Telecom service providers and big tech companies in India have demanded the delicensing of the 6 gigahertz (GHz) 5G band. This move has raised concerns and discussions about the need for delicensing and its impact on the telecom industry in India. In this article, we will delve deeper into what the 6 GHz band is, the reasons for the demand for delicensing, the current scenario, the benefits of delicensing, concerns, global examples, and the way forward.
What is the 6 GHz band?
The 6 GHz band is a frequency range between 5.925 GHz and 7.125 GHz. It is also known as the 6 GHz Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi 6E. Wi-Fi 6E can operate at higher speeds even in multi-user connected, crowded, and dense networks because of the wide channels and other unique features including less interference. The 6 GHz band’s 1,200 MHz frequency range is the largest.
Reasons for the demand for delicensing
Telecom service providers in India have demanded the delicensing of the 6 GHz band due to the following reasons:
- Rapid mobile data consumption in India
- Need for more mid-band spectrum for licensed use on networks
- Grossly inadequate spectrum for successful 5G
- High costs of densifying networks to satisfy 5G performance standards
- Requirement of Wi-Fi 6E for immersive technologies like AR and VR, which are revolutionizing industries including education, entertainment, and healthcare.
Current scenario
According to the National Frequency Allocation Plan, 2022, the 6 GHz spectrum is currently set aside for mobile and satellite communications. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) currently uses 6 GHz for satellite operations in India.
Benefits of delicensing
Delicensing at 6 GHz would offer fixed-line broadband providers and software behemoths with efficient high-speed transmission. Wi-Fi 6E supports speeds of up to 9.6 gigabits per second (Gbps), and a wireless network may accommodate more devices in the 6GHz spectrum than in the 5GHz band. Due to the tremendous increase in user devices around the world, Wi-Fi 6E will be essential for preventing data congestion.
Significance for India
India has a lot riding on wireless connections. Wi-Fi hotspots are used by users in homes, offices, and other locations. To fully utilize the capabilities of BharatNet, the national optical fiber network, rural consumers need reliable Wi-Fi. The government’s PM-WANI initiative aims to support regional rural business owners in boosting Wi-Fi availability. Using cutting-edge Wi-Fi technology could increase demand, benefit users, and improve the profitability of the service. However, new Wi-Fi technology requires unlicensed 6 GHz and V bands.
Concerns
There are concerns about delicensing spectrum. Quality and cost issues could arise from delicensing the 6 GHz spectrum since 5G services will become more expensive and of lower quality. There is also a concern that delaying the spectrum auction will infringe on the rights of currently licensed providers or contravene Supreme Court rulings. However, as other experts have also noted, this concern seems to be evidently misplaced given the enormous economic potential of these bands.
Global examples
The delicensing of these bands has already begun in a number of other jurisdictions. Over 35 nations, including the USA, UK, Brazil, UAE, and Korea, have delicensed the 6 GHz spectrum. Similar to this, the V-band in the 60 GHz region has been delicensed in about 70 nations worldwide.
Why In News
Telecom service providers and big tech companies in India are calling for the government to delicense the 6 GHz 5G band, which would allow them to offer faster internet speeds and improved connectivity to customers. This move is seen as critical for the country’s digital future, as it would enable India to keep pace with other nations in terms of 5G technology adoption, and provide better network coverage in rural areas.
MCQs about Delicensing Spectrum in India
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What is the frequency range of the 5G band being delicensed in India?
A. 6 GHz
B. 4 GHz
C. 3 GHz
D. 2 GHz
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Why have telecom companies and big tech firms in India demanded delicensing the 6 GHz 5G band?
A. To enable faster rollout of 5G technology in India
B. To reduce the cost of acquiring 5G spectrum
C. To avoid interference from existing satellite communication services
D. To improve the quality of 5G services in India
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What is the main reason for the delay in the rollout of 5G technology in India?
A. Lack of government support
B. High cost of 5G spectrum
C. Interference from existing satellite communication services
D. Lack of interest from telecom service providers
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What impact could the delicensing of the 6 GHz 5G band have on the Indian economy?
A. Boost the growth of the telecom industry and create jobs
B. Have no significant impact on the economy
C. Lead to increased competition and lower prices for consumers
D. Slow down the growth of the digital economy in India
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