De-license 500 MHz spectrum in high demand 6-Ghz band: DoT, Pg17

Key Highlights:

• The Department of Telecom (DoT) has de-licensed 500 MHz of spectrum in the lower frequency range of the 6 GHz band to boost WiFi services.
• This notification follows a draft Gazette Notification on May 16, 2025, declaring the government's intent to de-license these frequencies.
• The de-licensed band is 5,925-6,425 MHz, available for low power indoor and very low power outdoor wireless access systems.
• The National Frequency Allocation Plan (NFAP) identifies upper frequencies in the 6 GHz band for advanced mobile services.

Detailed Insights:

• The de-licensing allows operation of wireless equipment without a license for low power indoor and very low power outdoor wireless access systems on a non-interference basis.
• The newly identified bands 6,425-6,725 MHz and 6,725-7,125 MHz are part of the upper 6 GHz band (6,425-7,125 MHz range).
• Major US tech companies advocated for de-licensing the entire 1200 MHz spectrum in the 6 GHz band for WiFi.
• Reliance Jio proposed including the entire 1200 MHz spectrum in the 6 GHz band in the upcoming spectrum auction.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Spectrum De-licensing: Removing the requirement for a license to operate within a specific frequency band.
• 6 GHz Band: A range of radio frequencies from 5.925 GHz to 7.125 GHz, used for wireless communications.
• NFAP (National Frequency Allocation Plan): Document outlining how spectrum is allocated for different technologies in a country.