The success of 5G networks heavily relies on the mid-band spectrum, which telecom operators worldwide have primarily used to deliver 5G services to consumers. While mmWave spectrum is essential for industrial applications, the mid-band is ideal for consumer-related use cases. According to an Ookla report, 72% of the 295 global operators providing 5G services utilize the mid-band spectrum. The remaining operators, likely focused on B2B services, rely on mmWave.
Whether it’s 5G standalone (SA) or non-standalone (NSA), mid-band spectrum offers the perfect balance of coverage and speed. The sub-GHz spectrum provides broad coverage but slower speeds, while mmWave offers ultra-fast speeds and low latency but poor coverage. For 5G to succeed commercially, the mid-band spectrum is crucial, as it supports most 5G use cases.
India, which has seen one of the fastest 5G rollouts globally, also relies on mid-band spectrum, specifically the n77 and n78 bands, which are supported by nearly every 5G phone. These bands, also referred to as C-band spectrum internationally, are recognized by smartphone manufacturers as the primary frequency bands for 5G deployment.
In India, telecom bodies such as the GSMA and COAI have urged the government to allocate the 6 GHz spectrum for mobility services. They argue that Indian telecom companies lack sufficient mid-band spectrum to ensure full 5G coverage in the future. The 6 GHz spectrum could help bridge this gap. However, tech companies have proposed that the 6 GHz band be unlicensed, allowing it to be used for Wi-Fi instead.
