6 GHz spectrum can be split between unlicensed and licensed use: Trai

The report noted that the United States' decision to make the full 6 GHz band available for unlicensed use has set a trend, influencing countries like Brazil and Saudi Arabia

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) feels that the lower end of the 6 GHz spectrum band can be allocated for unlicensed use, such as WiFi, while the upper end can be licensed for telecom use.
 

A white paper on the 6GHz band released by the regulator on Wednesday, said this would be in line with global precedents. It noted that India has far less spectrum devoted to unlicensed use than other major economies.
 

The 6 GHz band represents the largest block of unused spectrum and is being fought over by telcos and tech companies due to its potential for 5G connectivity and WiFi expansion, respectively.
 

It is a specific range of frequencies spanning from 5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz, which is a mid-band frequency range.
 

The white paper discussed the spectrum management of 6 GHz band in India It pointed out that the overall gamut of unlicensed spectrum available in India stands at a mere 689 MHz, much lower than the 15,403 MHz available in the US and UK. The number is similar for China, which has similar telecom needs.
 

It noted that news of the US making the full 6 GHz band available for unlicensed use has created a trend in many countries like Brazil and Saudi Arabia.
 

On the other hand, China will use the entire 1,200 MHz in the 6 GHz band for 5G.
 

Europe has split the band, with the upper part considered for 5G and a new 500 MHz tranche available for Wi-Fi, the report said, quoting GSMA, the global association of mobile operators. Africa and parts of the Middle East are adopting a similar approach.
 

“Discussions and decisions at the 23rd World Radiocommunications Conference 2023 will be pivotal in determining how this band is harnessed effectively to support innovation and growth in the telecommunications sector,” said TR Dua, director-general, Digital Infrastructure Providers Association.

Fight intensifying

In India, the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which counts Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, among its members, has sought at least 1,200 MHz to be allocated for mobile communications in India.

Currently, only 720 MHz is available in the mid-band in India, it has said.

COAI said 6 GHz is ideal for the commercial success and deployment of 5G New Radio, the global standard for a unified 5G wireless air interface and 5.5G, the next level in the 5G network, along with 6G in the future.

Meanwhile, the Broadband India Forum (BIF), which represents tech majors like Google, Meta and Microsoft, and telecom equipment makers such as Ericsson, Cisco and Huawei, has pushed for the 6GHz mid band to be delicensed, thereby opening it up for Wi-Fi in India.