In what could be a big win for India's telecom operators over tech companies, the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) has opened up 100 MHz spectrum in 6 GHz band for mobility services across the world while the upper 6 GHz band has been identified for IMT (mobility services) in Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Telecom operators in India have been demanding 6 GHz band for IMT as it would be pivotal for meeting national connectivity goals and future spectrum requirements for 5G/6G. In contrast, technology companies have been wanting to delicence, and allot without auction, the band for WiFI usage.
"But now that the WRC has designated the upper 6 GHz band for IMT in region 1, it has opened the doors for countries in region 2 and region 3 (which includes India) to utilise the spectrum for 5G, 5G advanced and 6G in future," said an official aware of the details.
Region 1 includes Europe, Middle East and Africa, region 2 is Americas and region 3 is Asia Pacific.
The good news for telecom operators in India is that as many countries in the world have supported IMT for the 6 GHz band, an ecosystem will be developed. "While India is yet to take a call on utilising the band for mobility, the WRC decision is a positive step for the telcos in India," said another executive.
Broadband India Forum (BIF), which has spearheaded the lobbying on behalf of tech companies, declined to comment on the development. BIF represents companies such as Amazon, Meta (which owns WhatsApp) and Microsoft, among others.
ITU-APT Foundation of India (IAFI), which counts Amazon, Meta, OneWeb, Airtel, Ericsson, Qualcomm etc as its members, said the decision at WRC sets a course for opening a substantial new mid band spectrum for 5G and 6G, meeting the aspirations of the mobile industry.
"WRC-23 also approved new studies in 4 GHz, 7-8 GHz and 15 GHz for additional 2 GHz mid band spectrum for 4G, 5G and 6G. The agreement also opens the path for opening the lower 6GHz band from 5925 to 6425 MHz for unlicensed usage to promote innovation in the country," IAFI said in a statement.
As per officials, this band has been identified for IMT despite the US opposing the proposal. During the nearly month-long WRC, the issue was deliberated at length and a few countries like Brazil and Mexico, which had earlier declared plans to delicence the 6 GHz band, have favoured the band for IMT use also. "Even those countries which have delicenced the band may go for a hybrid approach to utilise the band," said an official.
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