The 600 MHz band has potential for 5G deployment and 5G RedCap IoT (Reduced Capability IoT), a lighter version of 5G designed for IoT devices with lower data demands.
Qualcomm Technologies has expressed optimism about the potential of the 600 MHz spectrum band in enhancing telecom services, according to Durga Malladi, Senior Vice President and General Manager at Qualcomm Technologies. The Qualcomm SVP highlighted that the smartphone ecosystem is already well-prepared to support advanced telecom services using this low-frequency band. He further mentioned that by the time India makes the 600 MHz spectrum available for telecom operators, the smartphone ecosystem will have evolved even further, offering more premium experiences.
The 600 MHz band, known for its long-range coverage and ability to penetrate buildings efficiently, could play a significant role in expanding the reach of 5G services, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This statement reflects Qualcomm’s confidence in the readiness of mobile platforms to leverage new spectrum opportunities, contributing to the broader goal of improving network quality and access in emerging markets like India.
“It’s pretty good, actually. Our transceivers already go all the way down to 600 megahertz. So for us, we don’t have a problem there, and we are open to business in any part of the world,” Malladi added. His statement underscores Qualcomm’s preparedness to integrate the 600 MHz band into its chipsets, enabling enhanced mobile connectivity.
In addition to Malladi’s statement, Counterpoint Research added that fabless giant chip firm grabbed 38 percent revenue globally during the Q2 2024. The point to be noted is that back in the 2022 spectrum auction, the Indian government offered 40 MHz of airwaves in the 600 MHz spectrum band, but it did not attract any bidders. The primary reason cited for this lack of interest was the absence of a sufficiently developed device ecosystem to support telecom services on that frequency at the time. The 600 MHz spectrum band was notably absent from the June 2024 spectrum auction conducted by the Indian government.
A single tower operating on the 600 MHz band can provide coverage up to 65 kilometers, compared to 25 kilometers on the 700 MHz band. This makes it particularly useful in rural and less densely populated areas, where fewer towers can serve a large geographical region. Currently, BSNL and Reliance Jio leverage the 700 MHz band, which also offers decent coverage but not as wide or deep as the 600 MHz band.
The shift toward 600 MHz bands can drastically improve network experiences for users by extending outdoor coverage and solving indoor signal challenges without requiring extra equipment. While the 1,800 MHz band (popular for 2G and later 4G) provides good capacity for urban areas, it cannot match the coverage range and penetration capabilities of the 600 MHz band.
Neil Shah of Counterpoint Research added that no mobile phone currently manufactured in India supports the 600 MHz band. This poses a bottleneck for telecom operators looking to roll out services on this frequency. For optimal performance, operators need a mix of low, mid, and high-frequency bands. Shah highlights the importance of sub-750 MHz bands (like 600 MHz and 700 MHz) for coverage and sub-30 GHz bands (like mmWave) for high capacity and throughput. The 600 MHz band has potential for 5G deployment and 5G RedCap IoT (Reduced Capability IoT), a lighter version of 5G designed for IoT devices with lower data demands.
