With 500 MHz of lower 6 GHz spectrum de-licensed, the Indian government aims to boost Wi-Fi capacity but widens the rift between technology firms and telecom operators.
The government has formally de-licensed 500MHz of spectrum in the lower 6GHz band, a move that has won strong backing from technology and electronics industry bodies but deepened differences with telecom operators.
The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) issued the notification on January 21, 2026, making the 5925–6425MHz band available for licence-exempt use. The decision is expected to significantly improve Wi-Fi capacity and performance across India, particularly indoors.
The notification follows a draft Gazette issued in May 2025, when the government first signalled its intent to open the lower 6GHz band for unlicensed use. The process involved prolonged consultations with multiple stakeholders.
Technology firms and electronics manufacturers welcomed the decision. The Broadband India Forum (BIF), which represents large technology companies, said the move was essential to support India’s digital ambitions and consumer needs.
T V Ramachandran, president of BIF, said the de-licensing followed more than three years of industry deliberations. He said it balanced consumer interest, innovation, research and national priorities. The spectrum will be used for low-power and very-low-power indoor wireless systems, including Wi-Fi networks.
According to BIF, the band enables wider channel bandwidths of up to 320 MHz. This will translate into faster speeds, higher capacity and improved reliability. It is also expected to help bridge indoor connectivity gaps, where high-frequency 5G signals struggle to penetrate.
The band supports next-generation Wi-Fi standards, including Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7. These are critical for data-heavy applications, including immersive gaming, augmented and virtual reality, smart wearables and advanced digital services.
In contrast, telecom operators have consistently opposed licence-free allocation. The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), which represents Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio and Vodafone Idea, has previously argued that spectrum should be reserved for mobile services. COAI did not comment on the latest notification.
The India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) said the move would support Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, digital healthcare and enterprise connectivity. Industry leaders said the decision aligns India with global best practices and positions the country as a leader in advanced wireless technologies.
