In the ongoing ITU World Radiocommunication Conference 2023 (WRC-23) in Dubai, a global tussle between the US and China over the 6GHz spectrum has drawn India into the conflict. The WRC-23 will determine whether the band should be designated for mobility, as desired by Indian telcos, or be delicensed for WiFi, as advocated by major tech companies. The US, which has already delicensed the entire band, is pushing for a resolution in its favor, while China, allocating the band for 5G/6G mobile use, opposes this move. India has yet to take a firm stance, but some instances show opposition to the Chinese proposal, raising concerns among telcos.
Telco operators emphasize that if the band is delicensed, insufficient mid-band spectrum will remain for future 5G and 6G technologies. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) committee recommended using the upper part of the 6 GHz band for international mobile telecommunications (IMT) or mobility usage, while considering delicensing the lower portion (5.925-6.425 GHz) at a later stage. The DoT committee recognized the need for an additional 2 GHz of spectrum for IMT by Indian telcos. However, the tech industry, represented by the Broadband India Forum (BIF), is urging authorities in India to delicense the entire 6 GHz band for WiFi, similar to the approach taken by the US.
The entire 6 GHz band, spanning 5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz, offers 1200 MHz of spectrum and is partly used for the Indian Space Research Organisation’s satellite operations. The potential of the 6 GHz band is substantial, supporting internet speeds of up to 10 Gbps, comparable to 5G speeds and about 100 times faster than 4G. Telco operators argue that the US market differs significantly from India, citing variations in fiber infrastructure and population density. They emphasize the crucial role of mobile services as the primary source of broadband for most people in India.
China, despite having superior fiber infrastructure, reserved the 6 GHz band for mobile use to cater to a large population with 5G/6G services. Additionally, if the band is delicensed, it could result in a loss of approximately Rs 3.8 lakh crore for the Indian exchequer. The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) has expressed concerns over India’s interventions in the WRC-23 regarding the 6 GHz spectrum band and has urged Communications Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to direct the Indian delegation to support the mid-band for IMT. In a letter to Vaishnaw, GSMA emphasized the importance of the 6 GHz band as a large contiguous block of mid-band spectrum crucial for affordable 5G services and building a spectrum roadmap for 2030. The organization highlighted the challenge India would face in achieving 2 GHz of mid-band spectrum without the 6 GHz band.
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