Modi 3.0: Telcos Set for 6 GHz Demand

Modi 3.0 Telcos Set for 6 GHz Demand

In a fresh set of demands to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s third-term National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, the telecom industry has called for the allocation of the 6 GHz frequency band, non-commercial electric power rates, and the on-ground implementation of the right of way (ROW) framework to expand telecom services in the country. 

“Some of the key requests from the new government include the allocation of the 6 GHz spectrum band for 5G/IMT services and the need for industrial/utility electricity tariff rates for telecom infrastructure,” stated SP Kochhar, director general of the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). 

The Delhi-based telecom industry group represents major players such as Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone Idea. “We believe that the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) should establish a committee to consider the updated ITU Radio Regulations (RR) and formulate the National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) to include this (6 GHz) band for IMT services,” Kochhar said. Telecom operators have been advocating for the 6 GHz radio waves to expand next-generation (5G) services and warned that failing to allocate this band could jeopardize ongoing 5G network investments. 

Despite the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) designating up to 100 MHz in the 6 GHz band for commercial telephony services in Region 1, the DoT has yet to make a decision on the frequency band. Proponents of Wi-Fi, including some tech companies, argue that the band should be delicensed for public Wi-Fi services—a demand strongly opposed by telecom operators, who assert that such a move would prevent the spectrum from being fully utilized for meaningful use. 

“COAI has repeatedly pointed out that delicensing is an irreversible process, and once done, the spectrum could not be reclaimed for meaningful use.” The London-based telecom group GSMA has also called on the Indian government to identify and include 6 GHz radio waves in the national spectrum strategy for the telecom sector. Kochhar further highlighted that the high cost of commercial grid electricity tariffs remains a challenge in meeting the rising power demands needed to keep telecom towers operational. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Iraq in Talks with Foreign Companies for 5G Network Launch, One Year Post-Approval
5G/6G

Iraq in Talks with Foreign Companies for 5G Network Launch, One Year Post-Approval

The Iraqi government is reportedly in discussions with foreign companies to operate the country’s forthcoming 5G network, a year after the Iraqi Ministry of Communications approved the 5G plan.  According to a report by Iraqi News, Communications Minister Hiyam Al-Yasiri stated that talks are progressing following the cabinet’s approval of a task force, chaired by […]

Read More
BSNL Successfully Trials Indigenous 5G Technology, Launch Set for Early 2025!
5G/6G

BSNL Successfully Trials Indigenous 5G Technology, Launch Set for Early 2025!

BSNL’s Breakthrough in Indigenous 5G Technology: A Milestone for Indian Telecom  Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has marked a significant milestone by successfully testing its locally developed 5G technology on the 3.6 GHz and 700 MHz bands. This achievement underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in telecommunications as BSNL gears up for a full 5G launch […]

Read More
Bharat 6G Alliance Pushes for Extension of PLI Scheme Until 2030
5G/6G

Bharat 6G Alliance Pushes for Extension of PLI Scheme Until 2030

The working group on device technology, sensors, and manufacturing systems, part of the Bharat 6G Alliance, has proposed extending the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for mobile devices until 2030. It also recommended maintaining the policy of discouraging imported phones through the end of the decade, a key strategy to boost local 6G device manufacturing.  The […]

Read More