nearby. TRAI is expected to issue detailed technical guidelines later this year to mitigate interference and define power limits.
Conclusion
The clearance of licence‑free use of the lower 6 GHz band marks a pivotal step in India’s quest for ultra‑fast, reliable wireless connectivity. By offering broader channels, higher speeds, and reduced congestion, the policy empowers consumers, businesses, and the burgeoning IoT sector alike. While the transition will require coordinated effort from regulators, manufacturers, and service providers, the anticipated benefits—enhanced user experience, stronger digital infrastructure, and alignment with global Wi‑Fi standards—position India to meet the escalating demand for data‑intensive applications in the coming years.
Image by: Aditya Singh
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