6GHz Spectrum Delays Hindering India’s Wireless Technology Progress

1. In November 2024, Sony launched the PlayStation 5 Pro in major global markets but excluded India.

1. The absence of approval for the 6GHz spectrum in India is a significant barrier to adopting advanced wireless technologies like WiFi 6E and WiFi 7.

2. This delay could hinder India's progress in next-generation communication technologies.

Spectrum Management in India

1. Spectrum refers to the invisible radio frequencies that facilitate wireless signals.
2. It is part of the electromagnetic spectrum and grouped in ‘bands’ depending on their wavelengths which spans from 3 Hz (extremely low frequency) to 300 EHz (gamma rays).

3. Communication Range: The segment of the spectrum used for wireless communication lies between 20 KHz and 300 GHz.
4. Spectrum is a limited yet vital resource for wireless communication. Efficient spectrum management ensures its equitable and optimal use.
5. In India, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) are responsible for spectrum allocation and regulation.

What are Key Spectrum Bands?

1. 2.4GHz and 5GHz: Widely utilized for WiFi and other wireless technologies worldwide.

1. 2.4GHz: Covers a larger area but has limited data bandwidth.
2. 5GHz: Provides faster speeds but has a shorter coverage range.

2. WiFi 6 (Dual-Band): Introduced a technology that simultaneously uses both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies, offering higher efficiency and better speeds.
3. 6GHz (WiFi 6E): Operates in the 5,925 MHz to 7,125 MHz range, enabling theoretical maximum speeds of 9.6Gbps. The additional channels reduce interference compared to overcrowded 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

3. This is essential for latency-sensitive applications like gaming, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR).

4. Several countries, including Japan, Mexico, South Korea, Taiwan, the UAE, the UK, and the US, began de-licensing the 6GHz spectrum in 2021. This enabled the deployment of Wi-Fi 6E, boosting internet speeds and performance.

1. India, along with China, has not yet authorized the use of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi.
2. While the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) aims for global standardization in the use of wireless spectrum, India has not yet agreed on the division of the 6GHz band for Wi-Fi use.

What is the current Status of 6GHz Spectrum in India?

1. Allocation for Satellite Communications: In India, the 6GHz band is assigned to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for satellite communication purposes.

1. This allocation restricts its availability for WiFi and 5G network deployment.

2. Impact on Telecom and Technology Firms: The lack of 6GHz spectrum access creates hurdles for telecom operators and tech firms eager to utilize it for WiFi and 5G services.

1. The Cellular Operators’ Association of India (COAI) has highlighted the spectrum's importance in achieving the National Broadband Mission goals and enabling cost-effective 5G rollout.

3. Global Deadlines: The World Radiocommunications Conference has extended the deadline for countries to decide on 6GHz spectrum usage to 2027.

Stakeholders Competing for the 6GHz Band

1. Telecom Operators: Telecom companies in India are lobbying for the 6GHz spectrum to be allocated for 5G and 6G services.

2. This aligns with global trends where telecom operators seek to harness this spectrum for advanced communication networks.

2. Tech Companies: Firms like Google, Meta, and Amazon, represented by the Broadband India Forum, advocate for a WiFi-centric approach similar to the United States.

3. They argue this allocation would boost wireless connectivity and innovation.

3. Government’s Possible Approach: The government may consider a balanced allocation similar to Australia, where half the spectrum is de-licensed for WiFi while evaluating the use of the remaining half.

Potential Solutions

1. Partial Delisting: Allocate a portion of the 6GHz spectrum for unlicensed use while preserving part of it for satellite communication.
2. Phased Implementation: Gradually transition the 6GHz band for unlicensed applications, allowing stakeholders sufficient time to adjust.
3. International Collaboration: Engage with global regulatory organizations to align India’s policies with international standards and adopt best practices.

WiFi 7 Technology in India

1. WiFi 7, officially named IEEE 802.11be, represents the next generation of WiFi technology. It promises faster speeds, reduced latency, and improved network efficiency compared to its predecessors.

Key Features of WiFi 7

1. Multi-Link Operation (MLO): Simultaneously utilizes multiple frequency bands, including 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz, to enhance speed and reliability.
2. Wider Channels (320 MHz): Supports channels up to 320 MHz, twice as wide as those in WiFi 6, enabling significantly higher data throughput.
3. Higher Modulation (4096-QAM): Offers greater data transmission capacity, translating to faster connection speeds.
4. Reduced Latency: Incorporates advanced technologies to minimize network delays, making it ideal for online gaming and video streaming.
5. Theoretical Speed: Can achieve speeds of up to 46 Gbps, nearly four times faster than WiFi 6.
6. Device Management: Efficiently handles multiple devices simultaneously, making it suitable for smart homes and dense network environments.
7. Backward Compatibility: Works seamlessly with older WiFi standards, such as WiFi 6 and WiFi 5, ensuring a smooth transition for users.
8. 6GHz spectrum is not a Necessity: While WiFi 7 benefits from the 6GHz band, it is designed to optimize existing frequencies even if 6GHz access is unavailable.

WiFi 7 in the Indian Context

1. Indian consumers can purchase WiFi 7-enabled devices, but in the absence of 6GHz spectrum approval, these devices will operate without the added benefits of this band.
2. Despite this, the technology offers increased efficiency and performance using the currently available 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands.

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