Here is why 6 GHz frequency range crucial for telecom carriers :-ET Telecom

 

By Muntazir Abbas

Identification of 100 MHz of spectrum in the 6 GHz spectrum band for commercial mobile services or International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT), is nothing short of spectacular for telecom carriers worldwide.

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), after much deliberations at the World Radiocommunication Conference - 2023 (WRC - 23), reached a situation where telcos could have more quantum of spectrum for fifth generation or 5G expansion particularly the 5G-Advanced, as well as next generation (6G) technology-backed services.

The 6 GHz range airwaves is an ideal mid-bandand can address the immediate spectrum requirements of telecom operators as 5G-centric bandwidth-hungry applications continue to evolve.

It is in fact the only remaining mid-band spectrum currently available to effectively address the burgeoning data traffic growth in the 5G-Advanced era.

Further, the identification of frequency range for mobile telephony services will not only enable effective 5G-Advanced deployments but also leads to spectrum harmonisation as it has become a universal band across the ITU-defined regions.

With a new mid-band, telecom service providers will have more capacity, and could have a cost-friendly network deployment.

Following the WRC - 2023 decision for the band after initial hiccups, essentially means that the crucial telecom equipment and device ecosystem would develop and lead to maturity.

It is estimated that on average, 2 GHz of mid-spectrum spectrum per market would be needed by 2030 to meet the burgeoning data demand of citizens and businesses across cities worldwide, according to GSMA.

Needless to say the quantum of mid-band spectrum accessible for the Indian telecom carriers remains low, which could hinder seamless 5G services throughout the country.

India's stand, represented by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) was more of a concern around the existing space activities led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro).

The terrestrial use of this frequency band, according to the ITU mandate, is subject to seeking agreement with neighbouring countries.

India, however, after certain studies and protection, can opt-in for the 6 GHz radio waves range and offer mobile telephony services by 2027.

The substantial new mid band spectrum for 5G and 6G would meet India's mobile industry ambitions, and has an economic value for the country.

On the back of the sector regulator's views on the new 6 GHz spectrum band, it can go under the hammer, boosting revenue for the government.

However, the entire 6 GHz frequency band consists of 1200 MHz spectrum in a 5925-7125 MHz range. The top telecom body, after weeks of discussions that concluded on Friday, identified 100 MHz of airwaves in 7025-7125 MHz for mobile services across the world, making the spectrum available immediately.

Finally, the dilemma has ended.

Now is the time for India's telecom department (DoT) to act!