Tech Firms to Benefit as DoT Plans WiFi Boost with 6 GHz Spectrum

In a significant move, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) is gearing up to delicense a portion of the 6 GHz frequency for WiFi services. Expected to benefit tech firms, telecom equipment manufacturers, and the growth of public WiFi, this decision opens the door for advancements like WiFi 6E, promising superior speeds and lower latency.

The allocated spectrum, spanning 500 MHz in the lower 6 GHz frequency (from 5925-6425 MHz), holds the potential to carry high-speed data. The global utilization of this frequency for WiFi services suggests a positive impact on technology companies and the overall WiFi landscape. This development paves the way for enhanced public WiFi experiences, particularly in crowded places like shopping malls, airports, and railway stations.

The introduction of WiFi 6E technology is a notable outcome of this decision, promising improved connectivity within various spaces. Tech firms stand to gain as they can leverage better data download services in locations where WiFi outperforms mobile Internet. The implications extend to opportunities for app promotion, marketing features, and increased advertising revenues.

The government's decision-making process includes considerations for the upper 6 GHz band (from 6425-7025 MHz), pending co-existence studies with satellites. Currently used by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), this band's potential interference with satellites necessitates careful examination. WiFi's low power usage, in contrast, reduces the likelihood of interference, positioning it favorably for delicensing.

While a portion of the upper 6 GHz band (7025-7125 MHz) will be allocated for experimental and innovative work in mobile services, the lower 6 GHz band's license-exempt use aligns with global trends. This strategic move safeguards ISRO's requirements in the space sector while ensuring affordable broadband access.

Global entities like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon, represented by the Broadband India Forum (BIF), commend India's decision at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) in Dubai. The WRC-23 decision to harmonize the 6 GHz band globally serves as a crucial milestone, accommodating the data traffic growth in the 5G-advanced era.

Experts emphasize that delicensing the 6 GHz band for WiFi is essential to complement 5G and provide robust in-house connectivity. Legacy routers supporting 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi technologies limit the potential of 5G fixed wireless access (FWA). The availability of the delicensed 6 GHz spectrum for WiFi is crucial for telcos to offer meaningful 5G experiences inside homes.

In conclusion, the DoT's move to unlock the 6 GHz spectrum for WiFi services signifies a positive stride for tech firms, telecom equipment makers, and the overall connectivity landscape. As technology continues to evolve, this decision propels the nation towards a more connected and advanced digital future.